Googles Pixel 10 Pro XL A Superphone Evolved
Google is once again making a bold statement in the premium smartphone market with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. This new superphone is engineered to take on industry giants like Apple and Samsung, armed with a larger battery, faster charging, a world of new magnetic accessories, and a suite of advanced AI tools.
A New Contender in the Superphone Arena
The Pixel 10 Pro XL stands as Google's largest non-folding phone, designed for those who want a massive, immersive screen. Priced at £1,199, it goes head-to-head with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. While its design is similar to the previous 9 Pro XL, it carries a bit more weight, making it a substantial device that often requires two hands to operate comfortably.
The new magnetic ring enables a wide range of Qi2 and MagSafe accessories, like phone grips and wallets.
Display and Charging Upgrades
The phone boasts a huge, vibrant, and smooth OLED screen that is among the best on the market, perfect for watching videos and movies. A significant upgrade is the introduction of Qi2.2 wireless charging. This not only allows for faster wireless charging speeds up to 25W but also incorporates a magnetic ring on the back. This opens up a vast ecosystem of accessories, including car mounts, stands, wallets, and battery packs.
Charging takes under 90 minutes with a cable or about two hours with a compatible 25W Qi2 wireless charger.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by Google's Tensor G5 chip, the Pixel 10 Pro XL feels quick and responsive in everyday use. While it handles games well, serious mobile gamers might prefer the raw power of competitors using Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon chips.
The battery life is a major strength, with the phone lasting approximately 52 hours between charges under mixed usage. This means it can easily survive the most demanding days, and many users will find themselves charging it only every other day.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Screen: 6.8in 120Hz QHD+ OLED (486ppi)
- Processor: Google Tensor G5
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Operating system: Android 16
- Camera: 50MP + 48MP UW + 48MP 5x telephoto; 42MP selfie
- Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 6
- Water resistance: IP68
- Dimensions: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm
- Weight: 232g
The Brains of the Operation: Android 16 with Gemini AI
The Pixel 10 Pro XL runs Android 16, offering one of the cleanest and most polished software experiences available, with Google guaranteeing software updates until 2032. The Gemini chatbot is deeply integrated, but the standout feature is Magic Cue. This proactive AI helper works in the background, surfacing relevant information just when you need it—like pulling up a restaurant's location when a friend texts about dinner. The phone also includes a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro for access to more powerful AI models.
Magic Cue is one of the most advanced local AI features, designed to be a silent, helpful assistant.
A Camera System That Guarantees a Great Shot
The camera system is identical to the smaller Pixel 10 Pro, featuring a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto lens. It's a setup that delivers fantastic photos in almost any condition with minimal effort.
Google's AI camera tools are also on board, including an automatic Best Take feature for perfect group shots and the impressive Pro Res Zoom, which uses generative AI to sharpen images beyond 30x magnification. These AI-enhanced photos are appropriately labeled using C2PA content credentials.
Sustainability and Final Verdict
Google continues its focus on sustainability, with the phone containing 29% recycled materials. The battery is built to last over 1,000 charge cycles, and the device is designed to be repairable, with manuals and parts available for self-repair.
The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is both fast and accurate.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is an exceptional superphone for those who want Google’s best features on the biggest possible screen. The camera, software, and new magnetic accessory support make it a compelling choice. While it's not a revolutionary upgrade and doesn't lead in raw gaming performance, it delivers a fantastic all-around experience.
Pros:
- Seven years of software updates
- Great camera with 5x optical zoom and AI enhancements
- Huge, beautiful screen
- Impressive local AI features like Magic Cue
- Qi2.2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Large and heavy
- Raw performance trails best-in-class rivals
- Not a massive upgrade over the previous model
