OG Google Pixel users might recall a feature that dynamically adjusted their Pixel display’s white balance to match ambient lighting. The feature, which really only made its way to one Pixel smartphone, was called Ambient EQ, and it is now making a comeback.
For reference, both Apple and Samsung continue to offer similar functionality on their phones. Apple calls it True Tone, while Samsung calls its implementation Adaptive color tone. For reasons unknown, though, Google never really brought the feature back after introducing it on the Pixel 4.
Six series down the line, Google has had a change of heart and is bringing the feature back under a new name.
Rumors about the feature making a comeback first emerged in June. Now, with the Pixel 10 series landing on their doorsteps, users have confirmed that the early rumor was indeed true.
First pointed out by credible Android analyst Mishaal Rahman in an Android Authority report, Google is hopping on the ‘tone’ train too, with its renamed Ambient EQ feature now being called Adaptive Tone on the Pixel 10 series.
Likely to remain a Pixel 10 exclusive feature
The feature is present as a toggle under Settings > Display & touch. Once enabled, your Pixel 10 will “dynamically adapt the display to warmer or cooler tones based on ambient lighting.” It ensures that your phone’s screen colors always look consistent, regardless of glare from the sun, or from a fluorescent light bulb in your house. Keeping the feature disabled, on the other hand, will offer an experience familiar to what you’ve had on recent Pixels.
The feature uses the Pixel 10 series’ built-in ambient light sensor, though it’s not entirely clear as of right now whether the sensor is on the device’s front or back.
For what it’s worth, Adaptive tone also made its way to the Pixel tablet. However, following the Pixel 4, the latest Pixel 10 is the only series to offer it. It’s speculated that the feature relies on new hardware sensors, so it’s unlikely that it will be made available on older models like the Pixel 9 or Pixel 8 through a software update.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- RAM
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12GB
- Storage
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128GB / 256GB
- Battery
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4970mAh
- Operating System
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Android 16
- Front camera
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10.5 MP Dual PD selfie camera
This striking-looking addition to the Pixel line offers a slew of Gemini features, an 5x telephoto lens, and seven years of updates, making this a smartphone that will last you a while.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- RAM
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16GB
- Storage
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128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS
- Battery
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4870mAh
- Operating System
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Android 16
- Front camera
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42 MP Dual PD selfie camera
Google’s latest Pro Pixel packs a faster yet efficient Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter display. Plus, an array of new AI features that make it one of the best Android phones to launch in 2025.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- RAM
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16GB
- Storage
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128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS
- Battery
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5200mAh
- Operating System
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Android 16
- Front camera
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42 MP Dual PD selfie camera
The Pixel 10 Pro XL packs all the same features you’ll find on its less expensive siblings, along with a few exclusive features like a 6.8-inch display and faster charging.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- RAM
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16GB
- Storage
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256 GB / 512 GB/ 1TB with Zoned UFS
- Battery
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5015mAh
- Operating System
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Android 16
- Front camera
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10 MP Dual PD
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers Gemini AI features and can withstand an impressive 10 years of screen folding. This smartphone is an investment that’ll last for years to come.
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