The yearly refresh of Google’s Pixel lineup is always thrilling. The hardware of the Pixel is noteworthy, and the rear visor is becoming a signature feature. The software boasts one of the finest user interfaces within the Android ecosystem, packed with numerous features to discover. Anecdotally, I’ve observed an uptick in Pixel phones in public spaces during 2025, extending beyond just tech aficionados. The market share may not be substantial yet, but it’s on the rise.
This year’s Pixel 10 Pro update doesn’t unveil as many new features as in previous iterations, and not all modifications are favorable. Some of Google’s choices with this device don’t resonate with me, and it isn’t solely about having Jimmy Fallon as the host for the Made by Google event.
All in all, the phone offers a pleasant user experience, primarily attributed to the camera bump at the back. Google asserted that the new flagship Pixel would feature the world’s premier phone camera, and it appears to fulfill that promise. I’ve been using the Pixel 10 Pro for nearly a week, and here are my first impressions. There’s a lot to admire in this phone (and the closely related Pixel 10 Pro XL), so let’s get started.
Pixel 10 Pro specifications and design: Same old, same old
Let’s begin with the specifications:
Processor: Google Tensor G5 chipset
Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto
Front camera: 48MP
Display: 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display (1280×2856 resolution)
Refresh rate: 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
Brightness: 3,300 nits peak brightness
RAM: 16GB RAM
Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
Battery: 4,870mAh battery
In terms of design, Google has kept the familiar aesthetic of the Pixel line. The device dimensions are identical to its predecessor. The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are so alike that I inadvertently grabbed the Pixel 10 for camera testing and only realized it 30 minutes into my drive.
The Google-engineered Tensor G5 processor, crafted on a 3nm process, aligns the Pixel with other contemporary flagships. It comes with 16GB of RAM, but I received the 128GB model, which is already 56 percent filled — not ideal! It’s time for 256GB to become the standard, especially for a flagship device. At least Google provides options for cloud storage uploads.
The battery sees a modest 3 percent upgrade over last year’s Pro version. The major improvement is the addition of wireless Qi2 charging across all Pixel 10 series phones, equipped with magnets. Pixelsnap charging accessories are now available. This is fantastic for me as a MagSafe aficionado.
This could be considered the first widely available phone with integrated magnet support. It was about time.
I love Pixel software, but some AI functionalities seem underdeveloped
For Android enthusiasts, Pixel software is arguably the best available. It maintains a clean interface and provides enjoyable interactions throughout the operating system. Two new AI features, Daily Hub and Magic Cue, have both strengths and weaknesses. Both are driven by Google’s onboard AI.
The Daily Hub offers a recap of your day at the top of your Google Discover feed. Tap it for a summary derived from your calendar, emails, and preferences. It displays upcoming events and reminders, along with YouTube suggestions based on your platform usage.
Magic Cue, in principle, assists in managing information from multiple sources, presenting it when necessary. It operates within the Messages app, suggesting autocompleted fields for contact details. However, Magic Cue depends on a range of apps working collaboratively, and my review unit lacked some of the required software. After some help from Google, I was able to partially fix the issue.
Magic Cue functioned for contact details but needed app switching for flight information. It failed to retrieve my Global Entry number from a pinned Google Keep note. When contacting United Airlines, it suggested a travel voucher rather than my itinerary, which would have been more beneficial.
Magic Cue is on the right track, surpassing some other companies’ AI implementations, but it isn’t fully matured yet. It could enhance over time,