I Switched From a Galaxy S25 Ultra to a Pixel 10 Pro XL – Here’s Why I’m Not Going Back
▼ Summary
– The Pixel 10 Pro series maintains the same pricing and design as last year but includes meaningful upgrades like improved AI features and battery capacities.
– The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers faster 45W wired charging, exclusive to the model, and starts with 256GB of storage, making it the top choice for power users.
– AI integration, such as Magic Cue and Camera Coach, enhances usability by providing contextual information and photography guidance, though some features have minor flaws.
– The camera system benefits from the Tensor G5 chip, offering improved image stabilization and Pro Res Zoom with generative AI for better long-distance shots.
– Pixelsnap introduces Qi2-based magnetic charging and accessory compatibility, similar to MagSafe, adding convenience for wireless power and accessories.
Making the switch from a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has been a surprisingly decisive experience, one that has reshaped my expectations of what a modern smartphone can deliver. While both devices sit firmly in the flagship tier, the Pixel’s thoughtful integration of AI, refined user experience, and standout imaging capabilities have made it the clear winner for my daily use.
The transition itself was smoother than anticipated, especially when it came to activating service. Moving from a physical SIM to an eSIM on the Pixel 10 Pro XL took mere minutes, just a quick scan of a QR code provided by T-Mobile, and I was connected. Even setting up a secondary line with Mint Mobile was just as effortless. The process was so streamlined that it almost felt anticlimactic, a testament to how well Google has handled what could have been a frustrating hurdle.
Visually, the Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t stray far from its predecessor. Its contoured edges and polished aluminum frame still offer a premium feel, and the familiar camera bar remains a distinctive design element. That said, the phone is noticeably heavier than both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. At 232 grams, it’s one of the heftiest devices available, and that weight becomes apparent during extended use. Still, the trade-off brings meaningful benefits: louder, richer speakers and a larger 5,200mAh battery that consistently delivered over a day of use with power to spare.
One of the most compelling additions is Pixelsnap, Google’s answer to MagSafe. This magnetic attachment system opens up a world of Qi2-compatible accessories, from stands to wallets to chargers. Paired with customizable screensavers that activate during charging, it turns the phone into a useful ambient display, showing everything from weather updates to photo slideshows. While these screensavers aren’t perfect (some feel overly busy or lack notification support), they’re a step in the right direction for always-useful standby modes.
Under the hood, the Tensor G5 chip may not top benchmark charts compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, but in real-world use, it’s more than capable. Editing high-frame-rate video, gaming, or multitasking with Android Auto posed no issues. Where the Tensor truly excels is in accelerating AI-driven tasks. Features like Pixel Screenshots and Recorder transcriptions are noticeably faster, and the new Magic Cue feature intelligently surfaces relevant information from Gmail and Calendar right when you need it. It recently saved me during a customer service call by automatically displaying flight details mid-conversation.
The camera system, while using similar hardware to last year, benefits significantly from the Tensor G5’s enhanced image processing. Photos from the Pixel 10 Pro XL consistently delivered balanced colors, rich shadows, and well-preserved highlights. Where it really pulls ahead is in zoom capabilities. The new Pro Res Zoom uses generative AI to clean up noise and distortion at high magnifications, producing results that are often more usable than Samsung’s Space Zoom. It’s not flawless, sometimes it over-processes faces, but when it works, the output is impressive.
Another AI-powered camera feature, Camera Coach, offers real-time guidance on framing and settings. It’s helpful for still subjects, though less effective with fast-moving ones like kids or pets. Still, it’s a welcome tool for improving shot composition over time.
For those considering an upgrade, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is an easy recommendation if you prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a larger display. It starts at 256GB of storage, making the $1,199 price tag easier to justify. The standard Pixel 10 Pro remains a great option for those who prefer a more compact form factor. Either way, both models represent Google’s most mature and capable smartphones to date, blending powerful hardware with intelligent software in a way that feels both natural and genuinely useful.
(Source: ZDNET)
