Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Big Hype, Small Upgrades — Still a Software Superstar

Introduction

If you were hoping for major innovation from Google’s latest flagship, you might want to keep your expectations in check. Just like the recent iPhones, Galaxies, and Pixels before it, the new Pixel 10 series doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel.

The regular Pixel 10 gets a camera refresh (though not everyone’s impressed), while the Pixel 10 Pro brings subtle but noticeable upgrades — a new AI-powered chipset, slightly bigger battery, brighter display, and improved wireless charging with magnetic Qi2 support.

On paper, it sounds exciting. But does it really deliver something new? Let’s find out.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 152.8×72.0×8.5mm, 207g
• Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front and back), aluminum frame, IP68 water and dust resistance
• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, up to 3,300 nits peak brightness, 1280×2856px resolution
• Chipset: Google Tensor G5 (3nm, made by TSMC)
• Memory: 16GB RAM with 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage
• Rear Cameras:
  • 50MP main (f/1.7, OIS)
  • 48MP ultra-wide (f/1.7, 123°)
  • 48MP telephoto (f/2.8, 5x optical zoom)
• Front Camera: 42MP ultra-wide
• Battery: 4,870mAh, 30W wired, 15W Qi2 wireless with magnets, reverse wired charging
• OS: Android 16 (7 years of updates promised)
• Extras: Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, UWB support, Satellite SOS, Circle to Search

Design: Familiar but Still Sleek

At first glance, the Pixel 10 Pro looks nearly identical to last year’s model — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Google’s iconic “visor-style” rear camera design, first seen on the Pixel 6, continues to give it a distinct look.

The Pro model gets a frosted glass back and glossy frame, while the standard Pixel 10 swaps that with a glossy back and matte frame. Both feel premium thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both sides and an aluminum frame.

Of course, the Pixel 10 Pro keeps the IP68 water and dust resistance that’s now standard for flagship phones.

Display: Brighter Than Ever

The 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display is sharp, colorful, and silky smooth with its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. It supports HDR10+ and reaches an impressive 3,300 nits peak brightness — technically brighter than last year’s Pixel 9 Pro.

In real-world testing, the difference is minimal, but it’s still among the brightest screens you can buy. For reference, it even beats the iPhone 16 Pro by around 600 nits in peak output.

So yes, Google didn’t change much — but what’s here is already excellent.

Battery Life: A Step Back

Google slightly bumped the battery to 4,870mAh, just 170mAh more than the Pixel 9 Pro. Unfortunately, the real-world performance is underwhelming.

In tests, the Pixel 10 Pro lasted shorter than its predecessor across most use cases — from web browsing and video playback to gaming. The total “Active Use Score” averaged around 10 hours, which feels mediocre for a 2025 flagship.

To make matters worse, Google still uses conventional graphite batteries, not newer silicon-carbon ones that competitors are adopting.

Charging Speed: Still Too Slow

Despite Google’s claim of 55% in 30 minutes with a 30W charger, actual results tell a different story. Testing showed only 45% charge in half an hour and a full charge taking over 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Wireless charging sees an upgrade with the new Qi2 magnetic system — handy if you like snap-on accessories — but the speed caps at 15W.

Software: Where Pixel Shines Brightest

Here’s where Google continues to dominate. The Pixel 10 Pro ships with Android 16, offering a smooth and beautifully polished experience that’s hard to match.

The Material 3 Expressive UI adds fluid animations and dynamic visuals, while new features like real-time notification updates for food deliveries or rides make everyday use smarter.

Most of the real improvements, however, come from AI — an area where Google leads the pack. Expect on-device Gemini Nano integration, smarter photo tools, and intelligent features throughout the OS.

Plus, Google promises seven years of full software updates, which easily beats most Android rivals.

Performance: AI Takes the Lead

The Pixel 10 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chip, now made by TSMC instead of Samsung. Google claims 34% faster CPU performance and 60% more powerful AI processing than before.

While it’s not the fastest chipset around (you’ll find stronger numbers from Qualcomm and Apple), Google’s focus is clear — better AI and real-world usability over raw speed.

All variants come with 16GB RAM, but the 128GB base model still uses slower UFS 3.1 storage, which feels outdated in 2025. If you’re buying this phone, the 256GB version is the real sweet spot.

Cameras: Great But Not Groundbreaking

Google hasn’t shaken things up here either. The triple camera setup looks nearly identical to last year’s Pixel 9 Pro:

• 50MP main sensor
• 48MP ultra-wide
• 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

Photos are typically Pixel-like — clean, detailed, and balanced — but hardware-wise, Google lags behind brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Samsung, which are pushing bigger sensors and periscope setups.

Video performance is solid, and the 42MP front camera captures wide, sharp selfies, but overall, there’s nothing revolutionary about the setup.

Verdict: Still Smart, Just Not Exciting

The Pixel 10 Pro feels like a phone that’s great at what Google does best — software and AI — but not much more.

Its display is among the brightest, its design remains iconic, and its AI-driven Android experience is unmatched. However, slow charging, mediocre battery life, and stagnant camera hardware make it hard to justify the “Pro” price tag.

If you love clean Android, timely updates, and Google’s growing AI ecosystem, the Pixel 10 Pro will make you happy. But if you’re chasing cutting-edge performance or camera innovation, the competition has already moved ahead.