Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Same size, more features

Google just officially revealed the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and it's an exciting Android flagship. The company gave us our first look at the Pixel 10 Pro XL at a Made by Google event, and we've already gone hands-on with the new smartphone. While there are a lot of similarities between the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the new model offers upgrades in a few major ways, including performance and charging.

It's always tough — almost impossible — to justify annual upgrades for smartphones. They're just too expensive, even though the 256GB Pixel 10 Pro XL technically keeps its starting price point. However, the upgrades for this year's flagship Pixel might tempt a few power users. Let's see how the new device stacks up against the older Pixel 9 Pro XL.

For more news and information on Google's newest phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Pricing and availability

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL launched at a Made by Google event on Aug. 20, starting at 1 p.m. ET. Pre-orders opened that same day, with widespread retail availability starting Aug. 28. In a way, the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets a price hike — Google is axing the 128GB variant of the model. That means the Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at 256GB at a price point of $1,199.

It's the same price as the 256GB Pixel 9 Pro XL, but the removal of the entry-level model raises the price floor. Upgrades to 512GB and 1TB configurations are available, and it's sold in Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain, and Jade colorways.

Google launched the Pixel 9 Pro XL on Aug. 22, 2024. The phone starts with 128GB of storage and retails for $1,099, with optional storage upgrades up to 1TB available. You can grab it in Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Hazel (grey), and Rose Quartz (pink) colorways. As the phone gets older, it is more prone to discounts. We could see the Pixel 9 Pro XL priced more aggressively shortly after the newer version hits shelves.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design and display

From the outside, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL looks quite similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. You have the same general design language consistent across both phones, from the polished aluminum side rails to the pill-shaped camera bar. In fact, the dimensions of the Pixel 10 Pro XL are identical to those of its predecessor, measuring 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm. Small tweaks to the camera bar size likely nix compatibility with older cases, though.

The weight is a different story. The newer model weighs 232 grams, and that's hefty even for a phone of this size. For perspective, the Pixel 9 Pro XL weighs 221 grams and the Pixel 8 Pro weighs 213 grams. It's an unfortunate trend — Pixel flagships keep getting heavier, and this is a difference you'll feel in your hand and pocket.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has similar display specs as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. We're looking at a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED panel capable of 120Hz refresh rates and 3,300 nits of peak brightness — upped from 3,000 nits on its predecessor. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's resolution is 2992 x 1344 pixels, and that carries over to the 2025 model. For protection, we have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and rear glass.

Rounding out the Pixel 10 Pro XL's durability suite is an IP68 certification, which is just about standard in 2025. It'll provide a solid amount of protection against dust and water ingress.

With so few design changes, colors will be a key differentiator. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is offered in Obsidian, Moonstone, Porcelain, and Jade colorways. There are the classic Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white) options, and new Moonstone (grayish-blue) and Jade (green-gold) styles.

Another notable upgrade is magnetic Qi2 support. You'll be able to throw accessories and chargers on the back of the Pixel 10 Pro XL without needing a magnetic case — though those are available, too.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Hardware and specs

Under the hood, Google upgraded the Pixel 10 Pro XL's processor and battery system. This year, we have the first Pixel to feature a Tensor G5 processor manufactured by TSMC. The Google Tensor G5 chip is built using TSMC's advanced 3nm process node, leading to increased performance.

Just how much better is the Pixel 10 Pro XL? Google says the Tensor G5 processor's CPU is 34% faster on average than the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The tensor processing unit (TPU), used for AI tasks, is up to 60% more powerful as well.

Google isn't changing the camera hardware found on the Pixel 9 Pro XL — the exact same setup appears on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. However, the move to Tensor G5 is just one way the company squeezes out better shots from the same sensors and lenses. There's a new image-signal processor (ISP) that will produce the best photos we've ever seen out of a Pixel.

Google has a lot riding on Tensor G5, because the Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL is underwhelming compared to the competition. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform, found in some of the best Android phones, can run laps around the Tensor G4 in benchmarks and especially while gaming. We'll be sure to run our full suite of benchmarks, so stay tuned for our review.

Notably, the battery life of the Pixel 10 Pro XL is getting better. It sports a 5,200mAh battery, up from the 5,060mAh capacity of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This might be one reason why the Pixel 10 Pro XL is heavier. Another could be the inclusion of Qi2 magnets for quick connectivity with chargers and accessories. Charging speed is increased across the board — 39W wired, Qi2 25W wireless, 5W reverse wireless.

The inclusion of Qi2 magnets is part of a broader "Pixelsnap" accessory initiative to challenge Apple's MagSafe.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is all about quality-of-life upgrades. There isn't new camera hardware or a design refresh this year, although that isn't exactly surprising. Instead, the Tensor G5 chipset brings considerable performance and optimization improvements. The Qi2 magnetic support and 25W fast wireless charging capabilities will make a big difference in daily use.

At the same time, the Pixel 10 Pro XL looks and feel mostly the same as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. There's no better evidence of that than the devices' dimensions — both are expected to measure exactly the same. Given that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is already running Android 16 and has six more years of updates, there's no reason to get rid of this flagship phone anytime soon.

As usual, the Pixel 10 Pro XL seems a lot more appealing to people with older Pixels that have waited longer to upgrade. That said, some features — like Qi2 25W — are sure to make Pixel 9 Pro XL users jealous.