Phones
Google Pixel 10 Pro review: The critics' buying verdict
Reviewers agree the Pixel 10 Pro is a polished, camera-first Android flagship, but it is a weak upgrade from the Pixel 9 Pro.
No single aggregate score — here's what the reviewers agree on, below.
The short version
Critics report that the Pixel 10 Pro gets the fundamentals right: an excellent camera system, a bright 120Hz display, refined hardware, useful software features and long-term support in a manageable 6.3-inch body. WIRED scored the Pixel 10 range 8/10, PCMag gave the Pro 4.5/5 and an Editors' Choice award, and CNET called the Pro models strong all-rounders. The catch is that Tensor G5 trails faster rivals, battery life could be longer, some photos look overprocessed and the heavy emphasis on generative AI will not suit everyone. Pixel 9 Pro owners have little reason to upgrade.
What reviewers loved
- Excellent cameras, with reviewers praising sharp photography and strong ultrawide results in both sunny and low-light conditions
- Bright, sharp 6.3-inch display with a variable 1Hz-to-120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,300 nits of peak outdoor brightness
- Useful Pixel software features, including live in-call translation, natural-language image editing and AI-assisted 100x zoom
- Refined mid-sized design that delivers the full Pro experience without requiring the larger, more expensive Pro XL
- Long software support and Qi2 charging add practical value beyond the launch window
What held it back
- Battery life is only solid rather than class-leading; PCMag measured 12 hours and 40 minutes and said it should last longer
- Tensor G5 performance falls behind faster flagship rivals, according to CNET
- It is an incremental upgrade over the Pixel 9 Pro, with Tom's Guide saying the older phone is almost the same
- There is no physical SIM support in the US, while the generative-AI focus can feel excessive and some processed photos look unnatural
Buy it if you want Google's best cameras and software in a bright, manageable 6.3-inch Android phone and are not upgrading from a Pixel 9 Pro.
Skip it if you prioritize maximum performance, longer battery life, a physical SIM in the US or a major year-over-year hardware upgrade.
What the reviewers say
WIRED praises the Pixel 10 line's cameras, performance, battery life, Qi2 support and long software commitment. Its review says the Pro ultrawide produces great sunny and low-light images and can rival the iPhone 16 Pro Max, although it also flags generative-AI overload and unreliable secure face unlock in low light.
PCMag calls the Pixel 10 Pro the best Android phone for most people, highlighting its elegant compact design, beautiful display, sharp photography and easy-to-use AI tools. CNET likewise sees the Pro range as a capable jack-of-all-trades, but says Tensor G5 is less powerful than rival chips and images can look overprocessed. Tom's Guide provides the clearest warning for existing owners: after two months, its reviewer concluded that the Pixel 10 Pro feels too similar to the Pixel 9 Pro to justify upgrading.
The competition
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The smarter choice for current owners to keep. Tom's Guide says it is almost the same phone, making the Pixel 10 Pro a poor upgrade.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Offers a larger 6.8-inch display, but PCMag says the smaller Pro delivers the complete Pixel experience at a lower starting price.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
PCMag recommends considering it for a larger screen, longer battery life, stronger performance and the included S Pen, though it costs more.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if you are coming from an older phone and want a polished Android flagship that combines excellent cameras, a bright compact display, long support and Google's most advanced software features. No, if you already own a Pixel 9 Pro: the changes are evolutionary, not transformative. Buyers focused on gaming performance or battery endurance should also compare Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra. RightWei summarizes independent hands-on reviews and does not test review units ourselves.
Sources
RightWei aggregates and summarizes independent reviews — we link to the original hands-on tests so you can go deeper. We don't test units ourselves.