{"id":30535,"date":"2025-09-19T00:27:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T00:27:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/30535\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T00:27:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T00:27:24","slug":"google-pixel-10-pro-and-pro-xl-review-androids-safe-bet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/30535\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL review: Android\u2019s safe bet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"how-we-test\">\nWhy you can trust Digital Camera World<\/p>\n<p>Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/features\/how-we-test\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/features\/how-we-test\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out how we test.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"f380737c-c2e6-4e04-b1ad-719153eea55f\">In today\u2019s flagship smartphone market, photography has become a key differentiator. Google\u2019s Pixel smartphones have consistently been defined by their photographic capabilities, setting benchmarks for computational photography since the early days of the series. Over successive generations, features such as Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and advanced portrait processing have made the Pixel line a gold-standard for mobile imaging.<\/p>\n<p>The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL arrive as the latest entries in this lineage, positioned at the top of Google\u2019s hardware portfolio. But with increasingly hot competition from rivals both in camera hardware and software smarts \u2013 can Google&#8217;s latest offerings do enough to cling onto the crown?<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4GRdgUkYNdTRb4EXHw6hJT.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL held in a hand\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4GRdgUkYNdTRb4EXHw6hJT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4GRdgUkYNdTRb4EXHw6hJT.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-specifications\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: SpecificationsSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<p>Screen<\/p>\n<p>Pro XL: 6.8in, 1344x2992px, ~486ppi, 120Hz, 3300nits (peak)<\/p>\n<p>Pro: 6.3in, 1280x2856px, ~495ppi,  120Hz, 3300nits (peak)<\/p>\n<p>Processor<\/p>\n<p>Google Tensor G5<\/p>\n<p>RAM<\/p>\n<p>16GB RAM<\/p>\n<p>Storage<\/p>\n<p>256GB \/ 512GB \/ 1TB<\/p>\n<p>Operating System<\/p>\n<p>Android 16<\/p>\n<p>Main camera<\/p>\n<p>50MP, f\/1.7, 25mm, 1\/1.31&#8243;, 1.2\u00b5m, OIS<\/p>\n<p>Telephoto camera<\/p>\n<p>48MP, f\/2.8, 113mm (5x), 1\/2.55&#8243;, OIS<\/p>\n<p>Ultrawide camera<\/p>\n<p>48MP, f\/1.7, 123\u02da, 1\/2.55&#8243;, AF<\/p>\n<p>Front facing camera<\/p>\n<p>42 MP, f\/2.2, 17mm, AF<\/p>\n<p>Video<\/p>\n<p>4K30\/60fps, (8K30p cloud upscaling)<\/p>\n<p>Battery &amp; charging<\/p>\n<p>Pro XL: 45W wired; 25W Qi2 wireless<\/p>\n<p>Pro: 30W wired, 15W wireless<\/p>\n<p>Weight<\/p>\n<p>Pro XL: 232g \/ 8.18 oz<\/p>\n<p>Pro: 207 g \/ 7.30 oz<\/p>\n<p>Size<\/p>\n<p>Pro XL: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm \/ 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.33 in<\/p>\n<p>Pro: 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm \/ 6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33 in<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-price\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: Price<a id=\"elk-inbody\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"6a096b8c-7b43-47ca-a448-f722ee822771-0\">The Pixel 10 Pro starts again this year at $999\/\u00a3999 for 128GB of storage \u2013 which might undercut the base iPhone 17 Pro by $\/\u00a3100, but the iPhone starts at double the storage. The base model Pixel 10 Pro XL, on the other hand, now starts at $1,199\/\u00a31,199 ($\/\u00a3100 more than last year) due to its minimum 256GB of storage rather than the rather paltry 128GB. Which now places it at the exact same price and storage as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.<\/p>\n<p>While I am always grateful for additional storage, usually when the base model gets more storage, it is because the price of the parts has come down. Pixel prices are sneaking up year after year, and I can&#8217;t help but feel it might have won Google a little more love to go with the consumer-friendly move to swallow the cost and stick to last year&#8217;s price.<\/p>\n<p>While 256GB is likely enough for most people, you can configure the phone with up to 1TB of storage for $1,549\/\u00a31,549 in the Pro XL and $1,149\/\u00a31,149 in the Pro.<\/p>\n<p>But does the Pixel 10 Pro justify its price? This is not the old Pixel days of great cameras, but a compromised phone. The Pixel 10 Pro is the most premium phone Google has made yet. An all-round complete package, it looks and feels every bit as good as something coming from <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/samsung\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/samsung\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Samsung<\/a> and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/apple\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/apple\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Apple<\/a>, both of whom you\u2019d expect to be charging this sort of money.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-fd264261-8f65-4482-ac92-79ea92e34723\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Today&#8217;s best Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and  Google Pixel 10 Pro deals<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-design\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: Design<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/kSPn8UX3gtm9599avBmcQT.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL on a marble surface in the sun\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/kSPn8UX3gtm9599avBmcQT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/kSPn8UX3gtm9599avBmcQT.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<\/p>\n<p id=\"cb7d82fd-eec3-4010-9535-4b0d82580b41\">Google seems to have found its stride with its Pixel Pro designs. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL look almost identical to last year&#8217;s models. Not that this is a bad thing. I think that the Pixel 10 Pro is a really good-looking phone. Yes, the divisive yet signature camera bar is still prominent on the back, again in a raised plateau rather than the bar merging with the sides of the device, but it&#8217;s a design that, from initially thinking it was a little wacky, is one I\u2019ve grown to love \u2013 and it&#8217;s still a standout design from everything else on the market.<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<p>For colors, this year, the phones&#8217; matte glass backs come in the usual Obsidian (black) and Porcelein (a slightly yellowish white) with color-matching polished side rails and camera bar. These regulars are joined by two new colors. Moonstone (which is the model I have for testing) is kind of grey, kind of blue, depending on the light, but it&#8217;s a really nice shade and my personal favorite. There is also a Jade color, which is a soft green, and the only color that doesn\u2019t have a color-matched rail and camera bar, instead opting for gold.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rrgUeBBUMDAKVvjAw24WB5.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL phone held in a hand\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rrgUeBBUMDAKVvjAw24WB5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rrgUeBBUMDAKVvjAw24WB5.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<\/p>\n<p id=\"ffb845f4-77ff-4e5d-bc8a-f8e99a6f173d\">Around the edge, there is the usual power button and volume rocker on the right-hand side. I really like the placement, but I am right-handed, and these just happen to fall perfectly under my thumb. Shortcuts are limited but useful. A double-tap of the power button jumps straight into the camera, while holding it down summons Gemini.<\/p>\n<p>Again, Google has resisted the urge to add action buttons or camera buttons to its devices. While I do detest the iPhone\u2019s camera button, I do wish there were another customizable action button on the Pixel 10 Pro, as I\u2019d love a shortcut for silent mode or one of my Google Home routines.<\/p>\n<p>The Pixel 10 Pros have a fingerprint reader underneath the screen. The reader is ultrasonic, which means it doesn\u2019t light up to scan \u2013 very useful at night if your partner is trying to sleep \u2013 and is also very quick and accurate. The Pixel also has face ID using just the front-facing camera, which is also lightning quick, and thanks to Google\u2019s impressive AI face recognition tech, has even been approved to log into your banking and other sensitive apps.<\/p>\n<p>For durability, the 10 Pros have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and rear of the devices, as well as an IP68 dust and water resistance rating to survive an accidental dip in the bath. Although, unfortunately, I&#8217;ve found the shiny side rail is vulnerable, I have managed to scratch up two of my corners in just a few weeks of use.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/REnikQoGnFxcr4qQ9t3MJ5.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL phone held in a hand\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/REnikQoGnFxcr4qQ9t3MJ5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/REnikQoGnFxcr4qQ9t3MJ5.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<\/p>\n<p id=\"8b886482-2e2e-4077-b8d8-39fde0cf2dbd\">The big change this year is the introduction of PixelSnap \u2013 Google\u2019s MagSafe competitor. This is the first major Android phone we have seen with magnets built directly into the phone, which means not only is the Pixel 10 now compatible without a case with thousands of magnetic wireless chargers and power banks \u2013 it also opens the Pixel line up to creatives to use in cages, on gimbals, or the hundreds of other creative tools previously only targeted at Apple\u2019s devices \u2013 and hopefully the a step towards Android phones being seen as competive content creation tools.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-screen\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: Screen<\/p>\n<p id=\"b271b279-41d2-4156-8263-caaf33a0e502\">I sometimes feel Google doesn\u2019t shout enough about its Super Actua displays, which on the Pixel 10 Pro, and Pro XL especially, are absolutely gorgeous. The screens are bright, sharp, colorful, with great viewing angles. With maybe the exception of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tech\/android-phones\/oppo-find-x8-ultra-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tech\/android-phones\/oppo-find-x8-ultra-review\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oppo Find X8 Ultra<\/a>, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is my favourite screen I have used on an Android phone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mf59usTeqdpet9ktFr4F85.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL phone held in a hand\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mf59usTeqdpet9ktFr4F85.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mf59usTeqdpet9ktFr4F85.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<\/p>\n<p id=\"c543c61a-8df3-43fe-b69f-659cd3d6583c\">The screen is completely flat, with no beveled edge, which I much prefer. The bezels are equal around the four sides and very minimal, with the earpiece speaker blending seamlessly into the top bezel. There is also the front hole punch camera, which, for better or worse, Google has decided not to turn into any sort of interactive iPhone-style pill.<\/p>\n<p>The only criticism I can level at Google right now for its screens is that it hasn\u2019t jumped aboard the eye-care train. Yes, Google has added new eye-care sensitivity options, but these pale in comparison to brands like Honor, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/xiaomi\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/xiaomi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xiaomi<\/a>, or <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/oneplus\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/oneplus\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OnePlus<\/a>. Pulse Width Modulation (or PWM) is just 480Hz on the Pixel 10 Pro XL; meanwhile, the Honor Magic 7 Pro can reach 4320Hz. For many people, this is a non-issue, but for people with sensitive eyes, it can mean a lot.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-camera-performance\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: Camera Performance<\/p>\n<p id=\"6a7acf2b-7522-42a2-9317-2fe638703b89\">Despite their size difference, both the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL have the same camera setup with an ultrawide, main camera, and 5x periscope telephoto squeezed into the camera bar.<\/p>\n<p>Google has long been right at the top of the pack when it comes to the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/buying-guides\/best-camera-phone\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/buying-guides\/best-camera-phone\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">best camera phones<\/a>. Sure, there is much more exciting camera hardware out there, bigger sensors, devices with more cameras, or variable apertures, but, and I mean this as the biggest compliment, the best thing I can say for Google\u2019s cameras is that they are the safest <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tech\/android-phones\/best-android-phone-for-photography\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tech\/android-phones\/best-android-phone-for-photography\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Android phone for photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>I have taken hundreds of photos with the Pixel 10 Pro, and it has so rarely missed \u2013 which I can\u2019t say the same for all the phones I test. Pixel processing is very neutral; there are no stylistic options here, but photos from the 10 Pro are reliably true to life, with accurate colors and a good HDR balance without being overblown. The Pixel rarely pumps the shadows up too much, instead opting for a more natural image.<\/p>\n<p>Image 1 of 14<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dVjYcv8Qc33wTJVDRx4cYK.jpg\" alt=\"A statue surrounded by a fountain\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dVjYcv8Qc33wTJVDRx4cYK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dVjYcv8Qc33wTJVDRx4cYK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dVjYcv8Qc33wTJVDRx4cYK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hh4N69Xmwbz8qarz3BfmfK.jpg\" alt=\"People on a boat going down a river\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hh4N69Xmwbz8qarz3BfmfK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hh4N69Xmwbz8qarz3BfmfK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hh4N69Xmwbz8qarz3BfmfK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JjTy43dydYtGo74xo4afjK.jpg\" alt=\"Path between large columns with the columns casting dark shadows\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JjTy43dydYtGo74xo4afjK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JjTy43dydYtGo74xo4afjK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/JjTy43dydYtGo74xo4afjK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qP8QzLmtC2GfsRpE6N6a9K.jpg\" alt=\"A fountain in the middle of a courtyard\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qP8QzLmtC2GfsRpE6N6a9K.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qP8QzLmtC2GfsRpE6N6a9K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qP8QzLmtC2GfsRpE6N6a9K.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/YUiGQ4FViuwfZZpdoajMJH.jpg\" alt=\"The TV tower in Berlin lit in the sunrise\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/YUiGQ4FViuwfZZpdoajMJH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/YUiGQ4FViuwfZZpdoajMJH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/YUiGQ4FViuwfZZpdoajMJH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8JtF6PgqgWyTbsxaZwZ9vK.jpg\" alt=\" Stone steps of a gallery in Berlin advertising its next show\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8JtF6PgqgWyTbsxaZwZ9vK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8JtF6PgqgWyTbsxaZwZ9vK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8JtF6PgqgWyTbsxaZwZ9vK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Szc5poTdvSme4vmYMCCD8L.jpg\" alt=\"The Berliner Dom in Berlin scene through a gap between trees\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Szc5poTdvSme4vmYMCCD8L.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Szc5poTdvSme4vmYMCCD8L.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Szc5poTdvSme4vmYMCCD8L.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/oRL5NBvDPdAcPtECUbVT6L.jpg\" alt=\"Fountain water splashing over concrete\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/oRL5NBvDPdAcPtECUbVT6L.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/oRL5NBvDPdAcPtECUbVT6L.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/oRL5NBvDPdAcPtECUbVT6L.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22qNaMKfcFWwf8QBP8LS5L.jpg\" alt=\"A Flagstone path through a forest\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22qNaMKfcFWwf8QBP8LS5L.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22qNaMKfcFWwf8QBP8LS5L.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22qNaMKfcFWwf8QBP8LS5L.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/WQrVRoo69NArFmteQfFizK.jpg\" alt=\"A VW camper van parked outside a large church\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/WQrVRoo69NArFmteQfFizK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/WQrVRoo69NArFmteQfFizK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/WQrVRoo69NArFmteQfFizK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qTEcryQFosJUaCWVs2yfzK.jpg\" alt=\"Close of an old stone building with statues and green Ivy running up the side\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qTEcryQFosJUaCWVs2yfzK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qTEcryQFosJUaCWVs2yfzK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/qTEcryQFosJUaCWVs2yfzK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LsePNG86xt2Fdd325AmLoK.jpg\" alt=\"A blue sky scene in a gap between trees\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LsePNG86xt2Fdd325AmLoK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LsePNG86xt2Fdd325AmLoK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LsePNG86xt2Fdd325AmLoK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/T5ASanmjbCN43JH9HypiyK.jpg\" alt=\"View of a gallery in Berlin through a gap in some trees\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/T5ASanmjbCN43JH9HypiyK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/T5ASanmjbCN43JH9HypiyK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/T5ASanmjbCN43JH9HypiyK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ULYfFQhRyZzRhLgpNpD6YK.jpg\" alt=\"The Berliner Dom in Berlin\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ULYfFQhRyZzRhLgpNpD6YK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ULYfFQhRyZzRhLgpNpD6YK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ULYfFQhRyZzRhLgpNpD6YK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<\/p>\n<p id=\"75d75ff2-7843-4e5b-ad35-a02cc8fa3dc5\">Images from all three cameras are pretty strong, but the main camera sensor is the standout. In good light, sharpness is excellent; there is also the option to use lossless zoom for 2x photos, which really works, with photos looking like they have come off their own 2x lens. The telephoto camera is also very good. While 5x is a little long for portraits, it is great for zooming in on faraway subjects like wildlife or sports \u2013 and like the main camera, the 48MP sensor can provide perfect 10x images as well. The ultrawide is the weakest of the cameras, but you really have to pixel peep to start seeing its flaws with slightly murky sharpness, but it still offers solid usable images if you don\u2019t intend to blow them up.<\/p>\n<p>In low light, the camera performs really well, even competing with phones with much larger 1-inch sensors. Photos look far better lit than they were in reality, and I was taking photos that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Night Sight has gotten faster as well, with the phone requiring you to hold the phone still for less time \u2013 or often no time at all.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bA2D97KZQhkGAuEWFMrH7K-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"A bar with signs for coffee in Aprerol spritz lit up at night\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bA2D97KZQhkGAuEWFMrH7K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bA2D97KZQhkGAuEWFMrH7K.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gW83ioYom7J5WAd3rUSm6K-3035-80.jpg\" alt=\"A staircase lit by a chandelier\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gW83ioYom7J5WAd3rUSm6K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gW83ioYom7J5WAd3rUSm6K.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"948936b0-49aa-4582-8677-abb65227761b\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/macro\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/macro\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Macro<\/a> continues to be a confusing weak spot on the Pixel 10 Pro. The telephoto lens&#8217; close focus distance has been improved, so you can get relatively close \u2013 although not true macro \u2013 and nowhere near the level of quality that you can achieve with other top phones. When you get closer than the minimum focus distance of the telephoto lens, the ultra-wide lens kicks in, which is just the wrong FOV for macro photography, and the quality takes a significant hit.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/re3V6jAruqM7P8veFYnsKG-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"A wasp on a desert\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/re3V6jAruqM7P8veFYnsKG.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/re3V6jAruqM7P8veFYnsKG.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ghqbHaCceQ3dQKurxX9Tpb-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"A wasp eating a creamy dessert\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ghqbHaCceQ3dQKurxX9Tpb.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ghqbHaCceQ3dQKurxX9Tpb.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"647a8b60-6f1d-4013-bc1a-de63e35fd80f\">Google has improved its Super-Res Zoom this year, with the phone now offering an AI-enhanced zoom up to 100x \u2013 a number that is such a distance away, I struggled to find good examples to shoot for this review. There is also a caveat that it won\u2019t work on people, so unfortunately can\u2019t be used at sports games or concerts.<\/p>\n<p>The super zoom though is impressive, and puts Google up there with the competition for one of the best AI super zooms I have used. The AI element is actually very underplayed compared to other brands like Honor that lean hard into generative AI. Results from the Pixel are quite natural, looking like a cleaned-up and sharpened version of the original photo \u2013 although with slightly too much ethereal glow.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/b4x9s7isNYF3RFeaoAEXuK-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"A town Square in Berlin with a blue sky\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b4x9s7isNYF3RFeaoAEXuK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b4x9s7isNYF3RFeaoAEXuK.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/YGTgMmjaSeFZnxqPNgxjzJ-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a statues face\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YGTgMmjaSeFZnxqPNgxjzJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YGTgMmjaSeFZnxqPNgxjzJ.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/X7Qsw7yFdPJkb92MNwaV2L-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"Approaching the Brandenburg gate in the distance\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7Qsw7yFdPJkb92MNwaV2L.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X7Qsw7yFdPJkb92MNwaV2L.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bQRSVudaU2abeft2SEM9iG-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the top of the Brandenburg gate\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQRSVudaU2abeft2SEM9iG.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bQRSVudaU2abeft2SEM9iG.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"c56b883c-bd49-4e86-b3d2-63cab148da45\">One of the other big new AI features on this year\u2019s Pixels is Google\u2019s \u2018Camera Coach\u2019. This uses Gemini\u2019s visual AI to determine a scene and give suggestions on framing, composition, or just general inspiration \u2013 the camera app can then guide you through step by step on how to achieve your desired photo. I am always a little sceptical of AI, but this is a use case where it actually really works. The scene recognition is very accurate, suggestions are genuinely useful, and for novices to photography, the guide could be invaluable. We all have that relative who can\u2019t frame a photo to save their life \u2013 I&#8217;d get them a Pixel 10 Pro.<\/p>\n<p>Video is still a weakness for the Pixel. The fastest you can shoot directly on the device is 4K60p, with no 4K120p, and there is no HDR or speech enhancement above 30p, as I am assuming that is too much for the Tensor processor to handle at once. Video itself is fine, although I found the colors, sharpness, and contrast a bit subpar compared to rivals.<\/p>\n<p>There is an option for 8K video, which involves uploading the video to Google Photos and using Google&#8217;s AI Video Boost feature. Video Boost also enhances color, lighting, and stabilization, although there are no controls over this, so you just have to let it do its thing and take whatever result it puts out. Frustratingly, Video Boost also turns itself off every time you close the app, so you have to remember to dive into settings to turn it on first, as it can&#8217;t be applied later.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VLGYQexTYCsnNopW4YcJoJ-3072-80.jpg\" alt=\"Two people posing for a selfie\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VLGYQexTYCsnNopW4YcJoJ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VLGYQexTYCsnNopW4YcJoJ.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ATwrVRoJnm93xoiGpLLL7K-2660-80.jpg\" alt=\"A person taking a selfie\"   data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ATwrVRoJnm93xoiGpLLL7K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ATwrVRoJnm93xoiGpLLL7K.jpg\" class=\"object-cover w-full\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-phone-performance\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: Phone Performance<\/p>\n<p id=\"5de8061b-692c-473e-867c-cedec3c9be8d\">The Pixel 10 family comes sporting Google\u2019s latest Tensor G5 processor. Benchmarking will show this is considerably less powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite processors powering other Android flagships, Apple\u2019s in-house silicon, or indeed the GPU performance of the Pixel 9. But honestly, day-to-day, I can\u2019t notice.<\/p>\n<p>Generally, I wouldn\u2019t say the Pixel 10 Pro has felt slow when I have been using it. Navigating around the phone, jumping in and between apps feels effortless, transitions and scrolling are incredibly smooth. Even when it comes to photo and video editing, trimming and resaving a video on Google Photos was only fractionally faster on my Snapdragon-equipped <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tech\/android-phones\/xiaomi-15-ultra-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tech\/android-phones\/xiaomi-15-ultra-review\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xiaomi 15 Ultra<\/a> than on the Pixel 10 Pro.<\/p>\n<p>Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 &#8211; Cell 0 <\/p>\n<p>Google Pixel 10 Pro<\/p>\n<p>Google Pixel 9 Pro<\/p>\n<p>OnePlus 13<\/p>\n<p>GeekBench 6 (Single)<\/p>\n<p>2295<\/p>\n<p>1921<\/p>\n<p>2945<\/p>\n<p>GeekBench 6 (Multi)<\/p>\n<p>6127<\/p>\n<p>4465<\/p>\n<p>8950<\/p>\n<p>GeekBench 6 (GPU)<\/p>\n<p>3174<\/p>\n<p>7358<\/p>\n<p>17871<\/p>\n<p>PCMark Work 3.0 (Performance)<\/p>\n<p>14636<\/p>\n<p>14366<\/p>\n<p>18855<\/p>\n<p id=\"f9fd0aa7-98af-47b1-8d12-600924edc8bc\">As already touched upon, the Tensor chip does show its limitations when it comes to video recording, with a very limited combination of settings available once you go into higher frame rates, including dropping HDR support, speech enhancement, and active stabilization.<\/p>\n<p>I also noticed the phone slowing down when trying to take 50MP photos in quick succession, which would occasionally grey out the shutter button for a second or two while it buffered \u2013 but this is not an activity I do a lot.<\/p>\n<p>Battery life on the 10 Pro is just about fine. It got me through a day, although each time by the evening, Google\u2019s battery saver mode had kicked in to save me until I got home. Google\u2019s battery life is outclassed by bigger cells in rival Android phones and less thirsty processors that just last longer. Google really needs to retool its processor or switch to a much higher-capacity battery.<\/p>\n<p>Fast charging can alleviate some battery anxiety. The Pixel 10 Pro tops out at 30W wired and 15W wireless, while the 10 Pro XL goes up to 45W wired and 25W wireless (with compatible chargers) \u2013 although these numbers pale in comparison to other brands offering up to twice those speeds. But with around a 20-minute wired charge, I was usually able to get my Pixel up from 10% to over 50% battery.<\/p>\n<p>Image 1 of 3<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NA7vuMFpZNxtrFAsc5qxH5.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL phone held in a hand\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NA7vuMFpZNxtrFAsc5qxH5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NA7vuMFpZNxtrFAsc5qxH5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NA7vuMFpZNxtrFAsc5qxH5.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>Google&#8217;s Camera Coach in action(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6FFfdBZkrxywC2n7AKE4G5.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL phone held in a hand\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6FFfdBZkrxywC2n7AKE4G5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6FFfdBZkrxywC2n7AKE4G5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6FFfdBZkrxywC2n7AKE4G5.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>Google&#8217;s Camera Coach in action(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/e3QKHEFp52nvd3eGRJjVJ5.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL phone held in a hand\"   class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/e3QKHEFp52nvd3eGRJjVJ5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/e3QKHEFp52nvd3eGRJjVJ5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/e3QKHEFp52nvd3eGRJjVJ5.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/>Google&#8217;s Camera Coach in action(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<\/p>\n<p id=\"d25d3ec4-be2c-47d4-a6ff-ca434ae04881\">When it comes to software, the Pixel is probably my favorite Android phone to use. The Pixel OS is clean and minimal; it looks good, menus mostly make sense, and everything is easy to find. If you&#8217;re heavily into customizing every aspect of your phone though, then this is not the phone for you. But, I do wish there were a few more customization options for the home screen, like the ability to choose the size of icons or add larger folders like on many other Android devices.<\/p>\n<p>After using the phone for almost a month, I am still none the wiser about what Google&#8217;s big new AI feature \u2013 Magic Cue \u2013 actually does. It&#8217;s meant to pull information from your phone to pre-empt answers to texts or things you might be searching for on an app. It only works in Google apps, and I am a heavy <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/youtube\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/youtube\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube<\/a>, Gmail, Drive, and Photos user, but so far, it has not surfaced anything. I am hopeful, but I feel this might not actually become useful until it can use third-party apps, as 99% of my communication is done between WhatsApp and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/instagram\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/instagram\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-google-pixel-10-pro-pro-xl-verdict\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Google Pixel 10 Pro &amp; Pro XL: Verdict<\/p>\n<p id=\"bb206bfe-c6a4-4cae-8b7a-2e7dd3d1a29e\">The <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/google-pixel\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/tag\/google-pixel\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Google Pixel<\/a> 10 Pro and Pro XL might not boast the kind of headline specs that look set to redefine mobile photography, but that\u2019s never really been Google\u2019s game. Instead, what you get here is consistency \u2013 reliable camera performance time after time, now enhanced by meaningful upgrades like a more effective 100x super-res zoom, the helpful new camera coach, and a growing suite of clever AI editing tools.<\/p>\n<p>It isn\u2019t flawless. Video capture still trails behind the best in class, with middling quality and an over-reliance on AI upscaling that feels like a stopgap rather than a true breakthrough. But for stills, which is where most people will spend their time, the Pixel 10 Pro continues to deliver shots that look fantastic straight out of the phone, with minimal fuss.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the camera, this is one of the most beautifully designed smartphones you can buy. It feels superb in the hand, the display is stunning to look at, and while Google\u2019s latest Tensor chip can\u2019t quite match rivals on raw benchmarks, in real-world use, it never feels overly sluggish. Battery life isn\u2019t the strongest, but it just about holds up for a full day of regular use.<\/p>\n<p>So is it the most powerful camera phone money can buy? No. But is it the best choice for most people who simply want to point, shoot, and get consistently excellent results without thinking about it? Absolutely. The Pixel 10 Pro nails the everyday photography experience in a way few competitors can match \u2013 and that\u2019s what makes it such an easy phone to recommend.<\/p>\n<p>Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<p>Design<\/p>\n<p>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n<p>The Pixel 10 Pro is beautifully built, feels superb in the hand, and its display is a genuine standout feature.<\/p>\n<p>Camera Performance<\/p>\n<p>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n<p>Still photography remains Google\u2019s strongest suit, with reliable results time after time, now improved by a sharper 100x super-res zoom, the helpful camera coach, and powerful AI editing tools.<\/p>\n<p>Phone Performance<\/p>\n<p>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n<p>The latest Tensor chip might not win benchmark races, but in daily use it feels smooth and responsive, with enough stamina from the battery to just about last a full day.<\/p>\n<p>Value<\/p>\n<p>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n<p>Its a pricey phone, but with an excellent design, build, screen and triple camera setup, the Pixel 10 Pro offers value that goes head to head with Apple and Samsung.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.26%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Eq89kK6KppUidy8ZQne28U.jpg\" alt=\"Google Pixel 10 Pro XL on a marble surface in the sun next to a lit candle\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Eq89kK6KppUidy8ZQne28U.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Eq89kK6KppUidy8ZQne28U.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Gareth Bevan \/ Digital Camera World)<a id=\"elk-alternatives\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Alternatives<a id=\"elk-f3b6ce9a-0250-4ee7-8fc2-9ace605df866\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><a id=\"elk-efca8b71-15f7-491d-b174-4e8507577390\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><a id=\"elk-bot-widget\" href=\"\" data-url=\"\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Price Comparison<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":30536,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[342,111,139,69,145],"class_list":["post-30535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mobile","tag-mobile","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30535"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30535\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30535"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30535"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}