What’s up with the Google Pixel 10 getting three cameras?

This week, we got a sneak peek at the upcoming Pixel 10 series, and it looks a lot like what we’ve seen before. But here’s the twist: Google seems to be adding a third camera to the regular Pixel 10, not just the fancy Pro version. That’s got people scratching their heads.

Since the Pixel 6 came out in 2021, Google’s phone lineup has followed a simple pattern. The Pro model comes with three cameras, more memory, and a bigger, nicer screen. The regular Pixel keeps most of the same goodies but skips one camera to keep the price lower by a couple hundred bucks. Then there’s the A-series, an even cheaper option under $500. Over time, things have shifted a bit—there’s a Fold now, release dates have changed, and the Pro even got a smaller size while the big one became an “XL.”

The differences between the regular Pixel and the A-series can sometimes feel blurry, but the lineup has mostly made sense—until now. Leaked pictures of the Pixel 10 series popped up online this week, showing that next year’s phones will look almost the same as the Pixel 9. That’s fine, but the regular Pixel 10 is said to be getting a third camera, possibly a telephoto lens for zooming in. This is weird because that extra zoom camera has always been a big reason to pick the Pro over the regular model.

So, what’s the Pro’s edge if the regular Pixel gets this too? I’ve been thinking about it, and maybe this new camera isn’t as fancy as it sounds. People say it’s a “periscope” lens like the Pro’s, but I doubt Google would put something that good in the cheaper phone. Instead, it might be a simpler version—say, a 3x zoom instead of the Pro’s 5x, or even a basic telephoto lens that’s not a periscope at all. That way, regular Pixel 10 buyers get a nice perk without stepping on the Pro’s toes.

Google could also keep the Pro special by boosting its storage (256GB would be a smart start for all Pixels), upgrading its main camera, or adding extras like faster charging or better face unlock. Without some differences, slapping a third camera on the regular model could mess up the whole lineup. The smaller Pro’s price would look silly next to the regular Pixel, and Google can’t just drop prices to fix it. The Pixel pricing has already been a puzzle lately. Last year, we pointed out how older models cost the same as new ones, with features that don’t always match the price tags. Adding more overlap now would only make it harder for buyers to choose.