On August 27, 2025, Google released its latest flagship phone, the Pixel 10 Pro XL. This marks the 10th generation of Pixel devices. Many tech sites and YouTubers shared their first looks right away. In this article, we dive into the unboxing and early thoughts on this big phone. It promises better AI features, improved cameras, and a smooth design. We aim to give you a clear picture if you are thinking about buying one.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the largest in the new lineup. It comes after the Pixel 9 series from last year. Google focused on making it smarter with on-device AI. The phone starts at around $1,199 in the US. It targets people who want a powerful Android device. We will cover everything from the box to how it feels in hand.
This review is based on early tests and hands-on time. We looked at design, display, cameras, and more. Let’s start with what you get when you open the box.
Unboxing Experience
Opening the Pixel 10 Pro XL box is simple and straightforward. The packaging is clean and eco-friendly. Google uses recycled materials for the box. Inside, you find the phone itself, wrapped in protective plastic.
Next, there is a USB-C to USB-C cable. This is for charging and data transfer. It is white and matches the phone’s style. You also get a quick start guide. This small booklet helps set up the device. It has tips on how to transfer data from your old phone.
There is a SIM ejector tool too. This metal pin helps remove the SIM tray. Note that the US version has no physical SIM slot. It uses eSIM only. This means you set up your carrier digitally. No charger comes in the box. You need to buy one separately. Google suggests a 45W charger for fast speeds.
The box has no earbuds or case. This keeps things minimal. Some colors like Jade or Moonstone look premium right out of the box. The phone feels heavy at about 8.18 ounces. But it is well-balanced. Unboxing takes just a minute. Then, you can power it on and start setup.
Setup is quick with Android 16. It asks for your Google account. You can copy apps and data from another phone. Face unlock setup happens here too. It uses the front camera. Overall, the unboxing sets a good tone. It feels modern and fuss-free.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a refined look. It builds on last year’s design but adds small changes. The phone is big, with dimensions of 6.41 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches. This makes it easy to hold for large hands. But it might feel bulky for smaller ones.
The back is made of silky matte glass. It has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. This helps against scratches and drops. The matte finish does not show fingerprints much. Colors include Obsidian, Jade, and Moonstone. The Jade color looks fresh and stands out.
On the sides, there is a satin matte metal frame. It feels smooth and premium. Antenna bands run around the edges. This helps with signal strength. The phone has IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. You can submerge it in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Ports and Buttons
Look at the right side. You see the power button and volume rockers. They are clicky and responsive. The power button is easy to reach. On the top, there is a secondary microphone. The SIM slot is here too, but only for non-US models.
At the bottom, find the USB Type-C port. This is for charging and audio. Next to it, a microphone and speaker grill. The speakers are louder this year. They offer rich sound for music and calls. No headphone jack, as expected.
The camera bar on the back is smaller now. It has a matte finish and does not stick out to the sides. This makes the phone sit flat on tables. Below the flash, there is a temperature sensor. You can use it to check object temps.
Overall, the build is solid. It feels like a high-end device. The magnets inside support Qi2 wireless charging. This is like MagSafe on iPhones. You can attach accessories easily. The design scores high for looks and feel.
Display Features
The screen is one of the best parts. It is a 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display. Resolution is 2,992 by 1,344 pixels. This makes images sharp and clear. Colors pop without being too bright.
Brightness goes up to 3,300 nits at peak. This is great for outdoor use. Even in direct sun, you can see the screen well. The display has a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. This means smooth scrolling and animations. It saves battery by dropping to 1Hz when still.
Viewing angles are good. The screen has a tiny bottom bezel. It looks symmetrical. There is a center punch-hole for the front camera. It does not block much view. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects it too.
In early tests, the display shines for videos and games. Watching YouTube or Netflix feels immersive. Text is easy to read. For night use, it dims low enough. No eye strain. Compared to last year, it is brighter and better.
Some users note it rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max screen. But the Pixel adds fun animations from Android 16. The Material 3 Expressive UI looks bubbly. Overall, the display gets top marks.
Camera System
Cameras are a big draw for Pixel phones. The 10 Pro XL keeps that tradition. It has three rear cameras. All are 48MP or higher. Google improved processing with AI.
The main camera is 50MP with f/1.68 aperture. It has optical image stabilization (OIS). This helps with shaky hands. Photos come out detailed and colorful. In bright light, exposure is spot on. Colors look natural.
The ultra-wide is 48MP with 125-degree field of view. Aperture is f/1.7. It captures wide scenes well. There is a macro mode for close-ups. Details stay sharp at edges.
Rear Cameras
The telephoto is 48MP with 5x optical zoom. It goes up to 100x with Pro Res Zoom. This uses AI to fill in details. At 5x, shots are clear. At 30x, it holds up. But 100x can look arty, not real.
Night shots use Night Sight. It pulls light from dark areas. You hold still for a few seconds. Results beat many rivals. Low-light photos have less noise.
Video recording goes to 4K at 60fps. There is 8K via Video Boost. This processes in the cloud. It takes time but improves quality. Stabilization is good, but not as smooth as iPhone.
New features include Camera Coach. It gives tips on framing. Auto Best Take fixes group photos by swapping faces. Add Me lets you join photos later.
Front Camera
The selfie camera is 42MP with f/2.2. It has a 103-degree view. Selfies look good with natural skin tones. It supports 4K video at 60fps. Face unlock works but not in total dark.
In tests, cameras perform well daily. They rival Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16. But some shots can over-sharpen. Raw mode lets you edit better in apps like Lightroom.
AI helps a lot. You can edit photos with words. Like “remove the person” or “change background.” It works fast on-device.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Tensor G5 chip powers it. This is Google’s own 3nm processor. It has a Titan M2 security chip. RAM is 16GB, which is plenty. Storage starts at 256GB, up to 1TB.
In early use, it handles tasks smoothly. Apps open quick. Multitasking is no issue. Gaming like Genshin Impact runs at high settings. But the phone can warm up near the camera.
Benchmarks show it behind Snapdragon chips. But for daily use, it is fine. It focuses on AI, not raw speed.
The fingerprint scanner is ultrasonic in-display. It is fast and accurate.
Tensor G5 Chip
The G5 is made for AI. It runs features without cloud. This keeps data private. Compared to Pixel 9, it is faster in AI tasks.
AI Features
AI is the star. Gemini Live lets you chat naturally. It can share screen for help. Magic Cue pulls info from your apps. Like flight details in a call.
Pixel Studio creates images from text. It improved a lot. You can make claymation or ukiyo-e styles. But it sometimes shows bias, like mostly white people.
Voice Translate does real-time calls in languages. It even mimics your voice. Recorder app adds AI music to notes.
Some features feel new and fun. Others need polish. Like delays in processing.
Software is Android 16 out of box. It gets 7 years of updates. This is great for long-term use.
Battery Life
The battery is 5,200mAh. This is bigger than before. In tests, it lasts a full day. With average use, you end with 20-30% left.
Streaming video at full bright, it lasts about 12 hours. Gaming drops it faster. Idle time holds charge well.
Charging is 45W wired. It hits 50% in 30 minutes. Wireless is 25W with Qi2. This is faster than before.
Compared to rivals, it is average. Galaxy S25 lasts longer. But for most, it is enough. No major complaints in first days.
First Impressions in Daily Use
Using the Pixel 10 Pro XL feels premium. The big screen is great for work and play. AI features add value. Like quick edits or smart replies.
Calls sound clear. Speakers are improved. Haptics feel nice. The phone does not lag in normal tasks.
For photography fans, cameras impress. AI helps beginners. Battery holds up for travel.
But it is heavy. Some AI tools are gimmicky. Performance is not top for gamers.
Overall, it is a smart phone. Best for Google ecosystem users.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning display with high brightness.
- Excellent cameras with AI magic.
- Long software support for 7 years.
- Useful AI features like Magic Cue.
- Solid build with IP68 rating.
Cons
- No charger in box.
- Battery life average compared to rivals.
- Performance lags in benchmarks.
- Heavy and large for some users.
- Some AI lacks diversity in outputs.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL stands out in 2025. It blends hardware and AI well. Unboxing is simple, design is refined. The display and cameras shine. Performance is good for most, with AI as the highlight.
If you want a smart Android phone, this is it. It rivals iPhone and Samsung. But check if you need the size. Early impressions are positive. Full reviews will test long-term use.
This phone shows Google’s growth. From unboxing to first use, it impresses. Worth considering for upgrades.
