Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5: A Mixed Bag of Innovation and Disappointing GPU Performance

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5 Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5: Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the company’s latest flagship smartphone that pushes forward its vision of AI-driven mobile technology. Powered by the much-anticipated Tensor G5 chip, the device was expected to close the performance gap with Snapdragon and MediaTek-powered competitors. However, early hands-on benchmarks have revealed a mixed story, with the CPU showing promising improvements but the GPU performance falling short of expectations.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL continues Google’s tradition of focusing on computational photography, advanced AI features, and seamless Android integration. While these remain strong selling points, users who prioritize raw performance for gaming and high-end workloads may be left underwhelmed. Early AnTuTu benchmark scores reveal performance comparable to last year’s flagship chipsets, which could affect its positioning in the highly competitive premium smartphone market.

Despite these performance concerns, the Pixel 10 Pro XL brings a refined design, enhanced cameras, better AI integration, and an improved software experience. With a sleek body, powerful camera setup, and unique Google-exclusive features, the device still has strong appeal for photography enthusiasts, Android purists, and those who value Google’s ecosystem over pure hardware numbers.

Specifications of Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

FeatureDetails
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G5 (CPU comparable to Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, GPU comparable to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1–8s Gen 3)
GPUPowerVR IMG DXT-48-1536
RAM & Storage12GB / 16GB RAM, 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 storage
Display6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, QHD+ (3200 x 1440), 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+
Cameras (Rear)50MP main (OIS) + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto (5x zoom)
Front Camera16MP punch-hole selfie camera
Battery5,300 mAh, 45W wired charging, 25W wireless charging
Operating SystemAndroid 15 with exclusive Pixel features
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 3.2, NFC
BiometricsIn-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock
Price RangeExpected $999 – $1,199 (₹84,999 – ₹99,999 in India)
Launch DateAugust 20, 2025 (Global release)

Features and Highlights

1. Performance and Benchmarks

The Tensor G5 CPU shows performance comparable to Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Dimensity 9300+, delivering around a 15% improvement over the Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, the GPU performance is concerning, with AnTuTu GPU scores around 367,000, lower than last year’s Pixel 9 Pro XL and on par with four-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets. Updated tests with OTAs show a slight bump, but still far behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 rivals.

2. Design and Build

The Pixel 10 Pro XL carries forward Google’s iconic visor-style camera bar with a premium glass and aluminum build. It is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, with refined curves and a near bezel-less LTPO AMOLED display offering vivid visuals.

3. Camera Capabilities

As always, Google’s cameras remain a standout feature. The 50MP main sensor with OIS ensures sharp photos, while the 48MP telephoto enables 5x optical zoom. The AI-driven camera software adds features like enhanced Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and improved video stabilization.

4. Battery Life

The 5,300 mAh battery paired with 45W fast charging and 25W wireless charging ensures all-day usage. Google has also optimized power efficiency through AI-based battery management.

5. Connectivity and Software

With Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 3.2, and 5G support, the Pixel 10 Pro XL stays future-ready. It runs Android 15 with exclusive Pixel features like Call Screen, Live Translate, and AI-driven Assistant upgrades.

Also read: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5: A Mixed Bag of Innovation and Disappointing GPU Performance

Price and Availability

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is priced in the premium flagship category:

  • US: $999 – $1,199
  • India: ₹84,999 – ₹99,999
  • Europe: €1,099 – €1,299

The phone was launched globally on August 20, 2025, and is available for purchase in major markets.

Unique Selling Points (USP)

  1. AI-first smartphone – unmatched Google AI features.
  2. Industry-leading camera software with consistent results across lighting conditions.
  3. Refined design with a premium LTPO AMOLED display.
  4. Guaranteed Android & security updates for 7 years.
  5. Deep Google ecosystem integration (Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds, Nest devices).

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a device that highlights Google’s focus on software excellence and AI-driven experiences, even if hardware benchmarks fall short of expectations. The Tensor G5 CPU is competitive, but the GPU performance is disappointing, especially for gaming enthusiasts who demand cutting-edge graphical performance.

However, when viewed beyond benchmarks, the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers an exceptional everyday experience with smooth software, reliable cameras, and Google’s unmatched AI tools. Its camera system remains one of the best in the industry, ensuring that photography lovers and content creators will find immense value in this phone.

For users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is still a compelling flagship. It balances performance with software longevity, premium build, and unique AI features that no other smartphone brand can replicate at this scale.

In summary, while it may not win benchmark battles, the Pixel 10 Pro XL excels as a complete Google experience phone, catering to those who prioritize software, AI, and photography over raw gaming performance.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5 FAQs

1. Is the Pixel 10 Pro XL good for gaming?
The Pixel 10 Pro XL can handle casual and moderately demanding games smoothly, but its GPU performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 9400-powered devices. Heavy gamers may experience lower frame rates in graphically intensive titles compared to rivals.

2. How does the Tensor G5 compare to Snapdragon chips?
The Tensor G5 CPU performance is comparable to Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, but the GPU matches Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/8s Gen 3 levels, making it weaker for gaming. Qualcomm and MediaTek chips still lead in raw performance, while Tensor prioritizes AI and ML tasks.

3. Does the Pixel 10 Pro XL have better cameras than the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
While the Pixel 10 Pro XL excels in low-light photography, AI image processing, and consistent results, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max offers stronger video performance and ProRes recording. The better choice depends on whether you value still photography (Pixel) or videography (iPhone).

4. How long will Google support the Pixel 10 Pro XL?
Google has confirmed 7 years of Android updates and security patches, ensuring the Pixel 10 Pro XL will stay updated until at least 2032. This makes it one of the longest-supported smartphones on the market.

5. Should I upgrade from Pixel 9 Pro XL to Pixel 10 Pro XL?
If you already own the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the upgrade depends on your priorities. The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers better CPU performance, refined design, and new AI features, but the GPU downgrade may disappoint gamers. Camera improvements and longer support timelines, however, make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.

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