Overview: Google’s bold move with the Pixel 10 Pro
The Google Pixel 10 Pro is the device many critics didn’t expect Google to release, yet it arrives with a強ively attractive design and a feature set that aims to rival the best in the Android and iPhone ecosystems. It combines superb imaging, a bright, razor-sharp display, and a software layer that leans heavily on artificial intelligence. In short: it’s a phone that wants to redefine how we use daily tech, while still being a Pixel through and through.
AI that quietly makes daily life easier
Among the headline features is Magic Cue, a discreet AI assistant that proposes actions based on your messages, calendar, and other apps. It doesn’t crash the foreground; it operates in the background, offering useful prompts via a small, unobtrusive bubble when relevant. Similarly, Pixel Snap adds practical features you’ll actually use, like quick links to emails or contact details pulled straight from your messaging app. The goal, as Google argues, is an AI that simplifies tasks without becoming a distraction. In our experience, Magic Cue performs as advertised most of the time—smart, supportive, and almost invisible unless you need it.
On-device processing keeps data local, reducing energy use and preserving privacy. While not every promised function lands perfectly (hotel reservations vanished from Magic Cue’s search range during one test), the overall AI experience feels mature and genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.
The screen and camera: Pixel’s standout strengths
Display quality remains a strong suit: the Pixel 10 Pro’s screen is incredibly bright, color-accurate, and detailed. In lab tests and real-world use, it held up against the best from other premium flagships, making it a pleasure for streaming, browsing, and photo editing alike.
Photography remains a major selling point. The Pixel 10 Pro carries a top-tier camera setup that competes with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, often delivering more vivid colors and sharper detail, especially in challenging lighting. Night photography shines, with night shots that look closer to daylight clarity than we’ve seen on many rivals. The 5x optical zoom and AI-assisted zoom can push further with Digital zoom modes, though stabilization can struggle at extreme magnifications. A new Camera Coach uses AI to analyze scenes and offer tips for composition, a neat idea that’s interesting even if not essential for everyone.
Software polish and AI features: not just gimmicks
Pixel’s software experience remains refined, with subtle but meaningful updates to Android that improve everyday use. A natural-language editing feature in Google Photos allows you to describe the edit you want (e.g., “make the sky more dramatic”), and the AI attempts to apply it. In our tests, about two-thirds of suggested edits landed exactly as hoped; the rest required traditional tweaking by hand—still a helpful assist rather than a replacement for user input.
Compared with some other brands’ flashier AI promises, Pixel’s AI feels more practical. The goal isn’t to create viral content but to genuinely reduce friction in tasks such as note-taking during calls, voice-to-text, and quick translation. It’s easy to forget you’re using AI at times, which is exactly how on-device AI should behave.
Performance and battery life: a current caveat
Under the hood, the Pixel 10 Pro is powered by Tensor G5. The performance is generally smooth in everyday use, with fast navigation and snappy app launching. However, when you push the camera into advanced modes (50 MP capture, Top Shot, Motion Photos) or rely heavily on AI features, you may notice occasional slowdowns. In benchmarks, the Pixel 10 Pro sometimes trails its Snapdragon-based contemporaries, and even the less expensive Pixel 10 can outperform in certain tests. This inconsistency suggests Google still has room to optimize its silicon strategy.
Batteries tell a similar tale. Typical-day use is doable, but heavy video recording or AI-heavy workflows can push the day toward the charger. Magnetic charging helps, especially for users with a stock of MagSafe accessories, but the basic charging speed remains a bottleneck. If you rely on all-day heavy use, you’ll want to plan for a mid-day top-up or a reliable wireless charging setup with magnets to keep the phone topped up.
Design, price, and how it stacks up
The Pixel 10 Pro continues Google’s clean, understated design with refined hardware and a premium feel. It offers a strong alternative to the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, often delivering a more cohesive software experience. Pricing starts at 13,890 NOK for 128 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM, with higher-capacity models available. Our recommendation is to opt for at least 256 GB if you shoot a lot of photos and videos; the RAM is ample, and the higher storage justifies the price for most power users.
Bottom line: should you buy the Pixel 10 Pro?
If you want a premium Android experience with smart, practical AI features that genuinely help with day-to-day tasks, the Pixel 10 Pro is a compelling option. Its camera and display are outstanding, and the AI features like Magic Cue and Pixel Snap contribute real value. The main caveats are inconsistent performance under heavier loads and battery life that trails top rivals when pushed hard. If you can live with those trade-offs, the Pixel 10 Pro is a refined, attractive choice that makes a strong case for Android supremacy, especially for users who value software polish and practical AI tools over raw speed.
