Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL Launch: Google has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, blending evolutionary design upgrades with advanced AI-driven features. The devices, set to hit shelves on August 28, promise improved performance, smarter photography, and longer-lasting efficiency thanks to the Tensor G5 processor and Android 16.
Design and Performance: Evolution, Not Revolution
The Pixel 10 Pro series builds upon the sleek design of the Pixel 9 Pro, keeping its premium look while making subtle refinements. Powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, Google says the phones offer better speed and energy efficiency compared to last year’s Tensor G4.
Both models come with 16GB RAM and offer significant power under the hood. The Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999 (128GB storage), while the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199 (256GB storage), reflecting the removal of the smaller 128GB option for the XL variant.
Pixel 10 Pro vs. Pro XL: What’s Different?
At first glance, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL appear nearly identical. The main distinction is in size:
- Pixel 10 Pro: 6.3-inch display, 4,870 mAh battery, 30W wired charging.
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch display, 5,200 mAh battery, and slightly faster 45W wired charging.
Both models share the same processing power, software features, and camera systems, leaving the decision largely up to user preference for compact portability versus immersive big-screen use.
Cameras: AI Takes the Lead
The Pixel 10 Pro series maintains Google’s reputation for photography excellence. The triple-lens rear setup includes:
- 50MP main sensor (f/1.68 aperture)
- 48MP ultrawide camera
- 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom
Photos shot in Paris during testing demonstrated crisp details, vibrant colors, and balanced exposures across all lenses. The 5x zoom remains sharp, while digital zoom extends up to 30x before Google’s new ProRes Zoom AI takes over. At 100x zoom, AI reconstruction creates surprisingly clear images of static objects like buildings, though results vary with moving subjects.
Other AI-driven camera features include:
- Camera Coach: Provides real-time photography tips.
- Auto Best Take: Seamlessly merges group photos so no one is caught blinking.
- AI Editing Tools: Simple prompts like “erase the crowds” or “fix the lighting” enable intuitive photo adjustments.
Notably, Google says AI will not alter human faces to avoid misrepresentation, addressing ethical concerns about generative AI in photography.
Pricing and Availability
- Pixel 10 Pro: $999 (£999, AU$1,699) – 128GB storage
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: $1,199 (£1,199, AU$1,999) – 256GB storage
Both phones are available for preorder now and will officially launch on August 28, 2025.
The Verdict So Far
The Pixel 10 Pro series doesn’t reinvent the smartphone wheel but instead refines it with AI-driven enhancements, powerful hardware, and excellent cameras. For photography enthusiasts, especially those eager to explore Google’s new AI imaging tools, the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s larger screen and stronger battery may be the better choice, while the Pixel 10 Pro remains a more compact and affordable flagship option.
