An early hands-on look at Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL in Paris shows an evolution, not a revolution, over the Pixel 9 Pro. The design and most core elements are familiar, but Google has embedded more AI-powered features, faster charging, and a longer software update horizon into the new flagships.
What’s new and what stays the same
– Design and display: The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL preserve the sleek look that Pixel owners already like, with the XL offering a larger 6.8-inch display. Both phones deliver bright, sharp screens, capable of up to 3,300 nits of peak brightness. The build remains premium with polished metal edges, a frosted glass back, and the distinctive camera bar. An added convenience is Pixel Snap, a magnetic back system for wireless chargers and accessories, similar in spirit to MagSafe.
– Power and performance: Both Pro models run on Google’s Tensor G5, and each includes 16GB of RAM, while the standard Pixel 10 ships with 8GB. Google promises a meaningful boost in CPU/GPU performance and power efficiency, with seven years of software and security updates promised for all new Pixel models.
– Camera and AI: The trio of rear cameras—50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom—remain, but AI features are more deeply integrated. Camera Coach offers on-the-spot tips to improve shots, and Auto Best Take merges the best faces in a group photo automatically. In addition to on-device AI edits via text prompts (for tasks like “erase the crowds” or “fix the lighting”), Google is emphasizing AI-assisted photography workflows. Generative AI expansion includes ProRes Zoom, which can “recreate” detail at high magnifications beyond the optical range, though the results can vary, especially on moving subjects.
– AI-powered tools and software: Android 16 and a refreshed Material 3 Expressive interface bring subtle usability improvements. Magic Cue is designed to surface relevant information from Google apps as you chat or plan, such as flight details or trip confirmations, without leaving your current app. Real-time voice translation and Google’s existing Gemini Advanced, Circle to Search, and Pixel Studio are part of the package as standard features.
– Battery, charging, and durability: The XL’s larger display is paired with a bigger battery (5,200 mAh vs. 4,870 mAh in the standard Pro), plus faster wired charging at up to 45 watts. The base Pro supports up to 30-watt wired charging, and both models benefit from Qi2 wireless charging and faster charging when using compatible chargers. Google says both models should last a full day on typical use, and the XL will recharge more quickly thanks to its larger battery.
– Availability and pricing: The Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999 with 128GB of storage, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199 with 256GB. Both models go on sale August 28, with preorder options available beforehand. Notably, the XL’s higher starting price aligns with the removal of the 128GB option from the XL line, making the larger storage a standard feature at launch.
Camera quality and sample impressions
– In real-world testing around Paris, the cameras produced bright, sharp images with strong color and well-controlled exposure. The ultrawide lens maintained color consistency when switching between lenses, and the 5x telephoto offered solid results with minimal color shift. The 100x zoom demonstrates the AI-driven ProRes Zoom in action, producing surprisingly detailed results on static subjects like cityscapes, though it can misinterpret moving objects (a plane example showed some odd artifacts). The overall image quality remains among the strongest in class, with the AI tools offering useful enhancements for beginners and power users alike, albeit with the usual caveats about reliance on AI-generated edits.
Is it worth buying?
– For Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 8 Pro owners, the upgrade isn’t essential unless you want the latest AI features, faster charging, and the promise of seven years of updates. For older Pixel models or those switching from other brands, the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL present a compelling flagship option with a refined design, a robust camera system, and a host of AI-powered tools designed to simplify everyday photography and productivity tasks.
Bottom line
– Google has delivered a polished, more capable Pixel 10 Pro lineup that deepens AI integration, improves charging speeds, and extends software support, while preserving the strong design language and camera DNA that made the Pixel line popular. The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are positioned as refined upgrades that aim to enhance everyday use, photography workflows, and device longevity for a wide range of users.
Summary
– The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL offer incremental improvements rather than a radical redesign. Enhanced AI features, longer software support, and faster charging accompany a familiar design and an already strong camera system. The XL adds a larger display and higher starting storage, with the trade-off of a higher price. These phones look well-suited for current Pixel fans looking for a bit more power and smarter imaging, as well as new buyers seeking a flagship Android experience with robust updates. Positive outlook for continued Google-led AI integration in smartphone photography and daily use.