Alongside the Pixel 10, Google rolled out the bigger siblings too, the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro XL. If that sounds familiar, it's because we saw the same lineup with the Pixel 9 series last year. At the launch event, I managed to get some quick hands-on time with both Pro models. It was not long enough to call it a full review, but just enough for me to form some early thoughts on Google's star smartphones.
The Pro Side of the Pixel Family
The Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL stick to the same design language as their predecessors. The Pixel 10 Pro comes in four colours: Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain and Obsidian. My personal favourite is Moonstone; it has this elegant shine that makes it stand out in the crowd. The Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn't get the Porcelain option, so you'll have to make peace with the other shades.
Both phones have put on a little weight compared to last year. Honestly, it is not a bad thing at all, because that added heft makes them feel a bit sturdier in the hand. Of course, the reason behind it is the bigger batteries inside. The Pixel 10 Pro now carries a 4,870mAh battery, while the Pro XL bumps it up to 5,200mAh. So yes, more juice usually means more weight to carry around.
Under the hood, both are powered by Google's Tensor G5 chip. I expect these versions to be tuned better than the standard Pixel 10, but I will have to put them through their paces to really see how they manage heat and performance.
The cameras look promising too. Both the Pro and Pro XL have a triple setup at the back: a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom. On top of that, you get Pro Res Zoom that stretches all the way up to 100x, plus optical-quality shots at multiple zoom levels. Sounds fancy on paper, but the real test is whether they can deliver when I'm actually using them outside the showroom lights.
In short, the Pixel 10 series feels like a familiar face with a brand-new personality. The design hasn't changed much, but the internals make it clear Google means business this year. The phones look great, feel premium, and if they perform the way Google promises, I might just have to call them the new royalty of Android. Until then, I'm keeping my crown polish ready.
If you want to read in detail about the Google Pixel 10, check it out here.
Wait…There’s More!
Google also introduced the Pixel Buds 2a and the Pixel Watch 4. Unfortunately, neither of them made an appearance at the physical launch, which means I did not get the chance to try them out just yet.
The Pixel Buds 2a brings Active Noise Cancellation, up to 20 hours of listening time with the charging case, hands-free access to Gemini, and resistance to both sweat and water. The design is still the familiar egg-shaped style that Google used last year.
As for the Pixel Watch 4, it carries a dome-shaped look and comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm. Google is offering five colour options this time: Iris, Lemongrass, Porcelain, Obsidian and Moonstone. The company claims it can last up to 40 hours on a single charge while also delivering personalised fitness insights along with help from Gemini. I was really hoping to get some hands-on time with both these products, but since they were not displayed, I will have to wait a little longer. Once I do get to test them properly, I will share my detailed experience.
For me, the real scene-stealer was the Pixelsnap. The Pixel 10 series comes with magnetic technology that allows you to simply snap the phone onto a wireless charger for faster and more efficient charging. Google even played a demo video, and I have to admit, it looked pretty cool. The idea itself feels fun, and I know that if I ever get to try it, everyone around me will probably get tired of hearing that little snap sound over and over. Sadly, this accessory was not on display either, so I will have to wait before trying it out in person.
That sums up my hands-on impressions from the launch event. The products definitely look and feel promising, but I will need to actually use them in my daily routine before I can share a proper verdict. Stick around with MySmartPrice, because we will be bringing you more detailed coverage on these devices very soon.
