Kristina Roberts
On August 20, 2025, Google held its famous “Made by Google” event in New York City. The event was filled with excitement as people gathered to see what new devices the tech giant would present this year. Popular host Jimmy Fallon joined Adrienne Lofton, who is Google’s Global Vice President for Product Marketing, Brand Strategy, and Integrated Go-to-Market, to reveal the new Pixel 10 Pro smartphones. The moment felt grand, but the updates to the devices themselves were more careful and simple compared to some of Google’s bigger launches in the past.
This year, Google showed that it wanted to focus on making its products smarter with artificial intelligence (AI) rather than changing their looks in a huge way. The designs of the new phones looked very similar to the older models, but the company added new features inside that it believes will make people’s daily lives easier. As one analyst said, last year Google made bigger, bolder steps with design and upgrades, while this year it chose to polish and improve what it already had.
The main attraction of the event was, of course, the Pixel 10 family of smartphones. Google launched several versions, including the regular Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL, and even a foldable version called the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which will be available later in October. The other models will be released earlier, within the month. The company also introduced new versions of its smartwatch and wireless earbuds, keeping its ecosystem of devices connected.
One of the most talked-about changes this year was the deeper use of AI in the devices. For example, the new camera app has a feature called a “coach.” This smart coach helps people take better photos by giving them tips in real time. So if you’re trying to take a picture of a sunset, the coach might suggest adjusting your angle or holding the camera more steady. Another feature is an assistant that can show useful information on the screen without you having to ask for it directly. For instance, if you call an airline, the assistant might immediately bring up your flight confirmation email, saving you from searching through your inbox.
Even though the inside of the phones has changed with smarter features, the outside looks almost the same as before. Google did add a telephoto lens to the base Pixel 10 model. Before, this was something only the more expensive phones had, so many fans were happy to see that improvement. Cameras are one of the main reasons people buy Pixel phones, and this change could attract more buyers who want quality pictures without paying for the most costly version.
Prices were also something many people kept an eye on this year. Earlier, there were worries that new tariffs in the United States might make smartphones much more expensive. But Google decided to keep the prices the same as last year. The basic Pixel 10 starts at $799, while the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold costs $1,799. This decision not to increase prices was a relief for many customers, since new technology often comes with higher price tags.
All the Pixel 10 models run on Google’s latest mobile processor, which is called the Tensor G5. This powerful chip is designed to handle AI tasks more smoothly, giving the phones speed and intelligence at the same time. Google believes that this new processor will help their phones stand out against strong competitors like Apple and Samsung. Another new addition is a magnetic charging system called Pixelsnap. With Pixelsnap, charging becomes easier because the charger connects magnetically to the phone, much like Apple’s MagSafe system. Along with this, Google also revealed new Pixelsnap chargers, cases, and stands that work with the technology.
The event made it clear that Google’s big focus right now is on blending AI with hardware. The company wants its devices to not just be tools, but smart companions that can anticipate needs and offer help before a person even asks. This is part of a larger dream at Google, where AI is placed at the heart of all its products. Still, some experts noted that despite Google’s strong AI push, the company has not yet been able to gain much more share in the smartphone market. Brands like Apple and Samsung continue to lead the race, leaving Google to fight harder for attention.
At the same time, the modest upgrades show that Google is not rushing. Instead of chasing flashy designs, the company seems to be focusing on consistency and small improvements that build trust over time. This strategy could help the company keep loyal customers while slowly attracting new ones who value smart features over big visual changes.
Looking back, the “Made by Google” event this year may not have been the most dramatic in the company’s history, but it revealed a careful step forward. By keeping prices stable, improving cameras, and making AI a bigger part of everyday use, Google is trying to show that its devices are dependable and future-ready.
As Adrienne Lofton and Jimmy Fallon presented the Pixel 10 Pro to the cheering crowd, it became clear that Google is not trying to shock people with surprises. Instead, it is trying to prove that technology can grow with you quietly, guiding your daily life with intelligence and ease. Many people left the event thinking less about the way the phone looked and more about the way it would help them in small but important moments.
In the end, the Pixel 10 lineup reflects a balance—between old and new, between modest design and powerful technology, between price concerns and added features. It may not make headlines for bold changes, but it quietly marks another step in how smartphones are becoming less about shape and size and more about how smart they can be.
