Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Google's smartphones have hit double figures, and the company means business.

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On paper, the Pixel 10 series is its most accomplished generation yet, fusing ultra-premium hardware with the software polish no other brand can match.

Unless you want a foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro XL sits at the top of that lineup. Google has been cautious with its hardware upgrades this time around, focusing on boosting the battery and charging experience.

But the company has come out swinging on the software side, with several new and potentially game-changing features. And, after a week spent using it as my main phone, I'm ready to declare it the best smartphone of 2025 so far.

Here's everything that makes it so good, plus the handful of things that I wish Google had done differently.

Design

Gone are the days when Pixel owners had to put up with a cheap-looking phone. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a work of art, combining classic design language with a standout camera module.

The latter continues to divide opinion, but I'm a fan. The pill-shaped design is instantly recognisable and individual, without looking obnoxious or dominating the back of the device. And if you apply one of Google's official cases, you can eliminate the effects of the camera bump.

I'd recommend most people apply a case for grip – the 10 Pro XL feels slippery in the hands otherwise. However, I recognise that it's easy to say that when I'm testing the rather boring Obsidian model, which is essentially a dark grey.

The phone is also available in Moonstone (light grey), Jade (light green) and Porcelain (off-white). If you go for one of the latter two, you might not want to cover it up. A matt coating on the back of the device avoids visible fingerprint smudges unless light is shining directly on it.