Google Pixel phones have come a long way, transforming from simple camera-focused devices into feature-packed powerhouses. When setting up your new Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro, the standard Android setup transfers your apps, messages, and account data, but it doesn’t walk you through the full range of what your phone can do. To help you unlock its true potential, here are some of the most exciting and useful features to explore right after you unbox your device.
One of the first things to personalize is your wallpaper, made captivating by the new Live Effects introduced with Android 16 and powered by Google’s Tensor chip. Live Effects breathe life into any photo you choose by adding dynamic, stylish overlays. You can surround your main subject with vibrant shapes that expand as you switch from lock screen to home screen, simulate weather conditions like rain or fog that blend naturally with your image, or add an eye-catching parallax motion that makes your wallpaper truly pop. It’s a fresh way to make your phone uniquely yours.
While some might overlook screen savers on modern phones thanks to the Always-on Display, the Pixel 10’s screen saver options are far from redundant. They can transform your idle screen into an elegant slideshow of your favorite photos or display information such as weather, clocks, and home controls, all while your phone charges. In dim environments, enabling Low Light Mode provides a softer, easier-to-read alternative, making your display both beautiful and functional even when you’re away.
For those who communicate with international friends or colleagues, Pixel’s Voice Translate feature is a game-changer. It enables real-time voice translation during calls, allowing conversations to flow naturally across language barriers. By speaking in your native tongue, your voice is instantly translated and projected to the other person in their language, and you’ll even see a transcript to follow along. Supported languages cover a broad range—from English and French to Hindi and Japanese—making it incredibly versatile for global communication.
If journaling is your thing, Pixel Journal offers an AI-powered twist. This smart journal doesn’t just store your thoughts; it helps you craft richer entries by pulling in relevant photos, locations, and fitness data. It even generates reflective insights to deepen your understanding of your experiences. The app allows customization of fonts and layouts while safeguarding your privacy with lock options and backup capabilities. It’s an inspired way to capture memories with a thoughtful edge.
Magic Cue stands out as another flagship feature, providing contextual suggestions powered by AI that operate seamlessly across your apps. Whether texting about plans, emailing, or reviewing screenshots, Magic Cue learns to offer helpful actions such as creating calendar events or fetching relevant contacts, making your Pixel more intuitive over time. It taps into data from core apps like Google Messages, Gmail, and Calendar, enhancing your workflow without lifting a finger.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate Camera Coach, a built-in expert that guides you toward the perfect shot. Simply activate it in the camera app, and it analyzes your scene to offer practical tips, helping you capture moments exactly as you envision them. It’s like having a photography tutor in your pocket, making it easier to master your Pixel’s powerful camera capabilities.
If you’re rocking a Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL, or awaiting the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the new Pro Res Zoom feature is a revelation for zoomed-in shots. Leveraging AI built into the Tensor chip, it enhances zoomed images beyond 30x, revealing fine details in landscapes, buildings, birds, and cars with stunning clarity. While it’s a bit less reliable for text-heavy subjects, the technology is cutting-edge and often produces breathtaking results that far surpass conventional zoom.
The editing experience also gets a boost with Google Photos’ Gemini-powered AI, which lets you edit photos using natural language commands. Instead of fumbling through sliders and menus, you can simply type or speak requests like “remove glare” or “brighten shadows,” and the app intelligently applies the changes for you. This fusion of AI and user-friendly design makes photo editing faster and more approachable than ever.
Finally, the revamped My Pixel app is your personal assistant for getting the most out of your device. It offers handy tips, tutorials, and direct access to Google support, including warranty info and Pixel Care Plus enrollment. It’s the ultimate resource for both new and seasoned Pixel users, simplifying troubleshooting and helping you discover every unique feature your phone offers.
With these powerful tools and features, your Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro isn’t just a phone—it’s a sophisticated, personalized device designed to enrich your digital life in smart and unexpected ways.
