Google Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL are here: Biggest upgrades unpacked!

Google just dropped the Pixel 10 series, and while the design might look familiar, don’t be fooled, this lineup is stacked with new tricks, smarter tech, and camera magic that’ll have you rethinking what a “minor refresh” actually means.

Here’s everything that’s actually new in the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Telephoto lens for the base Pixel 10

Let’s start with the biggest plot twist: the standard Pixel 10 finally gets a telephoto camera. In past years, Google kept that zoom lens for the Pro crowd, but this time, even the base model gets in on the action.

So, what’s the difference? The Pixel 10 now rocks a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. It’s not as stacked as the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL (which get a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto), but this upgrade means you can finally get close-up shots, even if you’re not going for the top model.

This move blurs the line between the standard and Pro phones, making the base Pixel 10 a lot more tempting for anyone who loves zooming in for detail shots or portraits.

Google’s first fully custom Tensor G5 chip

The Pixel 10 series marks a major milestone: it’s powered by the all-new Tensor G5, Google’s first fully in-house chipset. Unlike previous years where Google outsourced part of the chip design, the G5 is all Google, all the way. What does this mean for you? Faster AI processing, smarter features, and better power efficiency across the board.

Whether you’re snapping photos, using voice commands, or multitasking with heavy apps, the Tensor G5 is designed to make everything feel snappier and smoother. It also helps unlock some of the new camera features and AI tricks that make this year’s Pixels stand out.

UFS 4.0 storage for lightning-fast speeds

No more waiting around for apps to load or files to transfer as Google finally brings UFS 4.0 storage to the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL with its “Zoned UFS” tech. This is a massive jump from the UFS 3.1 found on older Pixels, and it puts Google’s flagships on par with other top-tier Android phones in 2025.

The result? Quicker app launches, smoother gaming, and less lag when shuffling big photo or video files around. The base Pixel 10 sticks to older storage tech, but the Pros get the real speed boost here.

Brighter, more vibrant displays

Screens on all three models have levelled up in a big way. The Pixel 10 series now boasts peak brightness of 3,300 nits and HDR brightness of 2,200 nits, meaning you can finally see your screen clearly even under blazing sunlight. Still rocking Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability, so accidental drops and scratches shouldn’t ruin your day.

These panels are still smooth and sharp, but the jump in brightness makes them feel a lot more premium, especially for outdoor use and HDR video streaming.

Bigger batteries and boosted wireless charging

Battery anxiety? Pixel’s got your back this year. Both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL get noticeably bigger batteries, 4,870mAh and 5,200mAh respectively. Google now claims you’ll get “30+ hours” of use, which is a solid upgrade from last year’s 24-hour-plus claims.

But it’s the charging that really stands out: all Pixel 10 models now support Qi2 wireless charging, and Google’s built-in Qi2 magnets make the connection snappy and reliable. The Pixel 10 Pro can wirelessly charge at 15W, while the Pro XL is the first phone on the planet to hit 25W wireless charging (if you have a compatible charger). Forget the Pixel Stand limitations, any Qi2 charger will do.

Qi2 magnets for easier charging and new accessories

Magnets aren’t just for chargers anymore. Google’s fully embracing Qi2, which means the Pixel 10 series has magnets built right into the phone. This makes snapping onto wireless chargers and magnetic accessories super easy and super secure.

It also opens the door for a whole ecosystem of accessories, from magnetic wallets to stands and docks, all clicking into place without any hassle. Google is the first major Android brand to go all-in on this, and it’s a big deal for day-to-day convenience.

100x zoom and Gemini-powered Camera Coach

Calling all shutterbugs: Google’s new Tensor G5 brings camera upgrades that actually matter. The Pixel 10 Pro now supports 100x digital zoom, letting you snap far-off shots with way less blur or noise than before. Whether you’re at a concert, in the nosebleeds at a cricket match, or spying on your neighbour’s cat (not recommended), this is next-level zoom.

On top of that, all Pixel 10 models debut “Camera Coach,” an AI assistant powered by Gemini that gives you real-time tips to nail your shots. Not sure how to frame that sunset? Camera Coach has your back. It’s like having a pro photographer in your pocket.

Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive out of the box

Of course, no new Pixel is complete without a fresh coat of software. The Pixel 10 series ships with Android 16 and Google’s big Material 3 Expressive redesign. The look is bolder and more colourful, with new personalisation options and UI tweaks that just feel more 2025.

Like before, Google promises a massive seven years of OS and security updates for all Pixel 10 devices, so you can hold onto your phone for the long haul and always have the latest features.

Same price, new colours

Google hasn’t jacked up the prices this year, and is priced just the same as the Pixel 9 series was, when it launched last year. Pixel 10 still starts at ₹79,999 (12GB RAM, 256GB storage), the Pixel 10 Pro at ₹1,09,999 (16GB/256GB), and the Pixel 10 Pro XL at ₹1,24,999.

The Pro Fold is the most expensive at ₹1,72,999. Each model comes in new and returning colours: Indigo Frost, Lemongrass, Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and the always-classic Obsidian.

As usual, expect launch and bank offers to help soften the blow—because no one pays full price for a Pixel on launch day.

Pixel 10 series is more than just a glow-up

Sure, the outside might not look wildly different, but under the hood, the Pixel 10 series is a massive step up. You’re getting real upgrades where it matters: camera hardware, charging tech, storage, software, and those smart little details only Google pulls off. If you sat out last year’s Pixel, now’s the time to jump back in. This isn’t just a minor refresh—it’s the Pixel lineup finally catching up to (and in some ways outpacing) the rest of the Android world.