Tag Archives: Pixels

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

Review of Pixel 9a: Google’s Budget-Friendly Android Champion | Pixels

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Google’s latest discounted Pixel offers the best value for Android phones and outperforms models twice its price in many regions.


The Pixel 9a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849), the same as last year’s model. It is about £300 less than Google’s regular Pixel 9 and competes with mid-range devices like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy A56.

Google has maintained its successful A-Series formula with the 9a, offering top-tier specs, chips, and cameras while cutting costs. The result is a compelling package for the price.




The 9a resembles a standard Pixel 9 from the front, featuring an optical fingerprint reader at the bottom of the screen and face recognition for unlocking phones and apps. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, smooth, and bright, surpassing many competitors. While slightly thicker bezels surround the screen compared to the Pixel 9, it retains the premium feel with an aluminum band. The back is crafted from high-quality plastic, maintaining durability. Additionally, the 9a is fully IP68 water-resistant, in line with the industry’s best.

One notable change is the absence of a prominent camera bar on the back. Instead, the dual camera sits within a discreet black oval, providing a sleeker appearance though potentially losing some distinctive charm found in Google’s other phone designs.

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G4

  • Ram: 8GB

  • Storage: 128 or 256GB

  • Operating system: Android 15

  • Camera: 48MP + 13MP Ultrawide, 13MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, SIM/ESIM, WIFI 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS

  • Water resistance: IP68 (1M for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 157.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm

  • Weight: 185.9g

Most of the Tensor G4 and Google’s AI




Charging takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the 9a using a USB-C charger of 23W or more (not included). The phone is also equipped with 7.5W wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Internally, the 9a boasts the top-tier Google Tensor G4 chip found in other Pixel 9 models, albeit with 8GB of RAM rather than 12GB on pricier variants. The chip delivers fast performance, outpacing most midrange chips albeit falling short in raw performance benchmarks.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 57 hours with light use, 9 hours of active screen time, and 5 hours on 5G. This longevity rivals some of the longest-lasting phones on the market, offering a two-day usage window.

While the reduced RAM doesn’t significantly impact daily use, it does limit some local AI functionalities, such as Google’s Gemini AI Tools, which enable text processing but exclude some advanced audio or image-based features like Pixel Screenshots. Call Notes on the Pixel 9.




Gemini serves as the AI assistant for Pixel phones, working seamlessly with the 9a like other models. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

All Gemini features that leverage web capabilities, such as Gemini Live, perform well on the 9a. The phone can also generate summaries of audio recordings, albeit with limitations on word count per session.

The overall user experience on Android 15 matches other Pixel phones, with the added benefit of Google’s seven years of software support for Pixels. This longevity ensures the 9a remains relevant in the mid-range market for an extended period.

Camera




The Pixel Camera app simplifies the process of taking excellent photos with minimal effort. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Pixel 9a features exceptional cameras, including a new 48-megapixel main camera and a 13MP Ultra Wide lens alongside it.

The main camera captures high-quality images, rivaling flagship phones, especially in low-light conditions. Photos are detailed and balanced across various lighting scenarios, with the Ultra Wide lens standing out as a great feature. The main camera also offers a decent 2x zoom, extendable to 8x with some digital artifacts.

A new addition to the 9a is the Macro Photography mode, leveraging the main camera for impressive close-up shots. The selfie camera performs well, and video capture is equally strong.

The 9a inherits popular features like Best Takes and main Pixel 9 AI capabilities, incorporating various Google Photos AI editing tools such as Magic Editor, Unblur, and Audio Magic Eraser.

Sustainability




The phone’s back is crafted from recycled plastic with a smooth matte finish. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Google ensures the battery should retain at least 80% of its original capacity after about 1,000 full charge cycles. The phone is repairable by Google or third-party shops, with genuine replacement parts available directly from sources like iFixit.

The Pixel 9a is constructed from recycled materials, comprising at least 23% of the phone’s weight. Google’s public Environmental Impact Report outlines the phone’s sustainability efforts and offers free recycling for old devices.

Price

The Google Pixel 9a is priced at £499 (€549/$499/A$849).

For comparison, the Pixel 9 costs £799, the Samsung Galaxy A56 retails for £499, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is priced at £449, and the Apple iPhone 16e is priced at £599.

Verdict

The Pixel 9a demonstrates Google’s ability to deliver a flagship-level phone at a mid-range price point better than most competitors.

A combination of premium chips, long-lasting battery, top-tier screens, and exceptional cameras outshine more expensive options. Google’s robust software and extended seven-year support further enhance the overall value.

Some compromises have been made to lower costs, but they are hardly noticeable in day-to-day usage. Omissions like WiFi 7, lack of satellite messaging, spatial audio, plastic backs, etc., can be overlooked given the 9a’s price point.

While pricier Pixel phones offer additional features, the Pixel 9a is hard to ignore as the best mid-range phone by a significant margin, providing a quality experience at an accessible price point.

Strong Points: Undercuts high-end phones with 7 years of software updates, top-tier cameras, excellent screens, premium chips, ultra-long battery life, recycled materials, advanced AI features, competitive pricing.

Cons: Common design, lack of optical zoom for cameras, limited performance, plastic back, absence of spatial audio, no WiFi 7 or satellite messaging, older Gorilla Glass 3.

www.theguardian.com