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Source: ZDNET / Kerry Wan

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor, Reviews

Ten years into Google's Pixel journey, the Pixel 10 Pro series represents a quiet evolution in hardware but a seismic leap in AI integration. After using the Pixel 10 Pro XL as my daily driver for weeks—replacing my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra—the experience revealed how intelligently embedded artificial intelligence can transform mundane interactions into effortless efficiencies.

The Subtle Hardware Refinements

At 232 grams, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is noticeably heavier than its predecessor and rivals like the Galaxy S25 Ultra (218g). Google justifies this with tangible upgrades: a larger 5,200mAh battery (yielding ~35% remaining after heavy days), louder speakers for media consumption, and exclusive 45W wired charging. The design remains familiar—contoured edges, polished aluminum frame, and the signature camera bar—but introduces Pixelsnap. This Qi2-compatible magnetic system enables seamless attachment to accessories like charging docks or wallet cases, complete with contextual screensavers for weather, photos, or smart controls.

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The Pixel 10 Pro (left) and Pro XL (right) showcase refined designs with Pixelsnap support. Source: ZDNET / Sabrina Ortiz

Tensor G5: The AI Engine Redefining Utility

Benchmarks may show Tensor G5 trailing Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, but real-world performance tells a different story. Google's chip excels at accelerating on-device AI, slashing processing times for:
- Pixel Screenshots (contextual screen capture)
- Recorder transcriptions/translations
- Magic Cue: An AI assistant that surfaces relevant info from Gmail/Calendar during tasks (e.g., auto-displaying flight details during airline calls)

This isn’t intrusive AI—it’s anticipatory assistance that reduces friction. As Kerry Wan notes: *"It's this seamless, intuitive integration of AI that keeps catching me off guard - in the best way."

Computational Photography’s New Frontier

The camera hardware mirrors last year’s 50MP+48MP+48MP setup, but Tensor G5’s image signal processor unlocks breakthroughs:
- Pro Res Zoom: Generative AI corrects distortion at up to 100x zoom, outperforming Samsung’s Space Zoom in clarity
- Camera Coach: Real-time guidance for framing/subject capture (ideal for static shots but challenging for motion)
- Enhanced stabilization and HDR processing for low-light scenes

The AI-Forward Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199 (256GB base), making the Pro model ($1,099) better for compact comfort. Neither feels like a spec-driven upgrade—they’re testaments to AI’s maturation. As Wan concludes: "For longtime Pixel users eyeing an upgrade, both models are a no-brainer — showcasing Google’s best hardware to date and an Android 16 experience that feels tastefully familiar, delightfully playful, and genuinely useful." After weeks of testing, the S25 Ultra’s raw power couldn’t outweigh the Pixel’s symbiotic relationship with AI.

Source: Adapted from ZDNET’s hands-on review by Kerry Wan.