Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: All the differences
Is this just another boring upgrade or are there hidden improvements that make a difference?
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Google has just unveiled its most anticipated big-screen flagship, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but what are the new features? And should Pixel 9 Pro XL owners upgrade?
The Pixel 10 Pro XL gets a new Tensor chip, now made by TSMC (and hopefully fixing years of underperforming Tensor chips), and it is the first Android phone to have Qi 2.2 wireless magnetic charging. There are also a bunch of new AI features, of course.
Interestingly, the base price of the Pixel 10 Pro XL is now higher at $1,200, but that is because Google has graciously removed the 128 GB base model. Thanks, fellas, that's so helpful! Sarcasm aside, there is actually more to learn, so read on.
Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL differences:
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|
| Same design, but slightly heavier | Flat side, flat screen, aluminum frame |
| New $1,200 starting price (256 GB model) | $1,100 starting price (128 GB version) |
| Tensor G5 chip by TSMC | Tensor G4 chip by Samsung |
| Slightly bigger 5,200 mAh battery | 5,060 mAh battery |
| Mostly same triple camera hardware | 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP 5X periscope zoom |
| Improved zoom with AI | Older zoom tech |
| Gimbal-level video stabilization | Regular stabilization |
| Qi2.2 wireless charging | Regular wireless charging |
| Improved speaker | Older speaker |
Table of Contents:
Design and Size
Mostly the same size, but slightly heavier
The Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps mostly the same design style as its predecessor.
That means a flat screen, flat sides, an aluminum body construction and a glass back. Yep, the sensible shoes of smartphone design.
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|
| Thickness 8.5 mm | Thickness 8.5 mm |
| Dimensions 162.8 x 76.6 | Dimensions 162.8 x 76.6 |
| Weight 232 g | Weight 221 grams |
The major thing Google has changed is the weight of the phone, which is now slightly heavier at 232 grams (5% heavier than before), likely because of the bigger battery inside. We have mixed feelings about this. We like the longer battery life, but don't appreciate the added weight in the pocket.
The same IP68 water and dust protection is on board and there are no new physical buttons, in case you were wondering. Apple seems to be adding a new button to the iPhone now every year, but we for once are happy Google doesn't follow.
Color-wise, we have the following options on the Pixel 10 Pro XL:
- Obsidian (Black)
- Porcelain (White)
- Moonstone (Gray with some blue in it)
- Jade (Gentle pistachio green shade paired with a subtle gold frame)
Display Differences
Google set the bar high last year with the super bright display on the 9 Pro XL.
This year we get a slight bump in brightness, going up to a retina-burning 3,300 nits, so you can effortlessly read your group chats out in the sun. The rest is familiar stuff: 6.8-inch screen size, Super Actua display with 120Hz refresh rate.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL uses an ultrasonic fingerprint reader. Last year's Pixel 9 Pro XL first adopted that, and on the new model it's mostly the same with some slight improvements.
Performance and Software
TSMC-made
With 16GB of RAM and a Tensor G5 now finally made by TSMC, and not Samsung foundries, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is a solid performance upgrade over the 9 Pro XL.
What this means in simple terms is that the phone's engine is now built by a way more reliable mechanic.
One curious detail about the Pixel 9 Pro XL is that it was using UFS 3.1 storage, which is not quite the latest and fastest technology (most flagship phones use UFS 4.0). The Pixel 10 Pro XL adopts zoned UFS storage, which is a new technology that helps with faster on-device AI, so a very welcome improvement.
It's also no surprise that we are getting the latest Android 16 on board.
The latest Android version debuts the new Material Expressive styling with more contrasting colors and distinct shapes and design element.
Excitingly, it should also have a new Desktop Mode (think DeX but for native Android) soon, but we are yet to hear more details about that. That feature is already available as part of Android quarterly release betas. A niche feature for the 1%, that's for sure, but they deserve to be happy too.
Camera
Super zoom
Pixel phones have traditionally relied a lot on computational photography and on AI tricks, but when it comes to the camera hardware inside the Pixel 10 Pro XL, there are no big changes this year.
PhoneArena Camera Score:
Which means that you have three rear cameras on board. Find all the megapixels right below:
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|
| Main Same as before | Main 50 MP, f/1.7 24 mm 1/1.3" |
| Ultrawide Same as before | Ultrawide 48 MP, f/1.7 13 mm 1/2.55" |
| Telephoto Same as before | Telephoto 48 MP, f/2.8 5X zoom |
The big improvement happens with zooming. The 5X periscope zoom camera is getting an insane 100X zoom, powered by AI. I am still a bit skeptical about this, but the results Google shows are impressive. Only remember that AI only helps with landscapes and landmarks, but not with people for the zoom shots.
Usually, even 50X photos look like a blurry mess on other phones, so it would be interesting to test the new zoom capabilities of this Pixel.
In addition to better zoomed photos, we have the usual round of HDR+ updates with fine tuned color, focus, detail and noise reduction across all of your images.
Main Camera
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Zoom Quality
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Ultra-wide Camera
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Google also finally improves Portrait Mode, which was frankly quite bad and lacking detail on the last few Pixel phones. With better subject separation, improved detail, sharpness and texture, this sounds promising. You will also be able to take 50MP high-res portraits.
An updated panorama mode now supports 5X capture, so you can take 100MP resolution pictures with improved image quality.
There are also a bunch of new AI features. Best Auto Take activates when you take a group photo and selects the best one where no one is blinking or making weird faces.
Another cool new AI feature is natural language photo editing in Google Photos. You can now speak to edit your photos. For example, you could say to "remove the reflections on the window" or "remove the glare, brighten the photo and add clouds to the sky", or "remove the photo bombers", and the app will understand and make the edits. Really cool!
Google has also focused on bringing next-level video stability with twice the range of stabilization. Combined with Video Boost, this results in impressive, gimbal-like footage.
Battery Life and Charging
Some improvements
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is getting a small, but welcome upgrade to battery size.
With a 5,200 mAh battery inside it, the battery is nearly 3% bigger than the one on the 9 Pro XL. Don't expect massive changes, but you might get an extra ten minutes to stare blankly at Instagram before bed. Such are the times.
But if we go back to numbers, you can get up to 100 hours of battery life with the power saving mode on the 10 Pro XL.
PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is also the first Android phone with Qi 2.2. This means you get magnets, you get MagSafe compatibility and you get fast 25W wireless charging speeds. Nice!
Naturally, you will no longer need to buy a proprietary charger like the Pixel Stand wireless charger and you can use any universal Qi2 wireless charger.
Specs Comparison
And here is a quick overview of the Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL specs:
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|
| Size, weight 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm 232 g | Size, weight 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm 221 g |
| Screen 6.8" OLED 120Hz 3,300 nits | Screen 6.8" OLED 120Hz 3,000 nits |
| Processor Tensor G5 by TSMC 3nm | Processor Tensor G4 by Samsung 4nm |
| Versions: - 16/256GB 16/512GB 16GB/1TB | Versions: 16/128GB 16/256GB 16/512GB - |
| Cameras: 50MP main 48MP ultra 48MP 5X zoom | Cameras: 50MP main 48MP ultra 48MP 5X zoom |
| Battery: 5,200 mAh | Battery: 5,060 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 39W wired 25W Qi 2.2 wireless | Charging: USB-C 37W wired regular wireless |
Summary
The Pixel 10 Pro XL might not be quite a revolution, but it's nice and gentle shuffle to the 9 Pro XL. Thankfully, that was already an excellent phone.
The new Tensor G5 by TSMC is the star of the show, powering all of the new and existing AI experience that make this phone special.
You also get very decent battery life and expectedly a cooler-running Pixel. But camera quality does not change too much and the tiny battery size increase is probably not enough of a reason to upgrade.
But honestly, Qi 2.2 is so exciting. The small, tactile joy of a charger that just works.
Keep in mind that we will have our full in-depth Pixel 10 reviews up in around a week, so check back then so you can make your own deeply personal and financially questionable decision. I won't judge. Much.
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