Pixel 10 Pro XL review highlights performance gaps

A benchmark review compares Google's Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL with top rivals to assess how the Tensor G5 stands up in raw speed against value and feature wins.

Pixel 10 Pro XL lags flagship benchmarks

Google's Tensor G5 arrives in the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL, priced at 799 and 1199. In benchmarks, the Pixel 10 sits near the bottom of the mainstream flagships. GeekBench 6 shows a small edge in single-core but weaker multi-core compared with the Nothing Phone 3 and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. PCMark Work 3.0 places the two Pixel phones in the same range as rivals at their price, suggesting similar everyday performance. In graphics tests, 3DMark's Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, the Tensor G5 with a PowerVR GPU keeps up for a while but falls behind within 20 minutes. The Pixel 10 is fine for light gaming but lags behind the top 8 Elite phones for longer play and high settings.

With higher price and more aggressive clocks, the Pixel 10 Pro XL shows the same pattern. It benefits from the newer G5 and upgraded CPU cores but cannot beat the fastest chips from Apple and Qualcomm. The sustained performance is limited by thermals, with peak temperatures around 44.4°C in our tests. This means even fast gaming phones can outlast it under long sessions. If you want raw power, rivals like Galaxy S25 Ultra and ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro still have the edge. If you value AI features and photography, the Pixel 10 Pro XL remains a strong option, though its speed is a secondary factor for many buyers.

The pattern here reflects Google’s ongoing strategy. The company leans on AI features and software tools, using the Tensor G5 to boost camera and on-device intelligence rather than delivering the fastest hardware. The 3nm process helps clock speeds, but the core design and thermals still cap peak performance. This means the Pixel line can feel modern and capable in daily tasks, while lagging on sustained, heavy workloads. For buyers, the message is clear: speed isn’t the only value Google offers, and it may not be the decisive factor for everyone.

Looking ahead, the market is shifting toward chip efficiency and AI-powered experiences. If Google can improve long-term stability and thermal management or pair the Tensor G5 with smarter software optimizations, the Pixel could punch above its weight. Until then, the choice for many is between a strong software story and the raw power of rivals. The Pixel family could still win hearts with cameras, features, and updates, even if it trails in benchmarks today.

Highlights

As Google leans into AI, the hardware tradeoffs test how futureproof the Pixel line can be.