Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Android 16, 7-Year Updates, Pro Zoom

Google has expanded its smartphone lineup with the launch of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, a device positioned as the company’s strongest push into the premium smartphone market. The announcement follows a high-profile global unveiling featuring popular entertainment personalities, signaling a shift in strategy to make Pixel a mainstream competitor. India is a major focus for this rollout, supported by promotional offers, Google One benefits, and the company’s dedicated online store.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL introduces a range of hardware and software updates, sharing most of its features with the smaller Pixel 10 Pro, aside from differences in battery capacity and screen size. Both devices are now available for purchase in India.

The Pixel 10 Pro is priced at Rs 1,09,999 and comes with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and four color choices: Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian. The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at Rs 1,24,999 with identical memory and storage options, but only Moonstone, Jade, and Obsidian are available for the larger variant.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a polished aluminum frame, matte glass back, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, all packed into an IP68-rated design. The camera bar remains a defining feature, though it adds slight wobble when placed flat. The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen offers a 2992 x 1344 resolution with a 1Hz–120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Users get an in-display fingerprint scanner, an always-on display, and face unlock support, though the latter is slower than some competitors. The smaller Pixel 10 Pro provides the same premium materials with a more compact footprint.

Shipped with Android 16, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is backed by seven years of OS and security updates. Material 3 Expressive design offers a customizable interface and tight integration with Google apps. AI-driven tools are central to this release, powered by the Tensor G5 processor and Gemini Nano. Features such as Magic Cue summarize conversations and meetings, while Voice Image Edit allows voice-controlled photo editing within Google Photos. These enhancements emphasize on-device AI processing and aim to streamline daily tasks.

The Tensor G5 chip, manufactured by TSMC, reflects Google’s shift from a photography-first device to one that also competes on performance. Benchmark tests place it behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite in raw numbers, but everyday performance remains consistent. Intensive gaming can cause heating, but general multitasking is smooth.

Battery life is supported by a 5200mAh cell, delivering around seven hours of screen time per charge. Wired charging is capped at 45W, taking over an hour to fully charge. Wireless charging is faster at 25W on the XL model and 15W on the Pro. Google has also introduced Pixel Snap, offering compatibility with MagSafe accessories.

The triple-camera array includes a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom. AI-assisted Pro Res Zoom extends reach up to 100x, reconstructing details for improved clarity. Still images demonstrate accurate colors, strong dynamic range, and minimal noise. Video features include 8K recording at 30fps via cloud upscaling, 4K at 60fps, and advanced stabilization with Video Boost, ensuring consistent quality in various lighting conditions.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL represents Google’s attempt to bring Pixel devices into the same conversation as iPhones and Galaxy flagships. While charging speeds and raw processing power remain behind some competitors, its AI features, software updates, and camera performance establish it as a strong contender in the high-end market.