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It’s that time of the year again. No, not Apple’s product launch — that’s next month. I’m talking about Made by Google 2025. The tech giant held its annual event yesterday, where it showed off its upcoming releases; namely the Pixel 10 series, Pixel Watch 4, and the Pixel Buds 2a.
Also: I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 10 model – and was surprised by the one I loved most
We managed to get a sneak peek at the devices ahead of the big day, and we’re here to share everything we know. Admittedly, none of the hardware announcements are super surprising. We’ve had a pretty good idea that the aforementioned devices were going to be headliners, especially since Google unveiled the Pixel 10 series early in July.
It isn’t all hardware reveals, however, as the event packs a few notable surprises — including new smartphone features like Magic Cue and Pixelsnap. Google provided a more entertaining look during its presentation, but here’s a quick breakdown of all the products and software updates being shown off at Made by Google.
1. Google Pixel 10 series: Pro, XL, and Fold
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Google’s Pixel 10 series is the star of the show. The line consists of four models: the base Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Unlike the previous generation, this batch isn’t an overhaul of the Pixel line. It primarily builds on what the Pixel 9 line brought to the table.
Pixel 10: Starting with the base model, the Pixel 10 sports a 6.3-inch Actua display, 12GB of RAM, and a new 5x telephoto camera alongside the 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses. This new option delivers 10x optical image quality and Super Res Zoom up to 20x, letting you capture high-quality close-up shots from further away. Pricing starts at $799, and the model will be available in Obsidian (black), Indigo (blue), Frost (white), and Lemongrass (green).
Pixel 10 Pro: The Pro model is similar in size, sporting a 6.3-inch Super Actua display that outputs at a new peak brightness of 3,300 nits. Notable upgrades include 16GB of RAM, a purported 30-hour battery life, and a better 5x telephoto lens, allowing the Pixel 10 Pro to support 100x Pro Res Zoom for great-looking closeups. Prices start at $999, and it’ll be available in Obsidian (black), Moonstone (gray), Porcelain (white), and Jade (green).
Also: I’m a longtime iPhone user, but Google just sold me on the Pixel 10 with these features
Pixel 10 Pro XL: The Pixel 10 Pro XL has many of the same features and specifications as the Pixel 10 Pro, with one major difference: It has a 6.8-inch Super Actua display. Prices start at $1,199, and it’ll be available in the same colors as the 10 Pro.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is larger than the previous generation, boasting a 6.4-inch Actua outer display and an 8-inch Super Actua inner display. Google made interesting design changes, namely what it describes as a “new gearless, high-strength hinge” that allows the 10 Pro Fold to survive over 10 years of constant opening and closing.
Perhaps more importantly, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable phone to feature an IP68 rating, providing complete protection against dust and allowing it to survive brief submersion underwater. Its closest competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, only supports an IP48 rating. Pricing for the Fold starts at $1,799, and it’ll be available in two colors: Moonstone and Jade.
All four models run on Google’s new Tensor G5 chipset, which the company says is 60% more powerful than the previous generation Tensor G4. Each smartphone boasts 30-hour battery life, key support from Gemini AI, and receives seven years of software and security updates. Preorders for the Pixel 10 series have begun, August 20, with open sales availability starting next week on August 28.
You will have to wait a while to order the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, as it won’t be available until October 9.
2. Magic Cue, Pixelsnap, and more AI tools
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Google is once again utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate the user experience. This time, the company is focused on improving AI assistance on its smartphones to make certain features easier to use. Additionally, Google is making an interesting design change that could revamp the way people interact with their Pixel phones.
Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and give it a serious speed boost)
Magic Cue: Magic Cue is another personal assistant AI, but one that’s more proactive. Instead of waiting for your input, the feature anticipates your needs and suggests actions or provides information “based on the context of your phone.” For example, let’s say you’re calling your airline about an upcoming flight. Magic Cue will instantly bring up your flight details during the call.
Camera updates: All Pixel 10 models will receive two new camera features. First is Camera Coach, which will provide suggestions on how to set up shots or recommend certain camera modes to use. Auto Best Take allows the phone to combine similar photographs into one perfect image. Then there’s the improved Add Me. While functioning much like before, the feature now lets you add the photographer to bigger group photos.
Pixelsnap: Pixelsnap is a new magnetic technology that will be included on all Pixel 10 phones. It allows users to snap Qi2-compatible wireless chargers, stands, and grips to the back of the device. If that sounds familiar, iPhones have supported similar technology for years.
Also: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android phones we’ve been waiting for – here’s our first look
To coincide with the implementation of Pixelsnap, Google will be rolling out supporting accessories. The Pixelsnap Charger ($40) provides Qi2 wireless charging up to 25W. The Pixelsnap Charger with Stand ($70) does the same thing but sports a stable dock to support smartphones. Then there’s the Pixelsnap Ring Stand ($30) for hands-free viewing. Google will also release special Pixelsnap compatible phone cases at $50 each.
3. Google Pixel Buds 2a
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
Google is revealing the Pixel Buds 2a, a new budget-friendly version of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro. Housed inside the familiar egg-shaped case, the company says this pair is the first A-Series earbuds to feature Active Noise Cancelation with Silent Seal 1.5 to block out outside noise. To hear the surrounding environment, users can activate Transparency Mode to allow sound to pass through.
Google’s Pixel Buds 2a shares multiple features with the Buds 2 Pro, including 11mm dynamic drivers, support for spatial audio, and a 5-band equalizer for adjusting the bass, treble, and other parts of the audio. The buds run on the Tensor A1 chipset and boast a 20-hour battery life with the charging case.
Also: I compared the new $130 Pixel Buds to Apple, Sony and Bose – here’s how Google wins
The Pixel Buds 2a will be available on store shelves on October 9 for $130, and in two colors: Hazel (black) and Iris (light blue). Preorders open today, August 20. There is no word on when the Pixel Buds 3 Pro will roll out. However, if Google follows the same pattern with the Buds Pro and Buds 2 Pro, expect new earbuds next year.
4. Google Pixel Watch 4
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Rounding out the list is the Pixel Watch 4. Google’s future wearable introduces multiple design updates and extra safety features.
Like the Pixel Watch 3, this model sports an Actua 360 domed display made out of tough Corning Gorilla Glass. However, this generation’s touchscreen is 10% larger than before and 50% brighter, boasting 3,000 nits. Its battery sees an improvement too, now lasting a purported 40 hours on a single charge for the 45mm model and 30 hours for the 41mm watch.
Also: I tried Pixel Watch 4 – and these are my 7 favorite upgrades in Google’s new watch
Both sizes are gaining 25% faster charging speeds, along with a redesigned charging system that now flanks the side edge of the watch instead of the middle surface. How this plays out in the real world remains to be tested.
The most significant design change, however, is that the Pixel Watch 4 can actually be repaired. Google says the wearable is its “first watch designed with serviceability in mind” as users are able to replace the display and battery.
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
Many safety features found on the Pixel Watch 4 are carryovers from the Pixel Watch 3. You have Loss of Pulse, which allows the Watch 4 to call for an ambulance if it detects that your heart has stopped beating. Fall and Crash Detection contacts emergency services if it detects that you’ve had a bad fall or were in a car accident.
There is a new feature in all this. Pixel Watch 4 LTE has an SOS satellite communication function that enables users to contact emergency services if they’re ever in a location without any cellular or Wi-Fi connections.
Also: The best smartwatches 2025: I wore these for weeks and found the perfect one for your wrist
The Pixel Watch 4 will be available in two different sizes: 41mm and 45mm, with colors correlating to a certain size. The 45 Pixel Watch 4 will have three colors for its wrist bands: black, white, and gray. The 41mm Pixel Watch 4 keeps the white and black wrist bands, but also throws in Iris blue and Lemongrass green bands.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 4 will retail for $350, while the 45mm model will be a bit more expensive at $400. Preorders go live today, August 20. The wearable is set to hit store shelves on October 9.
