First Look: Pixel 10 Comes to Canada, and This Feature Won Me Over
Google’s Pixel 10 series lands in stores in Canada tomorrow. I’ve spent a few days with a Pixel 10 loaner from Google. This isn’t the full review yet. There are many new tricks to test, and I’ve only scratched the surface. Some features, like Magic Cue, need a little time to “cook” before they show up.
My early take centers on a fresh software vibe called Material Expressive. I skipped the Android 16 beta, so the jump from Pixel 9 Pro to Pixel 10 feels exciting and new. The change is obvious in daily use, not just on paper.
Colorful Changes in the Status Bar and Theme
I really enjoy the new status bar icons, typography, and the updated quick settings. The panel now lets me resize buttons, so I can fit more shortcuts on one screen. That saves swipes and taps, which is handy for my gaming sessions and everyday tasks.
Dark mode also got a boost. It uses colors more boldly, not just shades of gray. With a blue wallpaper, dark mode takes on a deep blue hue across the interface. It looks premium and cohesive, like a well-tuned UI in a top-tier game.
Consistency Is the Main Challenge
No system is perfect, and this one isn’t all there yet. Not every Google app has adopted Material Expressive. Some areas feel unfinished or mismatched. Non-Google apps are a bigger question mark; many won’t fully embrace the new look. The main issue is consistency across apps and icons.
The status bar sometimes shows items at odd sizes. The battery icon feels larger than other icons on the bar. New fonts appear in some places but not all. Still, I expect these small mismatches to fix with future updates.
Battery, Hardware, and Practical Use
The Pixel 10 hardware is solid. It sits alongside last year’s Pixel 9 series in overall feel and performance. I’m fond of the PixelSnap cases; they offer a good balance between grip and smooth handling. Last year’s cases felt a bit sticky, which I didn’t love.
The new magnetic accessory system under PixelSnap works as expected. I’ll have more to say about it in the full review, once tests are deeper.
On power, the 4,970 mAh battery helps a lot. Early use has been encouraging in terms of battery life. A different take comes from my colleague, who has a Pixel 10 Pro XL and sees other results. It’s still early for big judgments on power, because features like Adaptive Battery aren’t fully online yet.
Magic Cue, Daily Hub, and More to Probe
Magic Cue only started showing up in the last day. Google’s notes say it needs about 24 hours of data to offer suggestions. I ran into a few hiccups that slowed it further, so I’ll cover this more in the full review. The Daily Hub also hasn’t surfaced for me or my colleague yet. There are many camera tweaks under the hood, too, and those will need careful testing.
There’s a lot to try, and I haven’t tested every feature in depth. The Pixel 10 line brings a long list of tweaks that can take time to verify. I’ll keep digging as we move toward the final verdict.
What to Expect in the Full Review
Stay tuned for the deeper tests on both the Pixel 10 and the Pro XL variant. My colleague and I will run side-by-side checks to compare battery, speed, photos, and software behavior. If you have questions you want answered, drop them in the comments or reach out on social channels.
Pricing in Canada is a hot topic. We’ve laid out a clear breakdown of the costs for all models. That way you can see what each version offers for your budget.
A Quick Heads-Up on What’s Next
The Pixel 10 is shaping up as a strong step forward in design and software. It delivers a brighter look for dark mode and easier quick access to tools you use often. The real test will be how well all apps, including third-party ones, blend with Material Expressive over time. If the software settles into a smooth rhythm, the Pixel 10 could become a standout option this year.
With any new flagship, some features will mature after launch. The full review will dive into battery life under real work and play, camera performance in varied lighting, and how well the new accessories click with day-to-day use. I’ll bring the full verdict as soon as I’ve put the Pixel 10 through its paces.
If you’re curious about price points or want a quick snapshot, check our pricing breakdown for all the details. And if you’re after tips on getting the best look from the new themes, I’ll share practical setup ideas in the main review.
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don’t worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you’d like to show some support, you can do so here.
