Google • Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 Pro is Google’s latest flagship, designed to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung’s top devices. As someone who has been a long-time iPhone user, I wasn’t expecting to say this, but the Pixel 10 Pro has been living in my main pocket for the past week. Let’s talk about why.
Hardware and Build Quality
Google nailed the design this year. The shiny aluminum rails blend beautifully into the frosted glass back, giving the phone a premium feel that’s actually a little sticky in the hand without being slippery. The bezels are thin, the display stretches edge to edge, and the whole thing just feels intentional.
The visor-style camera bar remains one of my favorite design choices on any smartphone. It doubles as a built-in stand, so there’s no wobble when you set it on a desk. I did wish the lenses were centered for symmetry, but I get why the telephoto needs extra space. Overall, it feels every bit as premium — if not more — than the iPhone 16 Pro.
Android 15 and Everyday Experience
Hardware is only half the story. The Pixel 10 Pro shines because Google controls both the software and the hardware, letting them design the two in harmony — much like Apple has always done. Android here is snappy, colorful, and minimal.
Some reviewers said the UI feels “blown up” with more white space, but I actually love it. As someone who’s always appreciated clean design, I think giving apps and widgets more breathing room makes the whole experience more enjoyable. White space is not your enemy.
Functionality and Performance
I’m not a specs guy. What I care about is: does it work? And the Pixel 10 Pro works. It’s quick, responsive, and smooth for everything from YouTube and emails to heavier gaming sessions.
Battery life has been outstanding — I usually end the day around 40–50%. Haptics are some of the best I’ve ever felt, with the fingerprint sensor and face unlock animations giving the phone this extra sense of polish. It’s small touches like these that make using a phone every day more enjoyable.
One huge addition this year is PixelSnap. Essentially, it’s Google’s take on MagSafe. That means all my existing MagSafe chargers just work with this phone — a game-changer for me since my desk is covered with wireless chargers. Strong magnets, fast charging, and compatibility with my Belkin Qi2 charger make it feel like this should have always been there.
Camera and 100x Zoom
Let’s talk about the camera, because this is where things get wild. Photos look fantastic overall, though there is a small pause after capturing while the image processes. Live Photos — or Google’s version of them — are here too, which is great for capturing little moments with kids.
But the headline feature is the 100x zoom. Standing at my parents’ pool, I was able to zoom all the way in on a golf cart ball retriever across the driving range. The detail is insane, even if AI occasionally makes artistic guesses. It’s more fun than practical at times, but it’s proof of what’s possible and will only get better.
Media, Display, and Speakers
The display is vibrant, bright, and sharp — even outdoors. Peak brightness is intense, though the steps in auto-brightness could be smoother. Watching videos feels immersive thanks to the tiny camera cutout, and the stereo speakers are loud and balanced.
Gaming is fun too — the camera visor actually doubles as a grip when holding the phone sideways. Another little design touch that makes this device stand out.
The Bottom Line
So could I fully switch from iPhone to Pixel 10 Pro? Yes — if it weren’t for iMessage and Apple Watch keeping me tied to Apple’s ecosystem. In almost every other way, I’ve enjoyed using the Pixel more.
If you’re an Android user looking to upgrade, this is the phone I’d recommend. And if you’re an iPhone user not locked into iMessage, this is the best Android experience I’ve tried — hardware and software working together the way it should.
The Pixel 10 Pro is the first phone outside of Apple that feels this polished, intentional, and fun to use. For me, that’s saying something.
