Having been a devoted user of the Pixel 9 Pro XL since its debut, I can confidently say that it is one of the top Android phones on the market. While I am certainly a fan, I am not oblivious to its shortcomings.
Initially, I was underwhelmed by the leaks surrounding the Pixel 10 Pro. The lack of significant design changes from its predecessor made it seem like a mere iteration. However, now that the Pixel 10 family has been unveiled, my optimism has been reignited. The Pixel 10 Pro XL appears to be the phone that the Pixel 9 Pro XL should have been.
My primary gripe with the Pixel 9 Pro XL after a year of use has been its battery life. When compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, it falls short. Despite having a lower capacity battery than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung’s optimization ensures superior performance.
With the Pixel 10 Pro XL boasting a 5,200mAh battery, it marks a significant improvement and positions it better against rival devices. However, Google needs to focus on optimizing battery performance to truly compete in this aspect.
The Pixel 10 will feature a first for smartphones
Google has traditionally been conservative when it comes to batteries and charging technology, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL is set to change that narrative. It is the first smartphone to support Qi2 25W, a cutting-edge standard unveiled in July 2025 that allows for up to 25W wireless charging.
This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the Android accessories market
While Qi2 charging has been a topic of discussion in the Android realm for some time, only a few devices like the HMD Skyline have implemented it. With Google embracing this technology, the Pixel 10 phones are at the forefront of innovation in this regard.
This breakthrough could have a transformative impact on the Android accessories ecosystem, paving the way for magnetic chargers, improved in-car mounts, and enhanced user experiences akin to what iPhone users have enjoyed for years.
It is highly likely that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro will follow suit and offer 25W MagSafe charging in the near future.
Tensor takes a turn for the better
When it comes to powering smartphones, the default choice for many Android enthusiasts is Snapdragon. However, Google has been forging its path with Tensor for the past four years, albeit not without challenges.
Tensor 5 promises a 34% faster CPU and a 60% faster TPU (responsible for AI tasks), significant performance enhancements that could bolster the Pixel’s position in the competitive landscape.
Additionally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 in the Pixel 10 Pro ensures readiness for future connectivity standards, even if they are not mainstream yet.
A display that keeps getting better
The Pixel series has been steadily improving its display technology over the years, with the Pixel 10 Pro now boasting a peak brightness of 3,300 nits. This advancement in brightness levels is geared towards enhancing HDR content, delivering more impactful visuals.
The heightened brightness levels result in images that are more vibrant and true to life compared to other devices
Utilizing Ultra HDR technology, the Pixel 10 Pro can capture and display a wide range of colors and details, making images appear vivid and lifelike. This feature sets the Pixel apart and elevates the viewing experience, especially when browsing through high-quality content.
While opinions may vary on Ultra HDR, its ability to enhance images and make them more visually appealing is undeniable. It sets a new standard for display quality that is hard to match.
Okay, it’s really about the Pixel camera
The standout feature of the Pixel 9 Pro XL that has kept it in my pocket is its camera prowess. Google’s approach of relying on consistent camera hardware and leveraging software enhancements has been a winning formula.
While the 30x zoom on the Pixel 9 Pro XL was commendable, the Pixel 10 Pro takes it a step further with 100x zoom, a first for Google. By incorporating AI technology, Google aims to improve the zoom capabilities, albeit with some limitations such as restrictions on capturing people.
In addition to software upgrades, the Pixel 10 Pro features enhanced image stabilization, enabling better low-light photography with reduced shake, further enhancing the camera’s versatility.
Same look, but a lot more going on
Although the Pixel 10 may share a similar design to its predecessor, it packs several significant upgrades. The adoption of Qi2 25W charging and the introduction of 100x zoom demonstrate Google’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the Android ecosystem.
As a fan of Google’s products, I appreciate their proactive approach to setting trends rather than merely following them.
For more insights and coverage on the Pixel 10 phones, visit our dedicated 2025 Google Event hub.