Google Pixel 10 Pro XL A Masterclass In Android Phones

After spending considerable time with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, from conducting photo shoots in Paris to daily testing in Edinburgh, it's clear that this phone has a lot to offer. The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL successfully tick all the essential boxes for a premium phone in 2025, boasting a sleek design, a vivid display, and a highly capable camera system. It stands as a superb jack-of-all-trades, delivering a fantastic everyday experience in a stylish package, even if it doesn't lead the pack in raw power or camera supremacy.

However, if you're anticipating a revolutionary leap for Google's Pixel line, you might need to temper your expectations. The Pixel 10 Pro is an evolution, not a revolution. It refines nearly every component—from the processor and software to the camera and battery—creating a device that feels both fresh and comfortingly familiar.

The Verdict at a Glance

Pros

• Extended period of software support
• Excellent camera performance with impressive AI-powered Super Res Zoom
• Engaging and practical new AI features

Cons

• Tensor G5 chip lags behind competitors in power
• Magic Cue feature has limited utility outside the Google ecosystem
• Images can occasionally appear over-processed

For owners of last year's Pixel 9 or even the Pixel 8 series, an upgrade isn't necessary. But for those with older Android devices, the enhancements in performance, camera quality, and AI skills will be significant.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a device I genuinely like. It's user-friendly, fast enough for any task, and its camera is perfect for capturing everyday moments. While it may not win benchmark wars against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, its overall user experience is preferable. The big question remains how it will stack up against the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. If you're on the fence, waiting for that comparison is wise. However, for those committed to Android, the Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL is a top contender, with current deals making it an attractive option.

Pixel 10 Pro vs 10 Pro XL: What's the Difference?

The distinctions between the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are minimal. The XL model is slightly larger, featuring a 6.8-inch display compared to the standard 6.3-inch screen, offering more real estate for media and gaming. This extra size also accommodates a larger battery (5,200mAh vs. 4,870mAh) and allows for faster 45-watt wired charging. Otherwise, their core specifications, including the Tensor G5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and camera systems, are identical. The choice boils down to your preference for screen size.

While not visible, the Pixel 10 Pro series includes internal magnets for Qi2.2 magnetic accessories.

A Deep Dive into the AI-Powered Cameras

Both Pro models feature a triple rear camera setup: a 50-megapixel main, a 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 48-megapixel telephoto with 5x optical zoom. In bright, sunny conditions, the camera captures stunning photos with excellent exposure and color. However, in overcast weather, some images can suffer from over-sharpening, resulting in a slightly 'crunchy' look. Portrait mode, on the other hand, is exceptional, producing a lovely, natural bokeh.

Photo from the Pixel 10 Pro XL's main camera.

Photo from the Pixel 10 Pro XL's main camera.

The 5x optical zoom is a versatile tool for creative compositions, but the real magic lies in the AI-assisted digital zoom. Google's Pro Res Zoom uses generative AI to recreate details at extreme ranges, allowing for surprisingly clear shots at up to 100x zoom. This technology is astonishing, turning distant, barely visible objects into clear subjects. While impressive, it raises questions about the authenticity of such AI-generated images. Google has taken a step to address this by ensuring the tool isn't applied to faces.

In low light, the camera's Night Sight mode performs well, capturing bright, detailed images with minimal noise, though the tendency to over-process details can still be present.

A Familiar and Refined Design

The Pixel 10 Pro maintains the sleek and premium design of its predecessor, with polished metal edges and a frosted glass back. The phone is IP68-rated for water resistance and now supports Qi2.2 magnetic accessories, similar to Apple's MagSafe. The 6.8-inch display on the XL is bright and vibrant, easily legible even in direct sunlight.

Exploring the Suite of AI Features

AI is central to the Pixel 10 Pro experience. Existing tools like Gemini Live and Circle to Search are joined by new features, though with mixed results. Gemini Live can now analyze your screen or camera view to answer questions, but it can be inaccurate. A new voice recording tool that adds AI soundtracks feels more gimmicky than useful.

The standout improvement is Pixel Studio, which now generates significantly higher-quality images, understands prompts better, and can even create images of people and include accurate text. Its new creative styles, like claymation and ukiyo-e, are incredibly fun and can be a genuinely useful creative tool.

Taylor Swift riding a giraffe, created with Pixel Studio.

Other AI tools like Magic Cue, which surfaces relevant information during conversations, are limited to Google's apps, reducing their utility for those who primarily use third-party services like WhatsApp.

Performance, Software, and Battery Life

Running pure Android 16, the phone is intuitive and easy to navigate, with Google promising seven years of software and security support. It's powered by the new Tensor G5 chip with 16GB of RAM. While benchmark scores fall behind competitors, the phone feels exceptionally smooth in day-to-day use, handling everything from image editing to intense gaming without issue.

Benchmark Comparison

	Geekbench 6 (single core)	Geekbench 6 (multi-core)	3DMark Wildlife Extreme
Pixel 10 Pro XL	2,288	6,215	3,354
iPhone 16 Pro	3,507	8,750	4,672
Galaxy S25 Ultra	3,053	9,707	6,950

Battery life is solid, comfortably lasting a full day of typical use. The introduction of Qi2.2 technology brings faster wireless charging (25W on the XL), and wired charging is also quicker, with the XL model supporting up to 45W. This allows for a rapid power boost when needed, charging from empty to around 70% in about 30 minutes with a compatible charger.

Should You Buy the Pixel 10 Pro XL?

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are quintessential all-rounders. They don't have one single standout feature that dominates the market, but they also have no significant weaknesses. With updates across the board, a versatile camera, genuinely fun and useful AI tools, and a premium design, they deliver a fantastic user experience. Complemented by fast charging and long-term software support, the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are excellent choices for anyone seeking a top-tier Android phone.

Detailed Specifications

	Google Pixel 10 Pro	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Display	6.3" LTPO OLED, 2856x1280, 1-120Hz	6.8" LTPO OLED, 2992x1344, 1-120Hz	6.8" AMOLED, 3120x1440, 1-120Hz	6.3" OLED, 2622x1206, 1-120Hz
Dimensions (mm)	152.8 x 72 x 8.5	162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2	149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25
Weight	207g	232g	218g	199g
Software	Android 16	Android 16	Android 15	iOS 18
Rear Cameras	50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x tele	50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x tele	200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x tele, 50MP 5x tele	48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 5x tele
Front Camera	42MP	42MP	12MP	12MP
Processor	Google Tensor G5	Google Tensor G5	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Apple A18 Pro
RAM/Storage	16GB + 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB	16GB + 256GB/512GB/1TB	12GB + 256GB/512GB/1TB	N/A + 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery	4,870 mAh	5,200 mAh	5,000 mAh	Up to 27 hrs video playback
Price (US)	$999	$1,199	$1,300	$999