Google has launched its Pixel 10 series in India, with prices starting at Rs 79,999. The most premium device in the lineup is the Pixel 10 Pro XL, priced at Rs 1,24,999. This smartphone competes directly with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. At this price, the question is whether Google can match the trust and consistency of its rivals.
Design and Display
The Pixel 10 Pro XL carries forward the same design language as last year’s Pixel 9 Pro XL. The tall body and camera bar at the back remain unchanged, though the visor is slightly larger. The phone feels premium with a matte glass back and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. At 232 grams, it is heavy and noticeable during long use, but the matte finish makes it comfortable to hold.
The 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is among the brightest and sharpest available. It handles outdoor sunlight well and delivers a crisp HDR viewing experience. Streaming on Netflix, YouTube, or Instagram feels smooth and premium. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra may still edge ahead in display quality, but Pixel 10 Pro XL delivers one of the best panels in the market.
Camera Performance
Google continues to focus on photography. The Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom, and a 42MP front camera. The phone introduces AI-powered improvements and a 100x ProRes Zoom, though images beyond 30x appear soft.
In regular use, the cameras shine. Daylight images are detailed with natural colors and strong dynamic range. Portraits and macro shots show improvement over last year. Low-light photos are bright, balanced, and sharp with minimal noise. The front camera produces detailed selfies, and its wide angle makes group shots easier.
Where the phone struggles is video. While photos are top-notch, videos don’t match the quality of Apple or Samsung. For professional creators or vloggers, iPhone 17 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra remain better options.
Performance and Battery
The Pixel 10 Pro XL runs on Google’s Tensor G5 chip with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. On benchmarks, it lags behind Snapdragon 8 Elite and even mid-range chips like MediaTek Dimensity 9300+. Despite this, day-to-day performance is smooth with apps, browsing, and light gaming. Heavy games like Genshin Impact, however, do not run as seamlessly as on rivals.
The 5200mAh battery easily lasts a full day. Charging speeds have improved, with 70 percent in around 42 minutes. This is a big step up from the previous Pixel model.
Software and AI Features
Running on Android 16 with Material You 3, the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a clean and colorful interface. Google promises seven years of updates, matching Apple and Samsung.
AI is the standout feature. With Gemini Nano running on-device, features like ProRes Zoom cleanup, Camera Coach, and Voice Translation work effectively. However, Magic Cue, which is meant to offer smart suggestions, feels incomplete and often inaccurate.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a strong flagship for photography lovers. It offers one of the best camera systems, a premium design, bright display, and advanced AI tools. But weak performance and average video recording hold it back.
At Rs 1,24,999, it is hard to recommend over the iPhone 17 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra for power users. However, if you value great photos, a clean Android experience, and AI features, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is one of the best premium phones available in India.
