It’ll make you forget about Samsung’s space zoom
The Google Pixel 10X Pro is an impressive option for those seeking a top-of-the-line smartphone. Powered by the advanced Tensor G5 chip, it delivers faster performance with a 34% faster CPU and 60% enhanced AI processing. The phone features a 6.3-inch OLED display with vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 3,300 nits, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Its camera system is exceptional, offering a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultra-wide lens, and 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, as well as up to 100x Pro Res Zoom. AI-driven features like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take help users capture professional-quality photos with ease, while the 42MP front-facing camera ensures stunning selfies. The device’s battery is long-lasting, with a 4,870 mAh battery that supports over 24 hours of use and fast charging
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When I finally got my hands on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, disappointment settled in as I realized the cameras on both phones are identical to last year’s models. Newer phones usually get some kind of camera hardware upgrade, but the specs don’t lie.
This was the driving force that eventually led me to think that they’re both even more overrated than last year’s models, especially given how the Pixel 10 now has a triple camera system of its own — complete with a dedicated telephoto camera that delivers a 5x optical zoom. You’d think that its zoom capabilities are similar to the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL, but they’re actually not.
That’s because these new Pro models from Google have a secret weapon called Pro Res Zoom, which gets some AI-assistance to enhance zoom photos. I got to briefly test it out, and it might convince you that these new Pixel Pro offerings are the new king of zoom.
Top zoom Clicks:
First of all, you should know that Pro Res Zoom, which can get up to a 100x zoom, is exclusive to the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Although the Pixel 10 now has that dedicated telephoto camera, it has a different version called Super Res Zoom that tops out at 20x zoom — and it doesn’t use the same generative AI models that Pro Res Zoom is benefitting from. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold 10 won’t have this feature either when it ships in October.
Pro Res Zoom on a few different things, with the first being an Android figurine that was placed on the other side of the room. we switched over to 5x zoom in the Pixel 10 Pro camera app and proceeded to move it up until I maxed out at 100x zoom. Usually there’s a lot of shakiness at this zoom, but the Pixel 10 Pro’s stabilization kicks in well to mitigate them.
100X Zoom:
With IP68 water and dust resistance, the Pixel 10X Pro is built to withstand the elements. Running on Android 16, it offers seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring the phone remains relevant for years to come. For those who want a high-performance smartphone that integrates cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, the Pixel 10X Pro is a standout choice.
Price and availability
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is available for preorder starting at $1,199, while the standard Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are priced at $799 and $999 respectively. All three models will hit shelves on August 28 through the Google Store and retail partners. Buyers of the Pro models will also receive one year of Google AI Pro.
With Samsung long holding the crown for extreme zoom with its Galaxy Ultra phones, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL may be the first true challenger, one that blends hardware reliability with the power of AI.
