Pixel 10 Pro Review: Classic Look Elevated by Google’s AI Advancements

Pixel devices have consistently embodied Google’s vision for Android, acting as a platform to showcase its applications and technological advancements. Currently, this vision is in harmony with Google’s consumer AI suite. Google aims for Pixel users to seamlessly incorporate Google AI into their everyday lives with the latest devices.

While conversations about AI portray it as a groundbreaking shift, companies understand that effectively engaging consumers still centers around their smartphones. Google seeks to convince users that its phones and AI capabilities are unparalleled, even enlisting Jimmy Fallon to champion this message.

Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

In terms of hardware, the Pixel lineup experienced minimal modifications this year. The most notable feature may be the addition of a telephoto camera on the base Pixel 10 model. Another significant upgrade is Pixelsnap — Google’s counterpart to MagSafe, enhanced with Qi2 charging, allowing compatibility with various accessories like chargers and stands.

I’ve spent several days testing the Pixel 10 Pro, which boasts a new, brighter display, increased RAM, and an upgraded camera system. Google’s announcement highlighted the new Tensor G5 chip, now produced by TSMC rather than Samsung. The company asserts that this chip improves AI performance and supports the latest Gemini Nano model. (Stay tuned for more insights on its performance after extended use.)

Software features have always been a distinguishing aspect of Pixel phones, but the focus on AI makes them even more pronounced.

Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

System AI features

Every tech company is striving to embed AI technology into their device offerings. However, users often encounter only a fraction of those promised features upon first using the device. For example, the Indian version of the Pixel lacks some AI functionalities at launch.

Noteworthy features like Daily Hub, which summarizes your day with personalized recommendations, and conversational editing support in Photos, are currently restricted to U.S. users.

Magic Cue stands out as a significant AI feature this year. It intelligently surfaces relevant information between apps based on context. For instance, if a user discusses lunch with a friend, it may highlight restaurant suggestions or show flight details while contacting an airline.

In my tests, Magic Cue provided contact information when I received a request for someone’s info via text. It also suggested “Love Is Blind” on YouTube based on previous messages and screenshots and even recommended a coffee shop while I was using Maps. However, it did struggle to recognize context from Gmail when asked about an order for cat food.

Image Credits: TechCrunch (screenshot)

Currently, Magic Cue operates primarily within Google apps, including Messages, Gmail, Keep, Calendar, and Contacts. It will be intriguing to observe its evolution and whether other applications can integrate it, allowing for broader context integration. This ambition mirrors Apple’s 2024 vision for an AI-enhanced Siri, which has faced significant delays and challenges. At present, Magic Cue seems promising, but only time and extensive use will reveal its true potential.

Call translation also highlights a key AI feature available on Pixel 10 devices, particularly beneficial for communicating with speakers of different languages or international colleagues. Google claims this feature retains your voice in the translated language. While this generally holds true, language support still remains limited.

My experience with a French-speaking friend was smooth when I spoke English, but interactions in Hindi were less satisfactory, albeit in preview mode. Gemini Live, which emphasizes objects within your camera’s view, yielded mixed results on the Pixel 10. It correctly identified my Sprigatito toy and provided advice on measuring coffee, but misidentified the Pixel 9 Pro XL as a OnePlus model and incorrectly suggested the SIM tray location.

AI features are also interwoven throughout the system, such as adding music to voice recordings, sharing screenshots and transcriptions to NotebookLM (now pre-installed), and enhanced writing and editing tools in Gboard.

Camera and image AI features

Pixel’s camera hardware remains robust, producing vibrant, eye-catching images. Although the hardware hasn’t undergone drastic changes, numerous software enhancements have been introduced.

Google is launching a revamped Portrait mode capable of capturing images at 50-megapixel resolution. While this feature allows for higher-quality images, it may struggle with accurately isolating subjects, potentially leaving parts of individuals or animals slightly blurred.

Image Credits: TechCrunch

The Best Take feature is designed to capture optimal group photos. The Pixel camera takes multiple shots and selects the most suitable one where everyone has their eyes open and is looking at the camera. If a perfect shot isn’t found, it merges multiple images for a better overall result.

One intriguing photo mode I tested was action pan, which focuses on moving subjects while creating a blurred background, effectively capturing motion.

Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

So, which Pixel should you buy?

Why consider a Pixel? Perhaps you’re a current Pixel user looking to upgrade, or you switched from an iPhone for a more Google-centric Android experience. You may have heard about Pixel’s photography capabilities and want to see it for yourself. All valid reasons to choose a new Pixel device.

While hardware improvements are often incremental year-on-year, you will notice a tangible difference when transitioning from a phone over two years old. The Pixel 10 Pro offers an advantage in that opting for the Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t mean missing out on much. The XL features a larger screen and longer battery life, along with 25W Qi charging, but that’s the extent of its benefits. Google has successfully maintained feature and hardware parity between the two Pro devices.

However, the AI component complicates matters. The promised enhancements from “AI phones” suggest that your experience will improve over time as more features are rolled out. Google has even included complimentary AI Pro plans with Pro models for a year to enrich the AI experience.

Yet, as we learned from Apple’s struggles last year, announced features might be delayed or may feel superfluous. The availability and efficiency of AI features can vary based on user location and language. Google is crafting a compelling narrative—essentially generating an AI utopia—but user experiences can differ. Google’s AI is indeed integrated across the Pixel line, yet it may not always be a crucial component.