Google Pixel 10 Pro Review … Powering the AI in AI!
Summary: The Google Pixel 10 Pro refines the next-generation of Pixel smartphones
4.5
Powering AI!
Almost like precision clockwork, another series of Google Pixel smartphones arrives for the later part of the year and Impulse Gamer was given the opportunity to check out one of the flagship models, the Google Pixel 10 Pro. The short verdict? Rather than aesthetic overhaul, it’s an almost evolutionary upgrade that delivers a noticeable performance boost over its predecessors along with Google’s latest AI features that are nothing short of impressive.
Specifications & Features
The Pixel 10 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chip, including an upgraded GPU to deliver smoother processing, rendering and better thermal stability during extended use. The chip also integrates a significantly enhanced TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) for AI tasks enabling advanced on‑device features without relying solely on the cloud. Paired with 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 128 GB ($1699), 256 GB ($1849), 512 GB ($2049) or 1 TB ($2397), the Pixel 10 Pro is built for speed, privacy and long‑term reliability with seven years of OS, security updates plus quarterly Pixel Feature Drops that add new capabilities over time. Connectivity includes Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, 5G (Sub‑6 and mmWave in supported regions), USB‑C and UWB.
For security, the Tensor G5 works alongside Google’s dedicated Titan M2 security chip which safeguards sensitive data and verifies the integrity of the operating system. VPN by Google shields your browsing on public Wi‑Fi plus built-in spam/scam protection in Google Phone and Messages helps block malicious calls and texts – curse you scammers! Safety features include Emergency SOS via satellite allowing you to text emergency services, share GPS location and alert contacts without mobile or Wi‑Fi coverage.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro comes with a 4,870 mAh battery to comfortably deliver all‑day use and in a pinch, an Extreme Battery Saver can stretch that to up to 100 hours if you need a battery boost. Using a compatible 30 W USB‑C PPS charger (sold separately) you can reach 55% in about 30 minutes with a thermal management system helping maintain speed and battery health. Further, PixelSnap wireless charging offers Qi2‑certified magnetic alignment at up to 15 W on the standard Pro while the Pro XL supports faster wireless charging at up to 25 W. Battery Share lets you top up accessories like earbuds that are great if you’re away from a charger and need a gym workout with music.
As you can see, the Google Pixel 10 Pro comes with a wealth of features!
Unboxing
Aesthetics
Design‑wise, the Pixel 10 Pro channels the aesthetics of previous Google phones with subtle refinements. It features an aluminium alloy frame and glass back and comes in Moonstone (reviewed), Jade (*), Porcelain and Obsidian. A case is strongly recommended to protect your investment especially given the long software support window. The phone also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; as always immersion limits are based on lab testing and not guaranteed in all conditions.
(*) Limited Edition
Setup
Setting up the Google Pixel 10 Pro is super simple and you’ll be up and running in no time thanks to the easy-to-follow wizard that allows you to transfer information from your previous smartphone. This also includes setting up security and lastly, it gives you a quick tutorial in navigating your new phone.
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The Display
Sharp text and vibrant images: The Pixel 10 Pro uses a 6.3‑inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 1280 × 2856 resolution at 495 ppi and a >2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It supports full 24‑bit colour depth for 16 million shades and a 1–120 Hz refresh rate for exceptional smoothness. Outdoor visibility is excellent thanks to its 3,300‑nit peak brightness well above the ~2,000 nits generally recommended for sunlight readability. For those sensitive to OLED flicker there’s also an “Adjust brightness for sensitive eyes” setting that increases PWM frequency for more comfortable viewing. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offering improved drop and scratch resistance.
The screen cannot be faulted and is exceptionally clear with vibrant and colourful images – it’s perfect for apps, surfing the net, viewing photos and videos plus streaming!
Artificial Intelligence
AI is part of this smartphone’s DNA. Gemini AI can handle real‑world problem‑solving on the fly — for example rerouting a trip from Geelong to St Kilda to avoid West Gate Freeway delays provided an immediate solution, drafting messages based on previous conversations, editing images directly on the device and answering questions on the go was perfectly integrated into this phone. Additionally, Magic Cue suggests context‑aware sentence completions while Daily Hub acts as a glanceable dashboard for weather, commute and reminders. Many AI features run on‑device for speed and privacy but some, such as certain advanced photo/video edits or Video Boost still use the cloud. Other Pixel‑exclusive smarts include Call Screen, Hold for Me, Live Translate for calls / messages and the Recorder app with on‑device transcription. The future of AI is really here thanks to Google.
Benchmarks
The Google Pixel 10 Pro shows strong CPU performance, topping the single‑core charts at 2330. This is ahead of flagship Galaxy S24 models and delivering a solid 6258 multi‑core score, it’s on par with the Exynos‑powered S24 but trailing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variants. In GPU compute (OpenCL), it scores 3274, which is behind the latest Galaxy S24 series that post 4–5× higher numbers, indicating a big gap in raw graphics/machine‑learning throughput. In PCMark Work 3.0, it achieves an excellent 15599 overall, with above‑average results in web browsing, writing, photo editing and data manipulation which makes it an excellent tech workhorse.
In head‑to‑head GFXBench comparisons, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy delivers slightly higher peak frame rates than the Pixel 10 Pro’s Tensor G5, especially in high‑resolution offscreen tests. The Pixel stays close behind and often matches performance in lighter workloads. Both smartphones can approach or exceed 60 FPS in most demanding 1440p and even 4K scenarios, making them highly capable for max‑settings gaming and advanced rendering effects. The Pixel 10 Pro’s strong sustained performance helps narrow the real‑world gap, so most users would experience similarly smooth gameplay.
The Pixel 10 Pro absolutely breezed through older 3DMark tests like Sling Shot, Sling Shot Extreme and Wild Life, maxing out their scores and frame rates to the point the app recommended moving to more demanding benchmarks. In Wild Life Extreme it scored 3,331 points at an average 19.95 FPS, and in the heavy Steel Nomad Light test it managed 1,033 points at 7.66 FPS, though behind top-tier rivals in that specific workload. However, it cannot run Solar Bay or Solar Bay Extreme, nor the Opacity Micromaps feature test, because it lacks the required Vulkan ray tracing features — meaning hardware-accelerated ray tracing isn’t supported on this device.
Gaming & Audio
Gaming performance is solid: the Tensor G5’s GPU can run titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail and Diablo Immortal around 60 fps with the right settings flawlessly. Sustained performance depends on thermals but it’s more than capable for casual to moderately serious gamers but titles such as Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal and Destiny Rising. The 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate of the Pixel 10 Pro also helps keep graphics smooth.
Audio gets a boost with upgraded stereo speakers offering fuller bass, better balance and a wider soundstage. Spatial audio is supported with compatible headphones/earbuds and Dolby‑encoded content benefits from immersive playback. Voices remain crisp in speaker mode and the improved low‑end adds warmth to podcasts and punch to action scenes. The speaker on the Google Pixel 10 Pro is easy one of the best I’ve heard on a smartphone in a long time. As a result, playing games and watching videos is like your own mini cinematic experience.
Photography & Video
The Google Pixel 10 Pro has been made for photography! The rear camera system comprises a 50 MP wide lens (ƒ/1.68, 1/1.3‑inch sensor, Octa PD autofocus), a 48 MP ultrawide lens (ƒ/1.7, 123° field of view, Macro Focus) and a 48 MP 5× telephoto lens. Optical zoom is genuine up to 5×; higher levels including the 100× Pro Res Zoom are hybrid/digital though Google markets certain steps as “optical quality.”
The system performs strongly at multiple zoom points (0.5×, 1×, 2×, 5× optically) and excels in low light thanks to larger sensors and AI‑powered noise reduction. AI Camera Coach offers real‑time guidance on framing, lighting and composition. The front camera is a 42 MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2, 17 mm) with PDAF capable of 4K at 30/60 fps or 1080p at 30/60 fps plus HDR and panorama support. On the video side you also get Night Sight Video, Cinematic Blur, 10‑bit HDR recording and Video Boost for enhanced dynamic range (cloud‑processed).
And the results?
Well, here they are…
Noticeable zoom performance
Vibrant colours
Cooper and Tilly
Clear night shots
Final Thoughts
The Google Pixel 10 Pro is an impressive flagship that plays to Google’s strengths that offers a refined design, stunning display, versatile cameras and genuinely useful AI features that feel integrated into daily life. The Tensor G5 may not lead every benchmark but it delivers smooth performance for everyday use, creative workflows and demanding games. Combined with unmatched software support, robust security, PixelSnap charging, IP68 protection and safety tools like Emergency SOS via satellite it’s a dependable, long‑lasting device that earns its place in your pocket… however it does come at a cost.
Recommended!
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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