The Pixel 10 Pro XL may not have broken new ground in design, but it still delivers what most people expect from Google’s flagship: a fun, clever, and distinctly “Pixel” kind of Android experience. This year, Google has gone all in on Gemini, weaving the AI assistant into almost every corner of the phone. Some features are exclusive, others are refinements of what’s already out there, but the message is clear: this is the company’s most AI-heavy smartphone yet.
Of course, it’s not just about software. There are hardware improvements too, though how much of that you’ll actually feel depends on what you use the phone for.
Last year’s model left a solid impression, so expectations were high for its successor. The question is, does the Pixel 10 Pro XL deliver?
Specifications
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chip, built in collaboration with DeepMind to unlock on-device generative AI experiences through Gemini Nano. It sports a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 3,300 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Storage options range up to 1TB, paired with 16GB of RAM, and certain models feature Zoned UFS storage for faster app loads.
Battery capacity is rated at 5,200mAh with support for 45W wired charging and 25W via the new Pixelsnap magnetic wireless system. Other key features include an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, face unlock, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, improved stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, as well as a triple rear camera setup (50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto) and a 42MP front shooter.
Design & Functionality
Let’s not dance around it: the Pixel 10 Pro XL looks almost identical to last year’s model. Unless you’re holding them side by side, you probably wouldn’t notice the difference. For newcomers, this familiarity won’t matter, but those expecting drastic changes may be left wanting.
Still, it remains comfortable to hold, serviceable for one-handed use, and not overly heavy. The visor-style camera bar continues to distinguish it from other smartphones.
The Material 3 Expressive interface complements the hardware nicely, providing a clean, customisable UI with no third-party bloatware. Google power users will especially appreciate the tight integration of Gemini-powered services.
As for the new stuff, there’s the cross-app Magic Cue tool that’s supposed to handle reminders, scheduling, and message drafting. In theory, it sounds brilliant. In practice… I couldn’t get it to work properly even after enabling it in settings.
Other features unique to the Pro line, such as the temperature sensor and Thermometer app, return without major changes. Additionally, the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is quick, and the speakers are decent for personal use, though not a substitute for dedicated audio gear.
Performance & Battery
The Pixel 10 Pro XL’s 6.8-inch Super Actua panel impresses with sharp visuals, high brightness, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Without question, it is well suited for tasks such as image editing, media consumption, and general use.
However, performance continues to be the device’s Achilles’ heel. While everyday use is fluid, demanding games like Genshin Impact, Destiny: Rising or Wuthering Waves struggle, often running below 40fps with frame drops during heavy action. On the bright side, thermal management is commendable, with heat rarely reaching uncomfortable levels outside benchmarks.
Battery life, meanwhile, is a highlight. In testing, the phone managed over 23 hours when running our continuous video streaming test, and lasted more than two days in mixed real-world use. The Tensor G5 chipset may fall short in raw power, but it proves efficient in stretching the XL’s sizeable battery.
Camera
If there’s one thing the Pixel series continues to nail, it’s the camera experience. Its triple rear camera setup produces detailed, vibrant shots with natural colour balance, especially in daylight. Low-light performance is still good, though noise and artifacts become noticeable under poorer conditions, particularly when previewed on larger screens.
AI enhancements mostly shine through the Pro Res Zoom feature, which uses generative techniques to preserve details beyond 30x zoom. While it helps in some cases, results can appear artificial when attempting to reconstruct text or faces.
New features include 50MP Portrait Mode, Auto Best Take for compositing ideal shots, and Camera Coach for real-time suggestions. The Pixel 10 series is also the first to include C2PA Content Credentials, ensuring authenticity of captured images.
Video recording capabilities mirror last year’s model, with up to 8K at 30fps and smoother frame rates at lower resolutions. Daytime videos excel, while low-light recordings vary depending on conditions. Meanwhile, the 42MP front camera delivers sharp and detailed selfies, though improvements over its predecessor are modest.
Photo Samples
Conclusion
At RM5,999 for the 256GB model, the Pixel 10 Pro XL sits in a competitive flagship bracket. This is especially when rivals offer stronger performance and faster charging at similar or even lower prices. While it improves upon its predecessor in some areas, particularly with new AI-driven features and excellent battery life, this year’s Pro XL remains hampered by middling performance that prevents it from being a true all-rounder.
Regardless, those seeking a clean Android experience, superior cameras and a device free from third-party clutter, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is still an appealing option. And don’t forget, it offer a very distinct design. But if raw performance or gaming is your priority, better alternatives exist at this price point.
