In the ‘90s, the term “smartphone” emerged to denote devices with “advanced computing” features that allowed you to do more than just make calls. But if we’re being honest, applying that label to pocket-sized gadgets that ran cut-down versions of desktop PC apps with half-baked UIs was kind of overselling it. More recently though, we’ve seen handsets like those from Google come with sophisticated features that simply aren’t available anywhere else, due in no small part to the rise of AI. And now with the arrival of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, these devices feel like they are redefining the “smart” in smartphone as we know it.
Google / Engadget 94 100 Expert Score Google Pixel 10 Pro For those who appreciate convenience and usability over simple raw performance, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are the smartest choices among today’s Android flagship phones. Pros Longer battery life
Brighter displays
100x Pro Res Zoom adds major magnification
Pixelsnap charging (aka Qi2 support)
Magic Cue is super helpful (when it works) Cons No more wireless powersharing
Processing full-res images is a bit slow
Pixel 10 line is eSIM only in the US $999 at Amazon
Design and display: Bringing the polish
The overall look and feel of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL haven’t changed much since last year. You still get polished aluminum sides sandwiched by slabs of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The main differences are a slightly updated lineup of colors (moonstone, jade, porcelain and obsidian) and a switch from a matte to shiny finish on the back. This is a small bummer for me as I prefer the soft-touch feel of its predecessors. The pale gold frame on the jade model is a nice touch, even if I would have preferred a richer shade of green.
... continue reading