I think Google Pixel 10 is the closest any Android has come to iPhone-level recognition

Firstly, the Pixel 10 series is almost identical to its predecessor, the Pixel 9, with subtle yet refreshing differences, particularly in the new colour options like Moonstone, Jade and Indigo. These changes ensure the device feels new, yet remains unmistakably a Pixel. This immediate recognisability, even from a distance, is a quality that, until now, has been largely exclusive to iPhones since the iPhone 11 Pro (the triangular triple camera look).

In fact, I would argue that the Pixel’s design is unlike any other on the market, thanks primarily to its signature camera bar that spans the width of the device. This design strikes a compelling balance, setting it apart from the circular camera modules favoured by many Chinese manufacturers and the top-left minimalist arrangements seen elsewhere. In doing so, Google has successfully forged a unique visual identity for the Pixel lineup.

Mirroring a success story

Many might feel that the Pixel 10 is merely an incremental update, arguing that a simple specification bump is insufficient innovation. However, this approach mirrors Apple’s successful strategy over the years. The iPhone 14 Pro was almost identical to the iPhone 13 Pro, save for the introduction of the Dynamic Island.

Similarly, the iPhone 15 Pro’s primary design change was the switch from stainless steel to titanium. The iPhone 16 Pro, in certain colours like Natural Titanium, appears to be a near-perfect replica of its predecessor. I believe the Pixel 10 is following this proven path: refining a successful design whilst introducing fresh colours alongside established favourites, thereby retaining the loyalty of fans who appreciate the distinct Pixel aesthetic.

This design consistency is not new for the series; the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 all share a similar design DNA. Google is clearly cultivating a brand aesthetic, and it appears to be paying dividends. Sales figures from North America, for instance, show considerable growth for the Pixel line. This suggests that the recognisable ‘Pixel look’, characterised by the camera bar, flat sides, and a palette of subtle colours, is proving to be a winning formula for the company.

A significant part of the success of Apple’s Pro iPhones has always been their appearance. The triangular camera module in the top-left corner is so iconic that whether someone is holding an iPhone 12 Pro or a 14 Pro, an observer can instantly identify it as a premium ‘Pro’ model. This creates an aspirational quality, generating word-of-mouth promotion and cementing a distinct visual identity that contributes to long-term success.

I have been seeing Pixels everywhere

From my own experience, I have seen countless Pixels in public recently; they are simply that recognisable, especially in places like airports and shopping centres. During a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, the most common smartphone I spotted, after the Pro iPhones, was the Google Pixel, not Samsung or other brands. It is undeniable that these phones grab one’s attention.

Think of them as the Tesla of the smartphone world (if iPhone is Ferrari). If Google continues to refine this design language with subtle tweaks, I believe it will benefit the company immensely. Coupled with other improvements this year, particularly the new Tensor G5 chipset, Google is certainly heading in the right direction.

The ‘Pixel look’ could, and indeed should, become even more popular in the future.

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