Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: The Most Advanced AI Phone With Surprising Quirks

Hey there, if you’re eyeing the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, you’re probably wondering if this AI-packed giant lives up to the hype. I’ve spent some time with it, and honestly, it’s like having a super-smart assistant in your pocket that nails photos and suggests tweaks on the fly. But let’s dive in starting with the basics you care about most, like whether it’s worth upgrading from your current phone.

Dreaming of a phone that’s as smart as you are? Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL arrives as an AI powerhouse and it’s here to challenge Apple and Samsung with some bold moves, new paradoxes, and a personality all its own.

Price: Is It Worth the Hype?

The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199 (£1,199/€1,299/A$1,999) and sits atop Google’s lineup, targeting fans of big, premium phones. It’s a serious investment, priced right against the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra. For what you get — a fusion of cutting-edge AI tools, a best-in-class camera, and magnetic accessory support. I think it’s a tempting option for anyone who loves tech and wants their phone to feel futuristic.

Design: Luxury Meets Function With a Twist

Unboxing the Pixel 10 Pro XL is an experience sleek, hefty, and undeniably premium. The device features a refined camera bar, shiny gold-plated sides, and a Jade color option that turns heads in any café. While it feels luxurious thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aerospace aluminum, its 232g weight is hard to overlook. If your hands are on the smaller side, you might find the Pixel 10 Pro easier to handle. Plus, it’s IP68 rated and brings a clever magnet ring for MagSafe accessories, so you can swap out grips, wallets, and chargers in a snap, just like iPhone users.

Display: Nothing Short of Brilliant

Let’s talk about this screen — a huge 6.8″ OLED panel with a QHD+ resolution. You can expect stunning brightness up to 3,300 nits, making it perfectly readable even under harsh sun. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and movies just come to life. Sure, you miss Dolby Vision, but HDR10+ is here, and the “Smooth Display” adaptive refresh keeps everything buttery-smooth. If you love binging Netflix or gaming on the go, you’ll be thrilled.

Battery & Charging: Stamina and Speed

Google promises up to 52 hours of mixed use, which should get most people through two days without stress. In real-world head-to-head battery tests, the Pixel 10 Pro XL lasted 26 hours 45 minutes, trailing slightly behind the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra, but still impressive for a phone with this kind of horsepower. Thanks to Qi2.2 wireless charging at 25W and fast wired charging, topping up is quick. And with all those magnets, using PopSockets or snap-on batteries is easier and much more fun.bgr​

Camera: Photography, Supercharged by AI

The Pixel 10 Pro XL’s triple-lens setup (50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto) keeps its crown for computational photography. AI features galore — Magic Cue, Camera Coach, Add Me, and Auto Best Take — mean you’ll nail those family and group shots, and you can even throw yourself in the photo seamlessly. The Pro Res Zoom leverages AI to boost photos up to 100x zoom, sometimes making distant details clearer than possible with just optics alone. I think this is a game-changer, especially for travel and wildlife fans.pcmag​

Performance & AI Features: Smart, but Occasionally Quirky

Powered by Google’s 3nm Tensor G5, 16GB RAM, and Android 16, this phone feels snappy for all your daily antics. Gaming is smooth (though if you want max frame rates, Samsung’s S25 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max might edge it out). Google’s “Magic Cue” and embedded Gemini chatbot are the stars here, surfacing info relevant to your life — restaurant addresses, package tracking, or reminders as you need them. Sometimes, AI tools take a split-second longer than expected, and performance after a month of use is generally streamlined, but still, you might notice an occasional lag (hopefully fixed by software updates moving forward).

RAM & Storage: Big Numbers for Big Demands

You get a beefy 16GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB. That’s more than enough for serious multitasking, snapping endless pics, and storing your entire streaming library offline.

Extra Perks & Sustainability: Built for Tomorrow

Fingerprint and Face Unlock are lightning fast, though Face Unlock isn’t quite as secure as Apple’s Face ID. Google promises seven years of software updates, and the phone is built from 29% recycled materials. Self-repair is officially supported, so sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here.

Comparison: Pixel or Its Rivals?

The Pixel 10 Pro XL packs tons of personality and innovation, standing tall beside the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max. It wins in the AI game, best-in-class camera, and accessory versatility. If pure gaming power or absolute battery life is crucial, Samsung and Apple are still fierce contenders.

FAQ

Is the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL good for gaming?
Yes, it handles most games well, but top-tier competitive gamers may prefer Snapdragon-powered rivals for maximum graphics and frame rates.

How does its battery compare to other big flagships?
It lasts up to 52 hours in typical use, but benchmark tests show the iPhone 17 Pro Max edges it out for longest run time.bgr​

Does the Pixel 10 Pro XL support MagSafe accessories?
Absolutely! Its built-in magnet ring provides seamless compatibility with MagSafe and Qi2 magnetic accessories, making life easier and more fun.

Is the camera a big upgrade?
Google’s AI camera suite is at the top of the market, especially for group shots, selfies, and ultra-high digital zoom. If you’re passionate about photography, it’s a winner.

What makes the Pixel 10 Pro XL unique?
Simple: it’s the first Android flagship to put practical AI, interface innovations, and magnetic accessory support front and center, so you get a more personalized, helpful experience every day.

Conclusion

If you want a phone that’s always a step ahead, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is worth considering. It’s smart, stylish, and genuinely fun to use. The camera makes even mundane moments magical, and the accessory game is next-level. While battery and raw gaming speeds aren’t top of class, the AI-driven extras and innovative features make it a real contender for your next upgrade. Honestly, it feels like Google finally nailed the idea of a “superphone” for the AI age — and I think this is a great option for anyone tired of the same old choices.