Overview
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is the Pixel we’re most confident recommending this year. It mirrors the Pixel 10 Pro on core capabilities, but the larger display and a handful of XL‑exclusive refinements tilt the balance in its favor. After using the Pixel 9 Pro as a primary work phone through last year, we know exactly why Pixel devices feel so productive—and why the bigger screen on the Pro XL matters. In day-to-day use, the Pro XL is our top pick in the Pixel 10 family.
From the moment you pick it up, the Pixel 10 Pro XL feels well‑crafted, with refined materials and thoughtful color options. It’s visually more attractive than the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max in several respects and often delivers on fronts where Apple still lags behind. The real differentiator, though, is Google’s AI—quiet, capable, and integrated into everyday tasks rather than shouting for attention.
Design and Display
The XL is essentially Pixel 10 Pro in a larger form factor. It shares the same premium build, clean lines, and restrained aesthetics, but the physical footprint makes a tangible difference in how you use it. The phone feels sturdy, with a design that remains unintrusive yet premium during long work sessions or commutes.
Display quality is the standout here. Google’s Super Actua screens are among the best on any smartphone, delivering bright, vibrant, and incredibly sharp visuals. With LTPO technology and adaptive refresh rates, the XL’s screen looks fantastic in all lighting conditions—from bright daylight to dim evening reading. The larger panel isn’t just a showpiece: it makes composing photos, reading documents, and multitasking far more comfortable.
Software and AI Features
Pixel 10 Pro XL runs a clean, polished version of Android with Material 3 Expressive. The interface feels refined but not fussy, with widgets and shortcuts that can be tailored to your workflow without cluttering the screen. The abundance of screen real estate makes these customizations especially effective and visually cohesive.
AI features are pervasive but not pushy. Magic Cue provides helpful prompts and quick access to useful tools, while live translation can be surprisingly natural and useful in real-time conversations. The privacy stance remains reassuring: processing is done on-device, not sent to the cloud, which helps keep sensitive conversations private.
Other standout tools include Google’s call screening and the Daily Hub, a compact information hub curated by AI that’s genuinely useful for staying on top of tasks without bouncing between apps. While some generative AI features feel experimental, Google generally deprioritizes showmanship in favor of practical, everyday benefits.
Cameras
Both the Pixel 10 Pro and the 10 Pro XL share the same camera hardware, but the XL’s bigger screen makes framing and reviewing shots more forgiving. In practice, the images are outstanding: accurate colors, rich detail across focal lengths, and solid performance in low light. AI-assisted processing helps produce sharp results without looking artificial, though there can be trade-offs—like subtle smoothing in certain scenes.
One caveat is the Camera app itself, which can feel a touch clunky when switching to higher resolutions. If you prefer faster shutter responses, you may notice occasional brief lags. Still, the overall photography experience remains among the best you’ll find on a flagship Android phone, with the Pro XL delivering just a bit more convenience thanks to its expansive display for composition.
Performance and Battery Life
Performance is solid but not flawless. The Pixel 10 Pro XL uses the same Tensor G5 as the standard model, which means it’s competent for everyday tasks and AI features, but it trails competitors using the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite in raw speed and efficiency. In practical use, you’ll navigate smoothly and launch apps quickly, but in sustained heavy workloads, the difference becomes more noticeable.
Battery life is the XL’s strongest practical advantage. It ships with the largest battery in the Pixel 10 lineup and, in our tests, lasts a full day with room to spare under typical use. The XL also supports faster charging—up to 45W wired charging and faster wireless charging—so you can top up quickly if you’re pressed for time. A few MagSafe-style or compatible wireless chargers around the home ensure you’re rarely pressed for power during a busy day.
Price, Availability and Value
The Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at 16,390 NOK for 256 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM. It’s more expensive than last year’s model, and while you get more storage, the premium doesn’t always translate into a dramatically better value for every buyer. A 1 TB version is available for enthusiasts, but it isn’t launching in all markets, including Norway, at launch. Color options lean professional rather than flashy, with Moonstone, Jade, and Porcelain White as the tested variant, while the 1 TB model is black Obsidian.
Verdict
If you want a flagship Android phone that blends a superb display, strong software, and capable camera performance into a single, highly practical package, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is hard to overlook. It’s not the fastest phone on paper, and its battery life, while excellent for Pixel standards, isn’t a revolution, but the combination of a gorgeous screen, best-in-class AI features, and a design that feels both premium and approachable makes it our preferred Pixel phone this year. For users who value productivity, the XL form factor is a meaningful upgrade, and it’s a strong argument against switching to other platforms—especially for those who live in Google’s ecosystem.
