Google Pixel 10 Series Hands-on: I didn’t expect that this model would be my favorite

Key takeaways of zdnet

• Pixel 10 lineup brings welcome changes to all models.
• Base Pixel 10 most suits, but power users will prefer Pro XL.
• Pro XL is a sleeper hit with top performance and endurance.

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I will be honest: my hopes are going inside me Google Pixel 10 The demo was at the bottom. I had tested Samsung’s $ 1,900 foldable phone, and Google all confirmed that the new pixel phones would look similar to last year, spoiling the surprise before this week’s incident.

The question I was going in was simple: was it a lack of ambition or was an indication of unwavering confidence?

Too: Everything produced by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more

To find an answer, it took only a few minutes on the hands-and feel how wrong I was about which pixel model I really want this year. No, Google designers have not gone out of ideas to decorate a glass rectangle; Instead, they have improved something that was already great. And especially a model left the biggest impression on me.

Pixel 10 bus barely missed the mark

Built by Google, I was ready to slap my wallet for a completely standard Pixel 10 model, ending the seven -year streak of buying XL/Pro variants. Writing was on the wall: A dedicated telephoto lens gave the base pixel a camera bump that was required to rival its pro brothers and sisters, set a platform for the magic in the QI2 wireless charging Android with integrated magnets, and a fascinating indigo color (painted above) was my Kaesleus Habits Droiling.

But a close examination of the device and its imagination sheet disclosed nothing-late shortcomings. First, fitting a dedicated telephoto lens into a rear camera bar meant that Google was to dow the small main and ultravide sensor, resulting in camera samples, which led to a lack of color accurate and contrast compared to the pro model, based on the size of my ully limited sample.

Too: I am a long -time iPhone user, but Google sold me at Pixel 10 with these features

Google is also launching a new dock mode that passively displays time, weather, photos and even smart home control when Pixel 10 is mounted on the new Pixelsnaap charging mount. However, the standard pixel 10 lacks LTPO technology – which allows the performance to be refreshed from 1Hz to 120Hz – is found on the Pro model, which means that it is low power efficient when it is doc.

By the end of my Pixel 10 demo, the glossy back cover of my indigo unit was plaster with a fingerprint mark – a gentle reminder that the most expensive phones on the market choose for satin finish instead of shiny glass.

I was almost turned to this pixel model

It left me with Pixel 10 Pro phones, including a folded model including slimmer front screen bezels, a large battery, Pixel 10 similar to Qi 2 charging and $ 1,799 value tag that thinks you twice. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is coming from the fold 7, which was greatly improved in lightness and ergonomics, I was fully prepared for Pixel 10 Pro folds so that the old could be felt.

Instead, the device looked balanced and clearly, much more durable in the hand. Google did something extraordinary with Pixel 10 Pro folds; It is the first foldable phone to be certified with an IP68 rating, which makes both water- And Dust resistant. Why has it never been done before? The mechanical nature of foldable phones, with all their keys systems and rail maneuvers, almost makes the dust -shaped particles almost impossible.

Also: Google settled the debate of foldable phone with just one number – and I hope Samsung is watching

Getting this engineering feat automatically puts the Pixel 10 Pro folds before the competition when it comes to longevity and reliability. (Again, designers on Google are not clearly out of ideas.)

Then bad news came. Like previous years, Google’s most expensive hardware product is a level below the Pro and Pro XL model, when it comes to common glasses such as camera and charging, an option that provides a difficult sales against the pro-capable, non-folding flagship. The model also charges up to 30W wired and 15W wireless compared to 45W wireless of Pro XL and 25W wireless.

He leaves two, and leaves a big difference

Google has been quite balanced over the years between its Pro and the Pro XL model, and has maintained convenience equity between a bird-eye view, which is correct in 2025. But then you start noticeing the minor ways in which the XL model pulls forward and wonder whether the difference has ever been bigger.

Also: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: I tested both Android phones, and here are the winners.

Like Pixel 10 Pro folds, there are the most notable differences between charging and endurance Pro and Pro XL. The latter has a large battery (5,200mAh vs. 4,870mAh) and both fast wired and wireless charging. This is the only Pixel model this year to support the new QI2.5 standard, allowing it to draw in wireless energy on 25W ratings.

I have found a large 6.8-inch screen of the Pro XL model more optimal for various new AI features of Google, whether it is to display the signs of magic in messages and phone calls, or photo tips when the camera coach is turned, I will upgrade it as cement as cement.