The speed at which tech is advancing feels like it’s getting faster all the time. Two years ago mainstream AI was in its infancy – nowadays it’s everywhere. And at the forefront of the AI revolution are Big Tech companies like Google, so it’s no shock that its latest Pixel smartphones are increasing their AI offering. I’ve spent the last few weeks using the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Google Pixel 10 to see just how much of a leap forward they are over last year’s Pixel 9 model and whether it’s worth upgrading to the latest and greatest.
Powering the newest family of Pixel smartphones is Android 16 and the Tensor G5 processor, which promises a more efficient and improved performance, as well as a bevy of new AI features, such as Magic Cue, which scours your apps for useful data and information without needing to switch apps. I never got it to work. The other boon, which has become the new norm, is that all Pixel 10 devices come with seven years of OS support (from release, not purchase), so you can be assured that you’ll updates for a long time. You’ll also get a free year of Gemini AI Pro with your new Pixel device.
If you’re considering switching allegiances to Google and Android or simply contemplating upgrading after a few years with the same device, let me reassure you that setting up these devices is a piece of cake. Google has a knack for making things ultra simple, and within an hour or so, I was up and running on my new phone without any major issues and with all my apps and data transferred. Little hassles like having to sign into apps again and set up digital wallets remain, but the experience is practically seamless.
Let’s start with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the company’s latest flagship 6.8-inch device (alongside the smaller form factor Pixel 10 Pro that is 6.3-inch). The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a stunning piece of hardware, largely replicating the sleek, stylish and modern design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which was a monumental design upgrade from the Pixel 8 Pro. The aluminium band and glass back gives it a premium look, and weighing in at 232g, it feels just as good – it has the build quality to match the eye-watering price point. Google has again chosen four colour flavours for consumers to choose from: Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone and Jade. All safe choices, which makes sense, I just wish they’d offer a few more options with the cases.
The last couple of Pixel Pro models have had some of the best screen experiences I’ve used, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL is no different, with its 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display delivering bright and vibrant colours and a stunningly smooth scrolling experience thanks to the screen’s variable refresh rate 1–120Hz, it’s certainly noticeable when using older devices – it’s just one of those features you take for granted after having it for a couple years.
The Tensor G5 may be optimised for AI functionality, but alongside the 16GB of RAM, the phone performs well, handling apps with relative ease. I did incur slight loading issues with a couple of apps, but nothing major. If you’re a mobile gamer, you’ll get decent performance here.
The Pixel 10 Pro colour range
Without a doubt, one of the main reasons (if not the main reason) to buy a Google Pixel 10 Pro is the camera, which once again delivers photos that rival any other smartphone camera on the market
I’m sure I speak for a lot of people when I say that life is just so damn busy all the time, and because of that you need a device that can go the distance with you. The Pixel 9 Pro XL had a decent tank that mostly got through a day’s normal usage. The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a marginal upgrade – Google says a full charge will give you 30+ hours of use. I don’t think you’d get that long from normal use (web browsing, a few calls, messaging, YouTube), but I did find that most of the time it got through the day without needing a power nap. However, on days when it was put through some hard yakka, I needed to give it a quick 20–30-minute charge to make it through. It supports fast-charging up to 45W and 25W wirelessly. In saying that, most people are going to have a charger nearby, whether it’s a wall plug, powerbank or car charger, so I can’t imagine people will be running out of juice regularly.
Without a doubt, one of the main reasons (if not the main reason) to buy a Google Pixel 10 Pro is the camera, which once again delivers photos that rival any other smartphone camera on the market. Capturing these images is a 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, and a lot of AI work in the background. For those who simply use default settings, you’re going to get excellent snaps popping with colours and full of details of whatever you’re capturing. Google also has a suite of useful AI tools at your disposal, such as Best Take (which is now on by default), Add Me and the latest addition, Camera Coach, which gives you pointers on taking the best picture possible.
The Pro series also has Pro Res Zoom, which allows the user to capture details above the device’s max 30x zoom up to 100x. It uses AI to create a clean image that otherwise would be extremely blurry, and the results are pretty impressive, even if it’s not really your photo in the end. Lastly, in the age of TikTok and influencers, there’s a 42MP Dual PD camera that will take a great selfie, and the rear cameras can take 4K at 60fps video natively and up-to 8K at 30fps using Video Boost, so you’ve got all the tools to go viral.
Normal bird on the powerline pic
Pro Res Zoom in action
The Pixel 10 Pro XL has also been beefed up audio-wise, with upgraded top and bottom speakers. It’s not going to make you put your Bluetooth away for good, but when you want to show your co-worker the new President tune you’ve been jamming to, it’ll do the artist more justice before they tell you it’s not for them. Plus, phone calls sound clearer than ever, unless the person on the other end is standing in a wind tunnel. So if you’re a weirdo like me and actually like talking to people on the phone, you’re in good hands.
Sharing is caring, as they say, and Apple’s MagSafe technology must have impressed the Pixel design team because the Pixel 10 models support the company’s new Pixelsnap accessories that connect (you guessed it) magnetically. If you live in a house with both Android and iPhones, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will also work with any MagSafe accessories.
But, as expected, it doesn’t come cheap, with the base 256GB model priced at $1999. 512GB will cost you $2199 and the 1TB (Obsidian only) is a hefty $2549. There’s no doubt it’s good tech under the hood, but your need to upgrade will heavily depend on your financial situation.
Camera Coach in action
So what about the base Pixel 10 model? Priced at $1349 for 128GB and $1499 for 256GB, both with 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 10 is a more affordable option for those looking for a premium device with plenty of features.
There are obviously some hardware sacrifices compared to the Pro range, but the Pro and the standard models share the same modern and sleek design, so you’re getting all the looks for a cheaper price. The Pixel 10 is available in different colours to the Pro, coming in Obsidian, Indigo, Frost and Lemongrass options.
It has the same screen size as the Pixel 10 Pro (6.3-inch) but its Actua OLED display isn’t Super, though it’s still super to look at and use with its 60–120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling delightful. Honestly, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the Pro XL and the 10 other than the former going slightly brighter. And it still performs great, managing everything I did on it without any issues. So for those wanting great performance, you’re not going wrong here.
The biggest trade-off is in the cameras, with the Pixel 10 packed with a 48MP Quad PD ultrawide camera with autofocus, 13MP Quad PD ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP Dual PD telephoto camera system. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because the Pro system is better on paper that the photos are inferior. The Pixel 10 takes amazing photos still, and I dare say that most people would struggle to spot any difference between photos taken on the Pro and the standard models – I certainly can’t. You’ve also got the full gamut of AI tools to spruce up your images should they need a little extra tweaking, the only thing you’re missing out on is the Pro Res Zoom.
The colours of the Pixel 10
The Pixel 10 takes amazing photos still, and I dare say that most people would struggle to spot any difference between photos taken on the Pro and the standard models – I certainly can’t
With a 4970mAh battery, Google reckons you’ll get 30+ hours of use and it’ll charge up to 55% in 30 minutes with a 30W fast-charger. Much like the Pixel 10 Pro XL, I got a full day when I was doing the basics without any frequent strenuous use, but when I upped the ante and spent a good amount of time on apps like YouTube, I noticed the battery drained quickly.
All major smartphone manufacturers have a second-tier model that chases the Value proposition that a lot of customers ask themselves – “Does this give me the best bang for my buck?” The Pixel 10 is Google’s answer to that question. It has everything you want in a smartphone and won’t cost you the small fortune that the Pro models do. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still pricey, but you don’t always have to buy the most expensive device to make a great investment.
You better beelieve this was taken on the Pixel 10
Colours pop with the Pixel 10 Pro XL screen and camera
Final Thoughts
Like almost all high-end smartphone launches these days, the difference between the Pixel 10 series and Pixel 9 series is minimal. Technology may be rapidly advancing, but smartphones are so good these days that significantly shifting the dial is hard to do. That being said, both the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 are stellar pieces of hardware, providing users with enough grunt and features to run their day-to-day lives without any fuss, alongside some of the best cameras out there to capture their memories. Both devices reviewed are easy recommendations, and of course, the more expensive Pixel 10 Pro versions would get the nod every time if money weren’t an issue. Either device is going to be a great purchase and should give you several years of use before needing to upgrade. Unless you get FOMO and need the latest smartphone every year, in which case, I’ll see you again next year.
Review unit supplied by the manufacturer
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