Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Review

When we reviewed the Pixel 9 Pro XL, we were happy to see Google returning to the XL model after several years of not producing one. Primarily, this was because we’re big fans of Google’s larger premium handsets and jumped at the chance to see how advancements in its Actua display would translate to a revitalised XL screen.

With the benchmark set, then, how does the 9 Pro XL’s successor – the Pixel 10 Pro XL – build on those excellent foundations? In this review, we’ll detail why we think the 10 Pro XL is a worthy follow-up, even if it borrows liberally from the previous generation.

Pick up the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for yourself with up to 1TB storage.

Things we like

• Support for magnetic chargers is a game-changer
• The Tensor G5 CPU helps close the processing speed gap with competitors
• AI features like Magic Cue feel genuinely impactful and useful
• Beautiful OLED display

Things to consider

• Design and display are practically identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Camera hardware is basically unchanged

Release date

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL released on the 20th August 2025.

Design: Familiar but impressive territory

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is almost a twin of the 9 Pro XL when it comes to design, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For one, the 9 Pro XL was part of a family of phones that came with significant refinements in shape and style, especially on the back. The Pixel 10 Pro XL maintains that oval-shaped camera block – albeit slightly thicker – and has the same flat edges that made the Pixel 9 series look much sharper than past handsets.

In this case, we’re inclined to say that Google probably earned some time off from radically overhauling the core Pixel design. This isn’t to say that it didn’t change anything; the Pixel 10 Pro XL is 11g lighter and less cumbersome to carry as a result, which we greatly appreciated. Ultimately, however, this is very much the 9 Pro XL with a fresh coat of paint.

Display: As you were

The visual experience on the Pixel 10 Pro XL is another area where Google opted to stay the course. You’re getting the same 6.8” Super Actua OLED display with a 1344 x 2992 resolution, complete with a max refresh rate of 120Hz. Would we have liked to have seen a bump in resolution or a jump to 6.9” like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra? Yes, but what’s on offer here is still top-of-the-line and bound to impress those wanting a premium smartphone experience.

There is one part of the display, however, that did receive a boost: brightness. With a peak brightness of 3300 nits, the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s screen can be seen more clearly when outdoors and generally looks more vibrant. When throwing HDR into the mix, that impressive vibrancy is amplified further thanks to the wider range of colours that can be presented.

Little has changed then, but when the visual experience is this good, it’s hard to complain.

Performance: A fantastic improvement, but more to be done

We’re getting into the good stuff here, as performance is where the Pixel 10 Pro XL genuinely feels like a step up. This is largely thanks to the Tensor G5 processor and its powerful chipset, which is manufactured by TSMC. For context, TSMC produces chips for the brilliant Qualcomm line of processors, which is great news for Pixel 10 Pro XL owners who can expect similarly fast processing speeds.

Beyond simply being faster, the Tensor G5 is a significant bridging of the gap between Pixel phones and other premium handsets. Those with CPUs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite are still going to be the performance frontrunner, but equipped with the Tensor G5, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is a breath of fresh air for the series.

Software: A remarkable AI leap

We always feel confident that with any new Pixel handset, its software features will impress. The Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t disappoint, thanks to handy-but-unglamorous additions to Android 16 and tweaks to Gemini.

We call these Android 16 features unglamorous as they’re unlikely to excite at first glance, but the impact they have on usability is undeniable. Features like Auto-Grouping and Live Updates help streamline how notifications are presented, while also packing these notifications with more information. If you’re waiting for a delivery or taxi to arrive, Live Updates will show you real-time progress without needing to open an app.

The feature that impressed us the most was Magic Cue. It leverages - yet also builds on - Gemini’s generative AI to fundamentally transform how your many apps work together. We’re not being hyperbolic; with Magic Cue, a friend could text asking if you’re free, at which point Magic Cue can check your calendar to look for any conflicting events without needing to leave your messaging app. It’s the kind of feature that comes with immense potential.

Cameras: Software leads the way again

Camera-wise, Google stuck with the hardware found on the 9 Pro XL: a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera. This is a fantastic-but-otherwise familiar offering; the interesting additions are at software level.

Camera Coach is the standout improvement to the Google Pixel camera suite, using Gemini to provide you with tips on how to improve photo composition. Expert photographers probably won’t need to use Camera Coach, but it’s potentially a game-changer for less-experienced users and a great way to get the most out of your premium handset.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is also a juggernaut when recording videos, with support for 8K 24/30FPS and features like Video Boost that you won’t find on the base Pixel 10.

Battery: A new generation of charging on Pixel phones

If the Pixel 10 series is remembered for anything in the future, it’ll likely be for the arrival of Pixelsnap: Google’s version of Apple MagSafe. The Pixel 10 Pro XL – along with the rest of the 10 range – can be wirelessly powered up using a 15W Qi2 magnetic charger; extremely handy when you’re commuting or travelling.

This is a seismic moment because, for the longest time, Pixel phones have lacked a charging feature that the iPhone has had since 2020. It no longer feels like the Pixel has a glaring gap in its charging arsenal.

On top of magnetic charger support, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a larger 5200mAh battery compared to the 9 Pro XL’s 5060mAh unit, and supports 45W wired charging. Overall, we came away very impressed by the advancements made by Google in the charging department.

Summary

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. There’s little immediate difference between it and the previous generation, but when you get under the hood, the reasons to become excited are clear. The overhauled Tensor G5 processor and support for Qi2 magnetic chargers are significant-enough additions to recommend the Pixel 10 Pro XL, even if you already own a 9-series handset.

Curious about picking up the Pixel 10 Pro XL but you’re not sure what to do about your old data? Our smartphone experts have put together a step-by-step guide detailing what to do.