Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Pros, Cons, Rumors

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL was truly the first of its kind. Merging a 6.8-inch display with all the premium features of Google’s Pro range, this new Pixel phone was designed to rival the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

The good news is that the Pro XL has made a return this year, too! According to insider sources, “Mustang” was Google headquarters’ code name for the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which is part of the lineup’s 10th anniversary celebrations. 

Compared to last year’s model, the second-generation XL device doesn’t appear to offer such a wide variety of changes. However, it does feature some key improvements that could make the 2025 device an appealing choice for Pixel fans, from a larger battery to the latest Tensor G5 chipset.

Wondering whether to upgrade to the new Pixel phone or keep your current device? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Pixel 10 Pro XL to help you make an informed decision.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Pros

We were incredibly excited to get our first official glimpse of the new Pixel 10 Pro XL and other devices in the range at the Made by Google Pixel launch event. Taking place in New York on August 20, this event confirmed many of the beneficial features we were expecting to see on Google’s premium handset.

Durable Design

A 13-second clip posted on the Google store homepage confirmed the design of both the Pro models after CAD renders were previously leaked. The teaser shows the number 10 morphing into a camera bar, which then zooms out to reveal a blue-ish gray Moonstone device with a polished finish.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch LTPO display, with a variable 1 to 120Hz refresh rate that adapts well in sunny conditions. This screen continues to feature an impressive 3000-nit peak brightness with superior color accuracy!

One of the biggest benefits offered by the design of the Pro models is their inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Covering the device’s front and the back, Corning’s latest glass material is built to survive drops of up to 1 meter on hard surfaces like concrete.

New Colors

Thanks to leaked renders, we already knew which Pixel 10 Pro XL shades to expect before launch day. While the 9 Pro XL’s Obsidian and Porcelain colorways return to the Google Store this year, two more unique hues also feature in the lineup.

Since many high-end phones feature only classic, yet slightly boring plain color options, this update is pretty exciting! Choose from one of the following four shades:

• Obsidian (black)

• Porcelain (white)

• Moonstone (slate blue-gray)

• Jade (Pistachio green with gold accents) 

Tensor G5 Chip

Making its debut on the Google Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL, is the Tensor G5 chip. As the company’s first self-designed chipset, Google switched its partnership with Samsung Foundry for TSMC to boost performance. 

The Tensor G5 features eight CPU cores for smoother graphics processing, with fewer bugs too. It also facilitates the 10 Pro XL’s premium camera setup, AI features, and a better battery life.

Supporting Google’s upgraded chip is 16GB of RAM (Random Access Memory). Although this hasn’t changed from the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it offers 4GB more RAM than the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max to run Google apps and device processes more quickly.

Bigger Battery

One particularly notable pro for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is its battery size. At 5200 mAh, versus last year’s 5060 mAh, the 2025 device has the largest battery of all current Pixel phones! It also features a larger vapor chamber to prevent overheating.

Supported by the Tensor G5 and Extreme Battery Saver mode, these improvements delivers a longer battery life and greater power efficiency. 

Another area of improvement comes with charging speeds. While the previous model supported up to 37W wired charging, the 10 Pro XL achieves 39W charging speeds. It’s also wireless charging compatible up to 15W, including built-in Qi2 magnets.

These magnets slightly increase the weight and thickness of the latest Pixel phones. However, they also ensure that all models in the series work with the latest wireless charging standard.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Cons

Most of the hardware features on the Pixel 10 Pro XL remain unchanged, which may be disappointing if you’re a tech enthusiast keen to see exciting new updates from Google.

Let’s take a closer look at the main drawbacks of investing in this Pixel device compared to others in the latest lineup.

No Camera Upgrades

The Pixel 9 Pro XL came with new AI features for the camera, from Magic Editor to Add Me, which ensures the photographer is always in the shot. This year, however, the cameras on the 10 series have mostly stayed the same, and include the following lenses:

• 50 MP Main

• 48 MP Ultrawide

• 48 MP 5x Telephoto

• 42 MP Front-Facing

Instead, most of the upgrades are reserved for the base Pixel 10, with a dedicated Telephoto lens that brings it closer in quality to the Pro models.

Storage

The standard Google Pixel 10 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. However, Google decided this year to eliminate the 128GB model for the Pixel 10 Pro XL model.

While more storage may seem like a pro, this strategy also removed the lower priced option, which may push consumers towards the standard Pro or base model Pixel 10. It also follows several years of price hikes across the Pixel series, during a time of potential government-imposed tariffs and higher manufacturing costs. 

Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is positioned as this year’s flagship model, and for good reason. Building on the strengths of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, without a complete design and performance overhaul, it features a quality 6.8-inch display plus the biggest battery in the series — and the entire Google Pixel range!

Invest in this device to experience Google’s first fully-custom chipset, as well as improvements in battery life and AI performance. If you’re looking for Google’s most advanced phone yet, and don’t mind paying the premium price tag, then this is definitely the one for you!

However, if you already own the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you might want to hold fire until the next generation of Pixel phones. With similarities in most areas, including design and camera, you may not experience the benefits of this advanced phone unless you’re a dedicated Google Pixel or general tech fan.

Overall, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL looks set to be a fantastic rival for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Keep your eyes on Ghostek Insider for future reviews and comparisons of these premium flagship handsets!