Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Subtle Upgrades Smarter Experience

The Pixel 10 Pro: Familiar, Yet Fantastically Evolved.

While echoes of the 9 Pro resonate within, the 10 Pro whispers promises of refined power. The most noticeable change? A magnetic embrace – Qi2 wireless charging enters the fray. Note, however, this isn’t the full Qi2.2 experience found on the rumored Pixel 10 Pro XL; it’s capped at a respectable 15W. Beyond the magnetic allure, a new, more efficient processor hums beneath the surface, unlocking a surge of AI smarts and elevating the already stellar camera system to new heights.

But is the Google Pixel 10 Pro worth your money? Let’s find out.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 10 Pro: Google’s iPhone Ambitions Crystallize. Google’s Pixel design has found its footing, and the 10 Pro isn’t about to break the mold. The Pixel 9 redesigned everything – flat sides, crisp edges, an aesthetic echoing a certain fruit-named competitor. Call it a calculated play. While Google welcomes stragglers from Samsung and OnePlus, their sights are clearly set on a bigger target: poaching iPhone loyalists. The Pixel 10 Pro is the sharpened spearhead of that ambition.

Forget a radical redesign; the Pixel 10 Pro is playing it safe. Side-by-side with its predecessors, the 9 Pro and Pro XL, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference. The real shakeup? Say goodbye to the SIM card in the U.S. Google’s betting big on eSIM, leaving physical SIM cards behind for good. International travelers, fear not: a SIM tray persists, cleverly relocated to the top edge.

The phone’s dimensions are a deceptive echo of its predecessor. Only a meticulous eye, armed with calipers, will discern the barely-there 0.1mm expansion. This slight thickening, however, houses the powerhouse 5,200mAh battery and the innovative PixelSnap magnetic system. The rest is a familiar, elegant dance of polished aluminum framing a glass back. Prepare for a love-hate relationship: breathtakingly beautiful straight from the box, yet a magnet for unsightly fingerprints. To preserve its pristine allure, be prepared to embrace a case or commit to frequent polishing.

Hate the Pixel 9’s design? Prepare for déjà vu. Google’s rumored to be hitting repeat, so the Pixel 10, 11, and even 12 will likely offer only the subtlest of aesthetic shifts. If you’re not a fan now, don’t hold your breath for a radical makeover anytime soon.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Display

Forget squinting. The Pixel 10 Pro just laughs at the sun. Google didn’t just tweak the display; they injected it with pure, radiant power. We’re talking a scorching 3,300 nits at peak, and a still-blazing 2,200 nits in high brightness mode. While you won’t see those numbersallthe time, the message is clear: Sunlight? No problem. But here’s the kicker: unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or iPhone 16 Pro Max, which dim faster than a dying star when things get hot, the Pixel 10 Pro keeps shining. Even the future iPhone 17 Pro Max only matches that 3,300-nit peak. Consider your retinas warned.

The display is classic Google: a stunning OLED canvas where blacks are bottomless, colors explode, and every movie, show, and cat video becomes an event. Topping it off is the virtually indestructible Gorilla Glass Victus 2, your trusty shield against the daily grind of scratches and the occasional heart-stopping drop.

Forget the eye-searing hues; the Pixel 10 Pro champions reality. While Samsung cranks up the saturation to eleven, Google doubles down on naturalism. The result? Colors that feel authentic, not artificial, creating visuals that are both captivating and comfortable for extended viewing. It’s a masterclass in subtle brilliance.

The Pixel 10 Pro’s screen isn’t reinventing the wheel, but consider it a masterclass in refinement. It’s less about groundbreaking innovation and more about perfecting the essentials, elevating a superb display to something truly exceptional where it matters most.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Performance

Pixel season is upon us, and the tech world’s gaze is laser-focused on the all-new Tensor G5. This year marks a pivotal shift: Google has broken free from Samsung’s foundries, entrusting TSMC’s cutting-edge N3E process to forge its silicon dreams. Whispers of a performance revolution – maybe even a Snapdragon 8 Elite dethroning – instantly ignited. But chasing raw power has never been Google’s true north. Their ambition lies in a different realm: unwavering consistency, masterful efficiency, and unlocking a treasure trove of Pixel-exclusive magic. This year, that magic includes a bespoke Image Signal Processor (ISP), meticulously crafted to elevate the Pixel camera to unprecedented heights. We’ll be diving deep into its capabilities later in this review.

The Tensor G5? After a few days, it simply vanished. Not in a puff of smoke, but in the best possible way. Performance became effortless, the phone stayed ice-cold, and the silicon anxiety I usually carry? Gone. It justworked. So flawlessly, in fact, that the cutting-edge chip inside faded into the background, letting me focus on… well, everything else. And honestly, that’s exactly what I want from a phone processor.

Benchmarks don’t reveal the complete picture, especially with the Pixel 10 Pro. Specs might suggest it’s not a gaming beast, and chasing peak FPS in every game? A dedicated gaming phone would be a better fit. However, the Pixel 10 Pro surprisingly handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact with ease. It’s not going to blow your mind, but delivers perfectly adequate gaming performance for most users.

Forget spec wars. Google isn’t playing that game with the Tensor G5. They’re crafting a Pixel experience so smooth, so intuitive, it anticipates your every move. The G5 isn’t about benchmark bragging rights; it’s about making your Pixel vanish into the background, leaving you with pure, unadulterated digital flow. And that’s precisely what it delivers.

Benchmarks

Alright, let’s address the elephant: benchmarks. The Tensor G5 in the Pixel 9 isn’t shattering any records, but consider it a refined beast a noticeable evolution from the G4.

Early Geekbench 6 results for the Pixel 10 Pro are in, but with a major asterisk. Due to pre-release software and a significantly underclocked GPU, the initial score is, frankly, underwhelming. Think of it as a tantalizing glimpse behind a curtain, not the full performance reveal. We’re holding off on final judgment until the retail version hits our labs. Once the software is finalized and the GPU unleashed, we’ll revisit these benchmarks. For now, consider this a preview. So, how does thispreviewof the Pixel 10 Pro stack up against the Pixel 9 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the OPPO Find X8 Pro? Let’s take a look… (knowing these numbers will likely change).

To understand the generational leaps in mobile processing power, we’re pitting the Pixel 9 Pro (Tensor G5) against its predecessor (Tensor G4). But the real showdown is between the future’s titans: the Galaxy S25 Ultra wielding the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and the OPPO Find X8 Pro powered by the Dimensity 9400. Get ready for a glimpse into 2025’s mobile landscape.

| Device | Geekbench Single | Geekbench Multi | Geekbench GPU | | — | — | — | — | | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 1,708 | 4,441 | 2,839 | | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 1,947 | 4,654 | 6,464 | | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 3,128 | 9,793 | 18,379 | | OPPO Find X8 Pro | 2,790 | 8,285 | 21,502 |

Google’s being coy about the Tensor G5’s performance jump over the G4, only hinting at "faster." But the numbers tell a different story. Geekbench scores reveal a significant leap: expect roughly 16% quicker single-core processing and a blistering 29% boost in multi-core performance. Keep in mind the GPU’s currently throttled, so those graphics scores? Toss them out the window – they don’t reflect the final silicon’s true potential.

AnTuTu is the ultimate device stress test. It pushes every component to its limit, scrutinizing storage speed, RAM performance, CPU prowess, and everything else under the hood. Let’s see how this device measures up!

| Device | AnTuTu | | — | — | | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 1,415,002 | | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 1,148,512 | | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 2,439,788 | | OPPO Find X8 Pro | 2,552,179 |

The AnTuTu benchmark tells a predictable story: a performance bump over the Tensor G4, yet it remains eclipsed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and the rumored Find X8 Pro powerhouse.

Our final trial pushes each device to its creative limit: a 4K60 video export. We unleash Capcut on a standardized 60second clip and clock the time it takes for each contender to render the final product. While these exports are typically swift, the subtle differences in processing power become strikingly clear. Ready to see who reigns supreme in the video rendering arena? The results are in.

| Device | Capcut time | | — | — | | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 8.7 seconds | | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 12.7 | | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 5.56 | | OPPO Find X8 Pro | 7.01 |

While the Tensor G4 shows a respectable performance jump over last year’s model, it still trails the competition’s top-tier silicon – a predictable outcome. This reinforces a crucial point: benchmark numbers aren’t the ultimate measure of a device’s real-world capabilities.

Thermals

Let’s crank up the heat and dive into thermals! We’re not just taking temperatures; we’re pushing these devices to their breaking points with four brutal tests. Our weapon of choice? The 3DMark Wildlife Extreme Stress Test. Think of it as digital torture, forcing the hardware to scream for mercy as it mimics the most demanding gaming scenarios. This isn’t just about seeing numbers; it’s about exposing how far manufacturers are willing to let their creations run before the dreaded throttling kicks in, a critical point that reveals a lot about their design philosophy.

| Device | 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme Stress Test | | — | — | | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 109°F | | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 109.5°| | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 104.1°| | OPPO Find X8 Pro | 109.9°|

The Pixel 10 Pro manages to keep its cool, registering a slightly lower temperature. While a welcome improvement, it doesn’t quite reach the chilling heights achieved by the Galaxy S25 Ultra. With most devices peaking between 109111 <strong > °</strong> in this stress test, Google’s playing in the expected ballpark.

Prepare for a visual onslaught! We’re cranking Genshin Impact to its absolute limit: max graphics, blinding brightness. One hour. Let’s see if this phone melts first or I do. This game isn’t just beautiful; it’s a digital stress test.

| Device | Genshin Impact Test | | — | — | | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 105.8°F | | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 109.9°| | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 95.1°| | OPPO Find X8 Pro | 95.6°|

Similar results here as with the 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme Stress Test, which is not a surprise at all.

Now, let’s put the video capabilities to the test. We’re pushing the limits, recording in stunning 4K at 60 frames per second for a full 10 minutes. Will it hold up, or will things get a little too hot? We’ll check the temperature at the 5-minute mark, then again at the grand finale. Prepare for a nail-biting finish, but don’t expect major surprises; this test usually delivers results with subtle variations compared to our other trials.

| Device | 4K60 Video Recording (5m) | 4K60 Video Recording (10m) | | — | — | — | | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 94.6°F | 98.7°F | | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 94.8°| 99°| | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 94.4°| 97.8°| | OPPO Find X8 Pro | 92.8°| 95.7°|

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is keeping its cool, and here’s why: thermal performance is impressive. A generously sized vapor chamber inside is doing the heavy lifting, promising even more exciting results when we dive into a full review. Meanwhile, the standard Pixel 10 misses out on this crucial cooling tech.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Battery Life and Charging

For years, Pixel owners have whispered the same anxious prayer with each new phone: "Please, Google, let this one last a full day." The Pixel 10 Pro answers that plea, albeit not with a resounding hallelujah. While it won’t set any endurance records, the battery life finally graduates from "barely there" to a respectable, dependable performance. Consider it a sigh of relief, not a victory parade.

Crushing through a full day and often stretching into the next morning? That’s the Pixel 10 Pro’s battery life in action, consistently delivering a solid 7-8 hours of screen-on time. Forget clinging to a charger. For me, six hours is "good," and this Pixel breezes past that. We’re not quite talking about mythical 10-hour territory, a realm usually reserved for the OnePlus and OPPO elite, but the Pixel 10 Pro firmly plants itself in the "good" battery life camp, a reliable workhorse you can depend on.

Google’s charging still trails the pack. While officially boasting a 70% charge in 30 minutes with a 45W adapter, real-world results tell a different story – more like 37-40W. Surprisingly, I actually surpassed that 70% mark in the same timeframe. But remember, charging speeds are finicky beasts, wildly influenced by environmental factors. So, your charging journey could be faster, slower, or somewhere in between.

Battery anxiety? Not here. Even with all-day power, the charging is so effortless it’s a non-issue. I simply set it on my PixelSnap or MagSafe dock before bed, just like my iPhone, and wake up to a full charge. Honestly, for most of us, that’s all we’ll ever need.

PixelSnap is finally here!

Forget proprietary pitfalls! Google’s PixelSnap, their take on MagSafe powered by Qi2 (or even Qi2.2 in the rumored Pixel 10 Pro XL), unleashes wireless charging at a blazing-fast 25W. Finally, true freedom from walled-garden chargers like OnePlus’ approach with the OnePlus 13.

PixelSnap unleashes the true potential of the Pixel 10’s built-in magnets. Forget clunky cases seamlessly attach MagSafe accessories like the Spigen MagFit Wallet or grip-enhancing rings directly to your phone. Unlike the Galaxy S25, the Pixel 10 offers native magnetic connectivity, opening a world of effortless convenience.

Benchmarks

Here’s how we drain a phone battery like a pro: We juice it to 100%, then give it an extra hour plugged in – because some phones are liars, flashing 100% when they’re still secretly sipping power (looking at you, OnePlus!). Next, we crank the screen brightness to a searing 200 nits – bright enough to feel the burn, but fair for every phone. Finally, the endurance test: a nonstop YouTube marathon until that battery hits the dreaded 1% mark.

The Pixel 10 Pro doesn’t just sip power, it practically sips sunshine. Clocking in at a staggering 23 hours and 43 minutes, it not only demolishes its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro, by nearly two hours but also snatches the battery crown from the mighty Galaxy S25 Ultra. Breaking the 24-hour barrier is legendary territory, and Google’s tantalizingly close to achieving battery immortality.

From a near-empty battery, the Google Pixel 10 Pro springs to full life in roughly one hour and 32 minutes when plugged into a high-speed charger. That’s a shade quicker than last year’s Pixel 9 Pro, despite the slight difference in battery size.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Software

Forget day-one updates. The Pixel 10 Pro arrives packing a futuristic punch: Android 16 QPR1, fresh from the oven. Remember the Pixel 9’s Android 14 launch day wait for Android 15? That’s ancient history. Buckle up for seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates – your Pixel 10 Pro will be kicking well into the next decade.

Android 16 isn’t just an update; it’s the debutante ball for Material 3 Expressive. I’ve been courting this interface on my Pixel 9 Pro since Google I/O, and let me tell you, it’s a whirlwind romance. Initially, it’s a dance of unfamiliar steps, but once you find the rhythm, it’s exhilarating. Material 3 Expressive is a daring makeover, a visual rebellion against the mundane. While some may clutch their pearls at the audacity of it all, I see a confident Pixel, finally stepping out of the shadows and owning its unique style.

Forget toggling between apps. Google’s Magic Cue is like having a mind-reading assistant baked directly into your phone. Imagine this: a friend texts "Dinner tonight?". Pop! Magic Cue suggests sharing your favorite restaurant’s location. Mid-call with the airline? Your flight details magically appear. It’s surprisingly slick, though I wrestled with beta gremlins to get it running. While not perfect – it stumbled on my next flight query – Google promises it learns over time. Think of it as an AI apprentice, slowly mastering your digital life. The more data it absorbs, the smarter (and hopefully more reliable) it becomes. Consider Magic Cue a glimpse into a future where your phone anticipates your needs.

Imagine effortlessly conversing with someone across the globe, language barriers dissolving in real-time. The Pixel 10 promises just that with its Live Translation feature during calls. While not perfect, this instantaneous translation across multiple languages requiring only one Pixel 10 user is a game-changer, particularly for globetrotters. Forget clunky translation apps; the Tensor G5’s sheer processing power and on-device LLMs make it sing. Older Pixels? Sadly, they’re left in the dust; this magic is exclusive to the Pixel 10’s cutting-edge tech.

Forget your morning scroll! Buried within Google’s Discover feed lies the "Daily Brief," a curious little experiment called the Daily Hub. Think of it as Google’s answer to Samsung’s Now Bar, a personalized dashboard surfacing weather updates, tantalizing YouTube recommendations, helpful Gemini suggestions, inbox summaries, and those oh-so-important calendar reminders. Currently, the Daily Hub feels more like a glimpse into Google’s potential future than an indispensable tool. However, knowing Google’s history of iterative innovation, this seed of an idea has the potential to blossom into something truly extraordinary.

The Pixel 10 Pro’s software? Think silk draped over lightning. Tensor G5 makes everything liquid smooth and blazingly fast. Sure, a few fledgling features like Magic Cue and Daily Hub feel a tad…raw. But fear not! Google’s cooking up refinements with QPR updates slated for September and December. Expect these rookies to become seasoned pros in no time.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Camera

Pixel 10 Pro: Same Lenses, Brand New Brain.

Don’t expect a camera hardware revolution with the Pixel 10 Pro. Google’s playing a different game. They’re not chasing spec sheets; they’re building image magic. The lens trio remains familiar – a workhorse 50MP main, a sweeping 48MP ultrawide, and a powerful 48MP 5x telephoto. Solid, reliable… but the real leap? Google finally owns the entire imaging process. They’ve crafted a custom-built ISP, meaning every photon, from initial capture to the final dazzling image, is shaped by Google’s silicon. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete reimagining of mobile photography.

Pixel loyalists, breathe easy. Despite the tech under the hood, the core Pixel photo experience remains reassuringly consistent. Forget garish, overblown colors; what you see through the lens is what you get. That unwavering commitment to true-to-life accuracy, a deliberate departure from Samsung’s vibrant, sometimes exaggerated hues, is precisely why so many photographers remain steadfastly in the Pixel camp: they trust the image, implicitly.

The Pixel 10 Pro’s camera? A revelation. I ditched my usual setup the moment it landed in my hands, a decision cemented by a pre-IFA 2025 trip to Berlin. The city became my testing ground, its vibrant streets and iconic landmarks the subjects of countless shots during our IFA coverage. The result? A portfolio of images that speak for themselves. Prepare to be amazed.

Alexanderplatz, Berlin: A whirlwind of concrete and cutting-edge tech. I traded the iconic TV Tower for the flashing screens of IFA, camera in hand, capturing the pulse of innovation. This gallery dives into the heart of both. Expect stark architectural lines juxtaposed with the sleek curves of tomorrow’s gadgets – my signature Berlin blend. And for those who crave detail, a special treat: a 10x zoom lens into Lenovo’s IFA keynote. See their latest creations unveiled, front and center. Scroll through and experience the future, one pixel at a time.

"Feast your eyes on these images! To keep your loading time lightning-fast, they’ve been optimized to 1280×720. Rest assured, though beyond this subtle tweak for speed, what you see is pure, unadulterated visual delight, untouched and unfiltered."

But the real magic? Say hello to Camera Coach, powered by the brains of Gemini AI. Forget awkward angles and crooked horizons! This feature acts as your personal photography guru, whispering real-time advice to straighten lines, perfect your composition, and nail that killer shot. Think subtle nudges, not heavy-handed edits – the kind of instant feedback that transforms everyday snapshots into frame-worthy masterpieces, especially for those of us who just point and shoot.

Google Photos isn’t just organizing your memories; it’s becoming a magician. Forget basic sliders; Google’s flexing serious AI muscle. Its auto-enhance is like a personal lighting and focus crew reviving dull snapshots and sharpening details you never knew existed. Sure, it’s a tad slow, but the before-and-after will have you hooked. But therealmagic? "Ask Photos." Type in vague wishes like "make it pop," and Gemini, Google’s AI, steps in as your digital genie, reinterpreting and enhancing your image. Prepare to be amazed.

Google’s doubling down on AI, but also walking the transparency tightrope with its new phone. Buried within the camera app is a C2PA Content Credentials system – a first for smartphones – that subtly flags AI-altered images. Dive into a photo’s info and you’ll discover its origin story: straight from the lens, or touched by digital magic. It’s a softer approach than Samsung’s in-your-face watermarks, a whisper of authenticity in a world of increasingly believable fakes.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL’s camera: a steadfast workhorse. Colors pop with truth, and clever software stands ready. Yet, something’s missing. The OPPO Find X8 Ultra, with its audacious hardware, whispers of photographic possibilities just beyond the Pixel’s reach. For the pixel-peeping pro, that difference matters. But for everyday brilliance, the Pixel 10 Pro XL delivers unwavering, dependable results.

Should you buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro?

So, you’re eyeing the latest Pixel, fresh off a Pixel 9 Pro, or even an 8 Pro? Hold on a second. Think less "leap forward" and more "gentle nudge." We’re talking refinements here, not a reinvention of the wheel. The sleek design you already love? Still there. That incredible camera? Virtually untouched. And while the Tensor G5 chip brings a whisper of extra efficiency, don’t expect warp speed compared to your current Pixel’s performance in everyday tasks.

Thinking of trading up from a Pixel 7 or older? The Pixel 10 Pro isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a quantum leap. Prepare to be floored by the Tensor G5 chip, forged by TSMC, delivering a performance surge that banishes lag and tames heat. AI features that once sputtered now sing. But the real magic? Say goodbye to dropped calls. The modem is a connectivity ninja, locking onto signals with an iron grip. And that’s not all – bask in the glow of a brighter-than-ever display, fueled by a battery that laughs at long days. PixelSnap wireless charging adds effortless convenience, and with seven years of software updates, this phone isn’t just keeping up; it’s building the future, today. Google’s finally future-proofing your pocket.

Smartphones have hit a plateau. Forget revolutionary leaps; the future is in the fine print. Think subtle but significant: battery life that sips power, AI that anticipates your needs, software support that stretches for years, and designs honed for effortless use. Innovation now whispers, not shouts.

You should buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro if:

• You have a phone that is at least 2 years old.
• You want a phone that will be supported for at least 7 years.
• You want a phone with a good camera and battery life.

You should not buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro if:

• You want the latest and greatest specs and the best benchmark scores.
• You want the absolute best camera on the market.
• You want the absolute best battery life on the market.

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