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Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Google’s Superphone Boosted with AI and Magnetic Features | Pixels

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google’s Pixel SuperPhone returns, featuring enhanced battery life, rapid charging, magnetic accessories, and cutting-edge AI tools, aiming to challenge the dominance of Apple and Samsung in the mobile market.


The Pixel 10 Pro XL is Google’s largest smartphone, and it ranks among the biggest available in Europe and the US. Priced at £1,199 (€1,299/$1,199/$1,999), it sits at the pinnacle of the Pixel 10 Pro range, just below the forthcoming folding Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and competes head-on with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Similar in size to the previous generation, the 10 Pro XL boasts a slight increase in weight of 11g. It’s a sizable and hefty device that usually requires two hands for operation and benefits from accessories like grips or handles.


The device features a magnetic ring that allows for various Qi2 or MagSafe accessories, including grips, car mounts, wallets, stands, batteries, and more. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

It sports a large, bright OLED display that offers a superb viewing experience for TV shows and movies. The rear integrates QI2.2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support, positioning it as one of the few smartphones able to charge at up to 25W with the latest wireless chargers.

The 10 Pro XL carries the same Google Tensor G5 chip found in the entire Pixel 10 series, providing smooth and responsive performance. While it handles gaming adequately, those seeking top-tier graphics and frame rates may prefer competitors using Qualcomm’s premium Snapdragon processors, such as the S25 Ultra.

With the largest battery among the Pixels, the 10 Pro XL offers impressive longevity. It matches its predecessor, providing roughly 52 hours of use through a combination of Wi-Fi and 5G. Users can expect it to last through even the most demanding days, typically requiring charging every other day.


Charging is quick, taking under 90 minutes via cable and about 2 hours via a QI2 25W wireless charger. See the Ugreen Magflow 2-in-1 (left) or Belkin Ultracharge Pro (right) for options. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.8in 120Hz QHD+ OLED (486ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G5

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 16

  • Camera: 50MP + 48MP UW + 48MP 5X TELE; 42MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm

  • Weight: 232g

Android 16 with AI


Magic Cue is among the most advanced AI features, working silently in the background to provide useful, timely information. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro XL operates on Android 16 software, enriched with AI capabilities similar to the 10 Pro, delivering one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated user experiences available. Google will offer updates until 2032.

Gemini Chatbot is integrated system-wide, complemented by a standalone app that visually displays screen content. The standout new feature, Magic Cue, operates in the background, proactively showcasing data from calendars, emails, chats, and other Google apps as needed. Whether providing location details when a friend texts about dinner or displaying an order confirmation when a recognized business calls, it seamlessly integrates with various Google and select third-party apps, although it currently does not support popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Moreover, the 10 Pro XL includes a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro, granting access to Google’s more powerful Gemini models and 2TB of cloud storage for photos, files, and emails (valued at £19 per month).

Camera


With the 10 Pro XL, you’re likely to capture stunning photos in various conditions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The camera system on the larger Pixels mirrors that of the 10 Pro, meaning the choice lies in the size rather than the camera quality. Its 50MP main sensor, complemented by a 48MP ultra-wide and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, provides some of the finest photo capabilities available. With a point-and-shoot approach on the Pro XL, you’re virtually guaranteed excellent results, irrespective of the conditions.

Additionally, several AI tools enhance the photography experience, including: Novel Camera Coach; Please Add Me that blends two photos to introduce the photographer into a group shot; and Best Take, which now operates automatically. By simply pressing the shutter button or combining multiple shots, you’re more likely to achieve group photos where everyone is looking at the camera.

Moreover, activating the Pro Res Zoom feature when exceeding a 30x zoom utilizes GenAI to restore details and clarity in images lost due to digital zoom. While results can vary, and the feature deactivates when it detects people, it often enhances blurry 100x zoom photos. It’s essential to note that this process interprets and reconstructs the image using AI, clearly indicated by the camera app. C2PA Content Credentials.

Overall, the Pixel camera system ranks among the best on the market, regardless of AI tool usage.

Sustainability


The fingerprint scanner at the bottom of the display is quick and accurate, enabling seamless unlocking. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Battery longevity is rated to exceed 1,000 full charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Repairs can be conducted through Google, authorized third-party providers, or via self-repair using available parts and manuals.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL includes 29% recycled materials by weight, such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tungsten, and tin. The company is committed to minimizing its environmental impact, as indicated in their Environmental Report, and offers free recycling of old devices through their platform.

Price

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is priced at £1,199 (€1,299/$1,199/$1,999) and is available in four color options.

For context, the Pixel 10 is priced at £799, the Pixel 10 Pro at £999, and the Pixel 9a at £399. The Galaxy S25 Ultra retails for £1,249, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced at £1,199.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro XL epitomizes a superphone with significant size, price, and functionality. If you appreciate the features of Google’s 6.3-inch smartphone but desire larger dimensions, this model is the ideal choice.

The camera stands out as one of the best, the display is stunning, and the software, which integrates Google’s most advanced AI features, is superb. The introduction of QI2.2 support accelerates wireless charging while providing access to a range of magnetic accessories, such as grips that facilitate handling larger devices.

While the pixels exhibit responsiveness, they don’t represent a groundbreaking upgrade from last year’s 9 Pro XL. Particularly regarding raw gaming performance, they fall short compared to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Pros: 7 years of software updates, 5x optical zoom and 10x AI zoom, excellent display, magic cues, stellar camera with impressive local AI capabilities, QI2.2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support, exceptional battery life, great ergonomics, swift fingerprint and face recognition, and a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro.

Cons: High price point, large and heavy, reliance on face ID, insufficient raw performance, inconsistent battery performance, lack of physical SIM slot in US models, and not a significant enhancement over its predecessor.


Please note, the Pixel 10 Pro XL lacks a physical SIM slot in US versions, relying solely on eSIMs. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

How US Loopholes Boosted China’s Export Power

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Nearly a decade ago, Congress increased the import threshold from $200 to $800, facilitating access to the American consumer market.

In response, Chinese companies rapidly entered this sphere. Initially on platforms like eBay and Amazon, and later on apps like Shein and Temu, exporters leveraged China’s extensive manufacturing capabilities to funnel products directly into the US market.

This change in policy in 2016 significantly transformed the economic relationship between the two nations.

For decades, the US has been receiving goods from Chinese factories, benefiting from their manufacturing efficiency. The newly expanded, tariff-free loophole has made American consumers increasingly addicted to purchasing inexpensive exercise clothes and home gadgets online. In turn, millions of Chinese workers have found employment in factories catering to the e-commerce market. The influence extends to major players like Amazon and Walmart, as well as platforms such as Shane, Temu, and TikTok.

This surge in transactions has been remarkable. Last year, approximately 4 million packages arrived daily in the United States without customs inspections or fees.

However, changes were implemented on Friday, affecting trade between the two largest economies. Most packages from mainland China and Hong Kong are now subject to customs duties, even if valued under $800.

People in both nations are already noticing the shift. American consumers are encountering higher prices at checkout, while Chinese exporters are actively seeking new markets beyond the US.

Several factories in southern China, where much of the manufacturing hub resides, have been closing since early April, raising concerns about job losses.

Zhang Yikui, a worker at a factory in Guangzhou producing clothing for Amazon, mentioned that his factory’s output has dropped from 100,000 pieces monthly to around 60,000. He and about 40 colleagues were seen sewing denim dresses amid piles of Shane bags.

Zhang stated he is looking for new buyers: “People in other countries still need clothing. The US doesn’t manufacture anything like this.”

Even lesser-known Chinese manufacturers have successfully entered the American market. Eddie Chang, an e-commerce consultant in Hong Kong, previously managed Walmart’s China e-commerce operations.

“Changes have happened rapidly over the past few months,” he remarked.

Trade tensions present significant challenges to China’s economic growth, which heavily relies on exports. In April, President Trump raised tariffs to 145% on over half of China’s exports to the US, and recent official data indicates that new export orders have plummeted to their lowest since 2022.

Ting Lu, chief economist at Nomura, reported this week that nearly 6 million jobs in China could be lost in the short term due to tariffs, with potential losses rising to 16 million in the longer term.

The Chinese government is struggling to move away from its longstanding dependence on the real estate sector, which has seen a sharp price decline and has adversely affected consumer spending.

China’s cross-border e-commerce landscape has a multitude of factories that are vital to its success, making it one of the few sectors showing signs of growth.

Established over a decade ago, the emergence of platforms like Amazon and Shein coincided with China’s government efforts to expand opportunities in overseas markets for small and medium-sized enterprises.

These apps serve as channels for a diverse array of products produced in China, empowering local companies to ship packages directly to consumers and efficiently manage inventory. This accessibility has helped even small factories become global players, as noted by Harvard University professor Moira Weigel, who is researching the online marketplace.

This context facilitated Congress’s decision to raise the tax-free limit to $800, promoting access to affordable international goods for consumers and small businesses, while other nations sought to boost US exports. However, the United States remains an anomaly among significant trading partners, with China’s tax-free import threshold set at just $7.

For nearly a century, federal law exempted inexpensive goods from import taxes. The threshold was raised from $5 in 1978 to $200 in 1993.

The increase to $800 unlocked vast potential, positioning China as the largest exporter under De Minimis rules. In 2018, Chinese firms sent out packages worth about $5 billion, averaging $54 each, which skyrocketed to $66 billion by 2023, according to Congressional Research Services data.

The ongoing trade tensions and the termination of the US tax-free policy threaten to disrupt this progress.

Han Dong Hwan, founder of China’s Labor Bulletin, which monitors protests regarding factory closures, warned that the impact of tariffs could be “far worse” than the job losses experienced during the pandemic.

Some factories are turning to e-commerce platforms in Europe and Southeast Asia to find new markets for their products, while Chinese e-commerce consultants offer guidance on selling items on eBay in Japan or Amazon in Brazil.

Other Chinese sellers have begun stockpiling US goods, even acquiring warehouse space from Amazon and Walmart.

In response, the Chinese government has not only imposed high tariffs on US imports but also encouraged local consumers to buy domestically produced goods. However, as Qiu Dongxiao, dean of economics at Linnan University in Hong Kong, points out, if unemployment rises, consumer spending may diminish.

“Even those currently employed are unsure about their job security, making them hesitant to spend money,” Qiu states.

siyi Zhao Reports of contributions.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Meta Surpasses Wall Street Expectations with Quarterly Revenues Boosted by Billion-Dollar AI Investments

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On Wednesday, Meta announced its revenues, exceeding Wall Street’s forecasts for yet another quarter, while simultaneously generating billions with artificial intelligence.

In the first quarter of 2025, Meta reported a revenue of $423.2 billion, surpassing both its own projected high of $41.8 billion and the Wall Street expectation of $413.8 billion.

The company also disclosed earnings per share of $6.43, significantly exceeding Wall Street’s prediction of $5.27, leading to a surge in stock prices after market hours.

“This is a strong start to what is set to be a pivotal year for us. Our community continues to expand, and our business model is performing effectively,” stated Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO. “We are making notable advancements in AI glasses and Meta AI, with approximately 1 billion active monthly users.”

Zuckerberg conveyed in a discussion with investors that the company is performing well, its platform is expanding, and it is prepared to navigate the prevailing macroeconomic uncertainties.

“We maintain the belief that this year will be crucial in our industry,” he remarked.

This marks a continuation of Meta’s succesful track record in surpassing Wall Street expectations over recent quarters. However, it remains uncertain whether this will alleviate investor apprehensions. Analysts expressed dissatisfaction regarding the company’s first-quarter revenue outlook shared at the end of 2024. The firm plans to allocate between $64 million and $72 billion for capital expenditures, focusing on building AI infrastructure, a revision from the previous estimate of $65 billion. Total expenses for the first quarter had already reached $24.76 billion, marking a 9% year-over-year increase. The unpredictable nature of Donald Trump’s tariffs could still disrupt the advertising market and cloud the company’s financial forecast for the upcoming quarters.

Senior analyst Minda Smiley from eMarketer noted that the company’s “optimistic second quarter guidance indicates a lack of expectation for a significant decline in advertising revenue due to tariffs.” However, she expressed doubt about Meta’s ability to avoid long-term recession effects.

“Conversely, companies may take advantage of economic instability. Advertisers are likely to shift their spending towards established platforms like Facebook and Instagram while avoiding smaller social media networks,” added Smiley. “Nevertheless, a significant portion of Meta’s revenue is relying on advertising from Chinese retailers such as Temu and Shein targeting US consumers, whose spending is decreasing due to changing trade conditions and tariffs.”

Meta’s continued spending also “remains a concern for investors,” according to Debra Aho Williamson, founder and chief analyst at Sonata Insights. “Despite this, Meta has stayed away from directly monetizing AI this year, instead focusing on enhancing AI engagement amongst developers, app users, and advertisers,” remarked Williamson.

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In the lead-up to the revenue report, Meta has made headlines with mixed AI-related developments, including the release of a standalone AI application intended to compete with ChatGPT. A WSJ Report highlighted that existing chatbots integrated into various products, such as Facebook and Instagram, have enabled teenagers to engage in “romantic role-plays.” Meta executives have consistently emphasized the approximately 1 billion users of their AI chatbots. However, many of these users access chatbots through complex paths within WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. The company has not disclosed specifics about user interactions with chatbots or the depth of these engagements necessary to classify as AI chatbot users.

Alongside ongoing antitrust trials—where the company faces allegations of establishing an illegal social media monopoly through the acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp—additional concerns loom for analysts regarding Meta’s financial stability, despite the seemingly positive figures.

“Meta’s revenue announcements arrive during a turbulent period, as the company faces potential changes to its future. As discussed in court, the outcomes could fundamentally reshape the social media landscape,” observed Forrester VP Mike Pulx. “Focusing more resources on enhancing Threads and Facebook might be crucial, as these could be the last remaining platforms of value for the company. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that Meta has significantly reduced its workforce within the Reality Labs division, which is struggling and ongoing.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Survival of Endangered Frogs Boosted by Winter Sauna Treatment for Fungal Disease

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Green and gold bell frogs in an artificial hotspot shelter

Anthony Waddle

One of Australia’s most endangered amphibians can fight off a deadly fungal infection with the help of a naturally heated shelter that researchers are calling a “frog sauna.”

The disease, chytridiomycosis, has wiped out about 100 species of frogs, toads and salamanders worldwide.

Green and gold bell frog (Litoria aureaThe fungus was once widespread along the south-eastern coast of Australia, but its range has shrunk by 90 percent, and although other factors such as habitat loss are also at play, chytrid is thought to be the greatest threat to the endangered species.

It has long been known that warm temperatures suppress fungal infections, and many frog species, including the Japanese bush frog, are susceptible to the disease in winter when it’s hard for them to stay warm, especially when it’s hard to find a warm place.

To learn more, Anthony Waddle The researcher, from Macquarie University in Sydney, and his colleagues studied two groups of captive frogs that were intentionally infected with chytridiomycosis over the winter.

The first group was provided with bricks with holes in them in an unshaded greenhouse shelter where temperatures rose to nearly 40°C (104°F), while the second group was provided with bricks in a shaded greenhouse shelter where temperatures rose to 35°C (95°F).

Frogs that were given warmer shelter had 100 times fewer chytrid spores on their skin than other groups.

Although chytrid has difficulty growing above 28°C (82°F), warmer temperatures appear to activate the frogs’ immune systems, Waddle said.

“Using shelter to survive is like a vaccination for the frogs,” Waddle says, “and we’ve shown that firefly frogs can develop resistance after heat has cleared their infection, potentially making them 22 times more likely to survive future infections in cold environments.”

Although the researchers have only tested the shelter on one species at this stage, they believe the technology could be used with other animals threatened by chytrid fungus, as long as they seek out natural warmth when it’s cold. Waddle says there are at least six Australian animal species that could benefit from the technology.

Importantly, these thermal shelters are easy and inexpensive to set up: “All you need is a small vegetable greenhouse from the hardware store and a few bricks, and it will only cost about $60-70. [Australian] “It will cost a few hundred dollars to build,” Waddle said, “and I can envision people putting them in their backyards to help the frogs through the winter.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com