Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

At Rs. 349,799, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a premium phone, and its value depends on whether you prize software over hardware. It is not officially launched in Pakistan, so most units are imported and need PTA registration on the buyer's own CNIC, which adds to the total cost.

Main advantages:

• Google's best AI features, including Magic Cue and Camera Coach
• 16GB of RAM on every storage version
• Excellent everyday photos and AI-assisted zoom
• 7 years of Android upgrades
• Pixel Snap magnetic charging at 25W

Main compromises:

• Tensor G5 is slower than Snapdragon flagships
• Weak raw output from the 5x telephoto
• Nearly unchanged design and camera sensors from the Pixel 9 Pro XL
• No charger in the box and an eSIM-only setup in some regions

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at Rs. 434,999 costs more but gives stronger gaming performance, an S Pen and two telephoto cameras. Verdict: the Pixel 10 Pro XL is worth it for Pixel fans and buyers who want the smartest software and long support. Gamers and Pixel 9 Pro owners should look elsewhere or keep what they have.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen at 1344 x 2992 with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Official specs: Google rates it at 2200 nits in high brightness mode and 3300 nits peak for small highlights, both higher than on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Real-world use:

• GSMArena's brightness test confirmed it is one of the brightest screens available, so outdoor visibility is excellent.
• The high resolution keeps text and photos very sharp.
• LTPO lets the refresh rate drop when the screen is static, which saves battery while keeping scrolling smooth.
• HDR10+ makes it well suited to streaming and HDR video.

Fingerprint: The in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is noticeably faster and more reliable than on earlier Pixels.

Limitations: The large 6.8-inch size and 232 g weight make it awkward for one-handed use.

The phone runs on the Google Tensor G5 (3 nm) with 16GB of RAM. This is the first Tensor chip both designed by Google and made by TSMC instead of Samsung. Google claims a sizeable jump over the Tensor G4, with figures of roughly 30 to 36% quoted.

Everyday use: Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth thanks to the large RAM, and on-device AI features run well.

Gaming: This is where Tensor G5 falls short. GSMArena found its benchmark numbers unimpressive for a flagship, and ITDaily notes that it handles lighter games but struggles with heavy 3D titles. Overall performance is closer to cheaper Android phones than to Snapdragon-powered flagships.

Limitations: Buyers who mainly want gaming or raw speed will get more for less money from other Android flagships. Pixel buyers who care about software and AI will not feel held back in daily use.

The rear setup has a 50 MP main camera, a 48 MP ultrawide and a 48 MP 5x periscope telephoto. The selfie camera is 42 MP. The hardware is largely the same as the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Daylight and colours: Photos have solid colours and natural skin tones, in the reliable Pixel point-and-shoot style.

Zoom: Past 30x, Pro Res Zoom uses AI to sharpen distant shots and keeps the original image too. The AI results are good, but the 5x telephoto's raw images look low in quality for such an expensive phone.

Portraits: Portrait mode is less reliable than older Pixels. Edges around glasses and ears are not always detected correctly, even when skin tones look right.

AI tools:

• Camera Coach suggests shot styles, then guides how to hold the phone and which lens to use
• Add Me puts the person taking the photo into a group shot
• Voice-based photo editing, such as brightening a photo or removing cars
• Night Sight for low light

Video: The main camera records up to 4K 60fps, and the selfie camera also records 4K.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 5200 mAh battery, about 200 mAh larger than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Battery life: ITDaily found it easily lasts a full day, but a second day is unlikely, and GSMArena found the small capacity increase hard to notice compared with the previous model. Expect a solid single day of normal use.

Charging:

• 45W wired fast charging
• 25W wireless charging through Pixel Snap, Google's magnetic system, which also works with iPhone MagSafe-style accessories
• Reverse wired charging for earbuds or another phone

No charger in the box: Only a USB-C to USB-C cable is included, so you need a compatible 45W charger for the fastest speed.

The phone ships with Android 16 and Google promises 7 major Android upgrades, one of the longest update commitments available.

AI features:

• Magic Cue goes beyond showing OTP codes. It reads your email, calendar and messages to suggest relevant details, such as a concert date when a friend asks, or a restaurant's number when someone asks you to book a table.
• Camera Coach works as a conversational photo editor and shooting guide.
• Pro Res Zoom, Add Me and Night Sight in the camera.

Limitations:

• Some regions get an eSIM-only version, so check the SIM setup before buying an imported unit.
• Many new AI features are also coming to the Pixel 9 series through updates, which reduces the reason for Pixel 9 owners to upgrade.
• Features that read your personal data, like Magic Cue, may not suit privacy-conscious users.