Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Google's best phone
Rating: 4/5
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL represents the 10th generation of the company's flagship smartphone series, arriving as a testament to the tech giant’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) integration. While the Pixel 10 Pro XL maintains the familiar design language established by its predecessor, the real innovation lies under the hood. The new Tensor G5 chipset, enhanced AI features, and refined camera system promise to deliver a distinctly Google experience -- just like every iteration has over the past few years.
Priced at Rs 1,24,999 for the 256GB variant, this device positions itself as an “AI-first” phone that delivers on some unique features that no other phone has. These features -- or more like experience -- prioritise software prowess, such as computational photography and machine learning capabilities over raw performance metrics. However, in an increasingly competitive flagship market dominated by smartphones that offer top-of-the-line performance, the question remains whether Google's AI-centric approach is enough to justify the premium price point.
Design and display
The Pixel 10 Pro XL continues Google's established design philosophy with only subtle refinements over the Pixel 9 Pro XL that one might not notice in the first place. The most noticeable change is a slightly enlarged camera visor that houses the triple camera array, speaker outlets and SIM tray placement.
This modification is barely noticeable when comparing devices side by side. We noticed them immediately when we tried to use the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s cover on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Available in three sophisticated colourways— Moonstone, Jade, and Obsidian — the phone maintains premium aesthetics from last year and is still one of the most beautiful looking smartphones out there. Moonstone is the hero colour.
Construction quality remains top-tier with Google including spacecraft-grade polished aluminium framing that attracts fingerprints and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that provides adequate protection for daily use. The IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is 232 grams but the weight distribution feels balanced, and the phone is comfortable during extended use despite its wider stance. The underside of the prominent camera module serves as a place to rest the index finger, contributing to a secure grip and confident handling experience.
As for the display, Google is offering a 6.8-inch “Super Actua display” that offers impressive visual quality. The display is exactly the same as last year's, barring the HDR (up to 2,200 nits) and peak (up to 3,300 nits) brightness. This means that the phone provides excellent outdoor visibility and viewing angles remain stable.
The 24-bit LTPO OLED supports variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz and operates at up to 1344 x 2992 resolution.
Overall, the display quality impresses with contrast ratios, readability, low eye fatigue and content consumption. HDR support enhances media consumption, and audio quality shows improvement over the previous generation with better-balanced mid and high frequencies. The bass, however, remains limited. The earpiece doubles as a second speaker for stereo output.
Performance
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL gets the Tensor G5 chipset that brings significant improvement in terms of AI performance and mitigating heating issues -- thanks to TSMC’s 3nm manufacturing process. While the processing package delivers adequate performance for typical smartphone tasks, lags behind competing flagship processors in benchmarks and demanding applications.
For users prioritising everyday responsiveness—web browsing, social media, messaging, and standard app usage—the Pixel 10 Pro XL performs admirably. The interface feels snappy and responsive with minimal stuttering or delays. The inclusion of UFS 4.0 storage helps in fast app loading and file transfer speeds. RAM management seems to be efficient, with multitasking performance remaining smooth during typical use patterns.
However, power users expecting flagship-level gaming performance or intensive computational tasks may find the hardware limiting compared to alternatives. Notably, casual titles that do not require top-of-the-line hardware work flawlessly due to software optimisation. The Tensor G5 remains focused on Google's AI-first approach over general computing performance.
A big part of Pixel phones has been AI and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL’s USP is AI features and software experience. The greatest strength lies in its comprehensive AI integration, positioning it as perhaps the most AI-capable smartphone available today. It is also the first phone to get Android 16 and Material Expressive that Google launched earlier this year.
Moreover, Google includes a free year of Google AI Pro with Imagen 4 and Veo 3, immediately adding value for users interested in generative AI capabilities.
Google talked about Magic Cue a lot as it represents Google's attempt at contextual information delivery, however, the performance has been inconsistent during our testing. The feature shows promise but currently lacks the refinement as advertised, limiting its utility.
When it works correctly, Magic Cue provides relevant information based on screen content and user context, but reliability issues prevent it from becoming an essential daily tool. The feature didn’t work for us most of the time.
The second feature Google talked about is Camera Coach which introduces AI-powered photography guidance, analysing scenes and suggesting optimal shooting angles for a best photo. The feature works best as a learning tool for amateurs, for those who want to learn basics and someone who wants a second opinion while capturing photos.
Another feature is the Pro Res 100x zoom feature that uses on-device AI to upscale extreme digital zoom shots between 30x and 100x magnification. Results vary dramatically by subject matter—static objects like buildings and landscapes perform reasonably well, while human subjects often produce disturbing facial alterations that create fictional details. Google addresses transparency concerns by embedding C2PA Content Credentials metadata in all Pro Res Zoom photos.
The phone also gets Google's version of the Journal app and NotebookLM AI-powered productivity tools. Google is promising seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates that essentially provides excellent long-term value.
Camera and Photography
The Pixel 10 Pro XL retains the same camera sensors as its predecessor while benefiting from the Tensor G5's improved image signal processor. This approach prioritises computational photography improvements over sensor upgrades. This means that the primary camera system continues to deliver Google's signature computational photography experience with subtle improvements in tonality and dynamic range.
The shots are overall great both in perfect conditions -- like sunlight -- and low-light environments -- such as in a night club. Google's computational photography remains the system's greatest strength, producing consistently pleasing images with excellent dynamic range and natural colour reproduction. Photos taken in high-res mode take 2–3 seconds for AI processing before producing pleasing photos.
The 5x telephoto lens shows enhanced detail retention and a slightly improved colour accuracy while maintaining natural-looking results. Google's processing philosophy avoids the oversaturated appearance. One thing we noted is that the 100X ProRes Zoom works with the 12MP camera and not with the 50MP sensor.
Macro photography utilises crops from the 48MP ultra-wide sensor and the results show decent detail and low noise. There’s Auto Best Take -- an AI-powered automated version of Best Take and Auto Unblur.
If you are a bit more into photography rather than just point-and-shoot, the camera app offers comprehensive manual controls including lens selection, RAW capture, and HDR support. 4K 60fps recording is available across all four cameras, though enabling 10-bit HDR limits recording to 30fps. Unlike competing flagships offering native 8K recording, the Pixel 10 Pro XL requires cloud uploading for 8K upscaling.
The 42MP autofocus front-facing camera produces 10MP binned photos with generally good quality. Portrait mode works adequately for social media use, but bokeh effects can sometimes appear overly pronounced with occasional depth detection errors. Post-capture depth editing through Google Photos provides some flexibility for correction.
Battery
The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a marginally larger battery capacity compared to its predecessor -- 5,200mAh as compared to 5,060mAh. Real-world battery performance proves adequate for full-day usage under typical conditions, though heavy users may require midday charging for extended usage periods.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL gets 45W charging. The introduction of Pixelsnap Qi 2.2 25W wireless charging represents a welcome addition to the charging ecosystem. At 25W, the wireless charging speeds remain competitive. Battery optimization benefits from Android 16's improved power management and the Tensor G5's efficiency improvements.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL succeeds as an AI-focused smartphone that prioritises computational capabilities over raw performance metrics. For users deeply integrated into Google's ecosystem who value clean Android experiences, Gemini integration, and cutting-edge AI features, this device offers compelling advantages.
The Rs 1,24,999 price point offers a refined build quality, improved camera processing and comprehensive AI feature set to create a distinctly Google experience that stands apart from traditional flagship approaches. Seven years of guaranteed updates provide excellent long-term value, while features like Camera Coach and Pro Res zoom, despite their limitations, showcase Google's innovative approach to smartphone photography.
Ultimately, the Pixel 10 Pro XL represents Google's commitment to AI-first smartphone design, delivering on that promise while accepting compromises in traditional performance areas. Users upgrading from Pixel 7 Pro or older devices will appreciate the improvements, but those with newer Pixels may find the upgrade less compelling.
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL represents the 10th generation of the company's flagship smartphone series, arriving as a testament to the tech giant’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) integration. While the Pixel 10 Pro XL maintains the familiar design language established by its predecessor, the real innovation lies under the hood. The new Tensor G5 chipset, enhanced AI features, and refined camera system promise to deliver a distinctly Google experience -- just like every iteration has over the past few years.
Priced at Rs 1,24,999 for the 256GB variant, this device positions itself as an “AI-first” phone that delivers on some unique features that no other phone has. These features -- or more like experience -- prioritise software prowess, such as computational photography and machine learning capabilities over raw performance metrics. However, in an increasingly competitive flagship market dominated by smartphones that offer top-of-the-line performance, the question remains whether Google's AI-centric approach is enough to justify the premium price point.
Design and display
The Pixel 10 Pro XL continues Google's established design philosophy with only subtle refinements over the Pixel 9 Pro XL that one might not notice in the first place. The most noticeable change is a slightly enlarged camera visor that houses the triple camera array, speaker outlets and SIM tray placement.
This modification is barely noticeable when comparing devices side by side. We noticed them immediately when we tried to use the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s cover on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Available in three sophisticated colourways— Moonstone, Jade, and Obsidian — the phone maintains premium aesthetics from last year and is still one of the most beautiful looking smartphones out there. Moonstone is the hero colour.
Construction quality remains top-tier with Google including spacecraft-grade polished aluminium framing that attracts fingerprints and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that provides adequate protection for daily use. The IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is 232 grams but the weight distribution feels balanced, and the phone is comfortable during extended use despite its wider stance. The underside of the prominent camera module serves as a place to rest the index finger, contributing to a secure grip and confident handling experience.
As for the display, Google is offering a 6.8-inch “Super Actua display” that offers impressive visual quality. The display is exactly the same as last year's, barring the HDR (up to 2,200 nits) and peak (up to 3,300 nits) brightness. This means that the phone provides excellent outdoor visibility and viewing angles remain stable.
The 24-bit LTPO OLED supports variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz and operates at up to 1344 x 2992 resolution.
Overall, the display quality impresses with contrast ratios, readability, low eye fatigue and content consumption. HDR support enhances media consumption, and audio quality shows improvement over the previous generation with better-balanced mid and high frequencies. The bass, however, remains limited. The earpiece doubles as a second speaker for stereo output.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Hardware Meets On-Device AI
Performance
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL gets the Tensor G5 chipset that brings significant improvement in terms of AI performance and mitigating heating issues -- thanks to TSMC’s 3nm manufacturing process. While the processing package delivers adequate performance for typical smartphone tasks, lags behind competing flagship processors in benchmarks and demanding applications.
For users prioritising everyday responsiveness—web browsing, social media, messaging, and standard app usage—the Pixel 10 Pro XL performs admirably. The interface feels snappy and responsive with minimal stuttering or delays. The inclusion of UFS 4.0 storage helps in fast app loading and file transfer speeds. RAM management seems to be efficient, with multitasking performance remaining smooth during typical use patterns.
However, power users expecting flagship-level gaming performance or intensive computational tasks may find the hardware limiting compared to alternatives. Notably, casual titles that do not require top-of-the-line hardware work flawlessly due to software optimisation. The Tensor G5 remains focused on Google's AI-first approach over general computing performance.
A big part of Pixel phones has been AI and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL’s USP is AI features and software experience. The greatest strength lies in its comprehensive AI integration, positioning it as perhaps the most AI-capable smartphone available today. It is also the first phone to get Android 16 and Material Expressive that Google launched earlier this year.
Moreover, Google includes a free year of Google AI Pro with Imagen 4 and Veo 3, immediately adding value for users interested in generative AI capabilities.
Google talked about Magic Cue a lot as it represents Google's attempt at contextual information delivery, however, the performance has been inconsistent during our testing. The feature shows promise but currently lacks the refinement as advertised, limiting its utility.
When it works correctly, Magic Cue provides relevant information based on screen content and user context, but reliability issues prevent it from becoming an essential daily tool. The feature didn’t work for us most of the time.
The second feature Google talked about is Camera Coach which introduces AI-powered photography guidance, analysing scenes and suggesting optimal shooting angles for a best photo. The feature works best as a learning tool for amateurs, for those who want to learn basics and someone who wants a second opinion while capturing photos.
Another feature is the Pro Res 100x zoom feature that uses on-device AI to upscale extreme digital zoom shots between 30x and 100x magnification. Results vary dramatically by subject matter—static objects like buildings and landscapes perform reasonably well, while human subjects often produce disturbing facial alterations that create fictional details. Google addresses transparency concerns by embedding C2PA Content Credentials metadata in all Pro Res Zoom photos.
The phone also gets Google's version of the Journal app and NotebookLM AI-powered productivity tools. Google is promising seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates that essentially provides excellent long-term value.
Camera and Photography
The Pixel 10 Pro XL retains the same camera sensors as its predecessor while benefiting from the Tensor G5's improved image signal processor. This approach prioritises computational photography improvements over sensor upgrades. This means that the primary camera system continues to deliver Google's signature computational photography experience with subtle improvements in tonality and dynamic range.
The shots are overall great both in perfect conditions -- like sunlight -- and low-light environments -- such as in a night club. Google's computational photography remains the system's greatest strength, producing consistently pleasing images with excellent dynamic range and natural colour reproduction. Photos taken in high-res mode take 2–3 seconds for AI processing before producing pleasing photos.
The 5x telephoto lens shows enhanced detail retention and a slightly improved colour accuracy while maintaining natural-looking results. Google's processing philosophy avoids the oversaturated appearance. One thing we noted is that the 100X ProRes Zoom works with the 12MP camera and not with the 50MP sensor.
Macro photography utilises crops from the 48MP ultra-wide sensor and the results show decent detail and low noise. There’s Auto Best Take -- an AI-powered automated version of Best Take and Auto Unblur.
If you are a bit more into photography rather than just point-and-shoot, the camera app offers comprehensive manual controls including lens selection, RAW capture, and HDR support. 4K 60fps recording is available across all four cameras, though enabling 10-bit HDR limits recording to 30fps. Unlike competing flagships offering native 8K recording, the Pixel 10 Pro XL requires cloud uploading for 8K upscaling.
The 42MP autofocus front-facing camera produces 10MP binned photos with generally good quality. Portrait mode works adequately for social media use, but bokeh effects can sometimes appear overly pronounced with occasional depth detection errors. Post-capture depth editing through Google Photos provides some flexibility for correction.
Battery
The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a marginally larger battery capacity compared to its predecessor -- 5,200mAh as compared to 5,060mAh. Real-world battery performance proves adequate for full-day usage under typical conditions, though heavy users may require midday charging for extended usage periods.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL gets 45W charging. The introduction of Pixelsnap Qi 2.2 25W wireless charging represents a welcome addition to the charging ecosystem. At 25W, the wireless charging speeds remain competitive. Battery optimization benefits from Android 16's improved power management and the Tensor G5's efficiency improvements.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL succeeds as an AI-focused smartphone that prioritises computational capabilities over raw performance metrics. For users deeply integrated into Google's ecosystem who value clean Android experiences, Gemini integration, and cutting-edge AI features, this device offers compelling advantages.
The Rs 1,24,999 price point offers a refined build quality, improved camera processing and comprehensive AI feature set to create a distinctly Google experience that stands apart from traditional flagship approaches. Seven years of guaranteed updates provide excellent long-term value, while features like Camera Coach and Pro Res zoom, despite their limitations, showcase Google's innovative approach to smartphone photography.
Ultimately, the Pixel 10 Pro XL represents Google's commitment to AI-first smartphone design, delivering on that promise while accepting compromises in traditional performance areas. Users upgrading from Pixel 7 Pro or older devices will appreciate the improvements, but those with newer Pixels may find the upgrade less compelling.
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