CALIFORNIA: Google has officially unveiled its newest flagship phones with the Pixel 10 series that comprises the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and the highly-awaited Pixel 10 Pro XL.
With the release, Google is taking its smartphones further into the AI-fueled age through the new Tensor G5 chip and Gemini Nano model.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a new design with a more angular, sharpened camera bar as it becomes more environmentally friendly with sustainable materials. The device features a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, with brighter colours and more responsive interactions, and wireless charging now accommodates the new Qi2.2 standard at 25W.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL design
In addition to high-quality construction, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is offered in Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, and Jade colour schemes.
Inside, it carries 16GB RAM, enhanced speakers, a big battery and quicker wired charging. Google has also made it clear that customers will get seven years of OS and security updates, which means longevity.
Camera Quality
On first inspection, the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s cameras look exactly like last year’s hardware, which raised disappointment among some. The actual improvement, however, comes in software form. Google is counting on Pro Res Zoom, an AI-based zoom system limited to the Pro series, which takes zoom capability up to 100x.
During preliminary hands-on trials, the feature provided cleaner details when taking photos of objects in the distance, flowers behind glass, or even far-off signs. Although it took approximately 10 seconds to process an image, the results compared very favorably to standard shots. Stabilisation also minimized the shake that’s typical at such high levels of zoom.
The Pixel 10, for comparison, adds a 5x telephoto lens with Super Res Zoom limited to 20x, but not the more sophisticated generative AI system behind Pro Res Zoom. That places the Pro and Pro XL as easy winners for those who appreciate quality long-range photography.
AI at the centre
Tensor G5 chip delivers significant performance enhancements, allowing on-device generative AI experiences. Capabilities such as Magic Cue now assist users in bringing up flight information when on a call, sharing the correct photos in chats, or checking information in real-time without needing to open another app.
For photography beginners, Camera Coach leverages AI recommendations to inform improved framing and composition, making the Pixel 10 Pro XL a learning device and a flagship camera.
Price and availability
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is up for preorder at $1,199, the regular Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro sell for $799 and $999 respectively. All three devices will be sold on August 28 in the Google Store and retail partners. Pro model buyers also get one year of Google AI Pro.
With Samsung long holding the crown for extreme zoom with its Galaxy Ultra phones, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL may be the first true challenger, one that blends hardware reliability with the power of AI.
