Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16: The AI Battle Heats Up

I'm thinking of upgrading my Samsung Galaxy S23 with a Pixel 10 because of this one exclusive feature

It's no secret: the Google Pixel 10 series is coming soon. Google has officially confirmed that the next Pixel lineup will launch on August 20, 2025, and there have already been plenty of leaks showcasing the devices in full, giving us a solid idea of what to expect. I've been using the base Samsung Galaxy S23 since August 2023, and until now, I haven't felt the need to upgrade. My Galaxy S23 is still running well in 2025, and both (baseline) Galaxy S24 and the new Galaxy S25 barely offer any meaningful upgrades over the Galaxy S23. But now, after nearly two years, I'm finally thinking of upgrading my Android smartphone -- and it's Google that has my attention. The base Pixel 10 is actually catching my eye, and there's one particular upgrade that's making me seriously consider the switch. Related The Pixel 10 won't be Google's iPhone X moment and I'm totally OK with that A different kind of great Posts 1 Google's AI features are tempting me more than ever Galaxy AI is good, but Samsung is falling behind in this one key area Close Google Pixel smartphones have never been about packing in the latest or biggest hardware upgrades, but they've always focused more on the software experience. This became especially clear with the launch of the Pixel 6, when Google began pushing AI-driven features heavily into its phones. While Samsung has ramped up its Galaxy AI suite since the launch of the Galaxy S24, it still falls short compared to the depth and usefulness of AI features on a Pixel. Samsung Galaxy S24 SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM 8GB The smallest of Samsung's 2024 flagships packs possibly the most significant upgrades of the series, with a significantly brighter and 1-120Hz adaptable refresh rate screen, cameras that finally match the S24+, and an even more polished build than the last two years. $860 at Samsung Expand Collapse And it's not just about the number of features. It's the kind of features Google has added over the years that make the Pixel experience so compelling. Features like AI-image editor, text summarizer, and Circle to Search are now available on both Google and Samsung phones (yes, even on my two-year-old Galaxy S23). Still, one standout AI feature that Samsung has yet to match or integrate into its Galaxy AI suite is Pixel Screenshots. Pixel Screenshots is a feature that lets you store and recall important information without digging through your gallery for old screenshots. It works by processing every screenshot you take using the on-device Gemini model, extracting key details, and storing them so you can easily retrieve the information later, with no need to open Gmail or scroll through your gallery looking for a QR code. For example, if you've just grabbed tickets to a concert, you can take a screenshot of the ticket page, and Pixel Screenshots will store and process the info entirely on-device. Later, when it's time to go, you can search for the concert venue or even type something like "Taylor Swift ticket", and Pixel Screenshots will instantly surface that information. You don't need to search through the gallery or Gmail again to look for the QR code, as Pixel Screenshot can search for it instantly. It may sound like a simple feature -- and to be fair, there are still ways Google could improve it, like integrating Pixel Screenshots with At a Glance on the Pixel Launcher home screen -- but even in its current form, it's incredibly helpful. If you're like me and take dozens of screenshots each day, thinking "I'll deal with it later," only to end up digging through a chaotic pile and giving up in frustration, this feature feels like something I truly need on my phone. And yes, I know, Pixel Screenshots isn't a brand new feature. It first appeared with the Pixel 9 series last year. Still, Samsung hasn't added a similar tool to its Galaxy AI suite. While the company offers plenty of features like text and browsing summarization, there's still no equivalent to Pixel Screenshots on Galaxy smartphones -- even with the launch of One UI 8 on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 series. Related 5 basic features Samsung's Galaxy AI is missing Why can't Samsung give us useful AI features? Posts Even the base Pixel 10 might cover everything I really care about And that's without needing the Pro model For years, I've avoided buying the base Pixel smartphone for two main reasons: performance and the lack of a telephoto sensor. However, it looks like Google might be making the base Pixel 10 "Pro enough" to finally convince me to upgrade. The Pixel 10 series is rumored to feature Google's new Tensor G5 chipset, expected to be a 3nm chip manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung. This should, in theory, solve the long-standing issues Pixel users have faced with previous models, including poor sustained performance, overheating, and poor efficiency. One of the reasons I didn't switch from the Galaxy S23 to the S24 was that Samsung used its own Exynos 2400 chipset in my region, and being a Samsung-made chip, it didn't match the performance of the Snapdragon variant. The Tensor G5 isn't expected to bring a massive performance leap over the G4, but it should still outperform the Samsung chips used in previous Pixel smartphones and deliver better efficiency overall. We'll only know how it truly performs after spending more hands-on time with the device. On the other hand, leaks also suggest that the base Pixel 10 might finally include a telephoto sensor, which has been missing from base Pixel models for years. Now, it seems Google is taking a page from Samsung's playbook and may equip the base Pixel 10 with all three lenses: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. This, combined with the improved Tensor chipset, could make the Pixel 10 a meaningful upgrade for me, as the telephoto sensor should significantly enhance optical zoom and portrait photography. We still don't know if Google will use the same sensors on the base model as those on the Pro models, but having a telephoto lens would be a big step forward, especially since I rely on it heavily with my Galaxy S23. Related 5 Pixel tricks that changed how I use my phone every day From Magic Eraser to Now Playing, these Pixel exclusives will transform your smartphone experience Posts 1 Pixel 10 is shaping up to be my next daily driver All things considered, the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be a worthy upgrade over the Galaxy S23, at least based on current leaks and rumors. Alongside Pixel Screenshots, the Pixel 10 is also expected to introduce a new AI feature called Pixel Sense, which is rumored to be a more aggressive on-device assistant, smarter than both Gemini and Google Assistant found on the current crop of Pixel phones. Pixel Sense will reportedly provide better action suggestions by processing data from different apps like Calendar, Gmail, Photos, and more -- all on-device -- to deliver highly contextual recommendations. Combined with Pixel Screenshots, improved hardware that matches what's found on base Samsung flagship smartphones, and the new Pixel Sense AI, the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be a winner -- and it just might be what finally pulls me away from my Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Samsung Galaxy S23 Brand Samsung SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy RAM 8GB Storage 128GB, 256GB Battery 3,900mAh Ports USB-C The Galaxy S23 offers the best that Samsung has -- from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset to a high-class camera system led by an impressive 50MP sensor -- at just the right size with a vibrant and "palmable" 6.1-inch display. The phone also brings a larger battery than the S22's, plus a sector-leading five years of monthly security updates. That's all for the same price as last year. $685 at Amazon $700 at Samsung Expand Collapse .

I'd still buy a Google Pixel 8 Pro in 2025, and so should you

Recommending older flagships used to be a more niche conversation. It was a good idea for enthusiasts to save a few dollars on more powerful devices, but most buyers were still better off picking up a newer midrange device. Smartphones that were two or three years old suffered from poor battery life and were often a year or so away from being out of software support. In 2025, the conversation is much different. Flagship smartphones are better optimized and come with up to seven years of software support, making them a wise choice for casual users. The Google Pixel 8 Pro tops my list. It's an excellent blend of value and performance, and if you're looking to save a few dollars without sacrificing too much of the flagship experience, it's a phone worth considering. Read our review Google Pixel 8 Pro: Living up to its name If you want to see the future of Google, the Pixel 8 Pro is the phone to buy Posts We overestimate what we need in a smartphone The Pixel 8 Pro still gets the job done It's hard to resist the temptation of the latest and greatest. I'm an enthusiast, so it's easy to get wrapped up in whichever new Snapdragon chipset is in the latest Samsung Galaxy device. However, if we're being honest, we don't need a fraction of all that power. The Tensor G3 might seem like an ancient relic just two years on, but you'd be surprised how snappy the performance is on my Pixel 8 Pro. Android 16 is running smoothly, and I can even enjoy some light to medium gaming. I've often written about wanting improved gaming performance from Tensor chipsets. The Tensor G5 is rumored to get a 15% GPU bump. While that's important, it doesn't mean the previous generations couldn't play games. It simply wasn't a strong suit of the Pixel phones. The Tensor-powered Pixels have other advantages, and the Pixel 8 Pro includes plenty of them. Google Gemini features are smooth, and I can't live without Pixel software extras like Now Playing -- little items that you don't realize how much you enjoy until they are gone. The Pixel that turned everything around Better display and fantastic battery life Before the Pixel 8 series, Google smartphones struggled. The Pixel 6 was a vibrant redesign, but issues with the Android 12 software, a subpar fingerprint sensor, and an inefficient Tensor chipset ruined the experience. The Pixel 7 was a slight improvement, but the phones felt unfinished. That all changed with the Pixel 8, as Google managed to put all the pieces in place. The 6.7-inch Super Actua display on the Pixel 8 Pro is gorgeous, and it's significantly brighter than the panels used in previous-generation Pixels. I'm still impressed with how vibrant the display is, and you won't be lacking a flagship experience, despite the Pixel 8 Pro being two years old. The Pixel 8 Pro was also the first year Google significantly improved battery life. The Tensor G3 is a more efficient chipset, not prone to the overheating that plagued its predecessors. I consistently get 8 hours or more of screen-on time from a single charge, and the battery has held up well over the last two years. If I had been interested in an older flagship, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, a couple of years ago, I would've run into poor battery life. That's not the case with the current crop of flagship phones. We can't forget it's still a Pixel camera system. While the Pixel 9a is capable of taking excellent photos, the Pixel 8 Pro is more versatile due to its telephoto lens. Software support until 2030 No lack of updates for the Pixel 8 Pro Older flagships are viable for longer thanks to extended software support from Google and Samsung. When flagship devices were only getting three or four years of updates, it was harder to recommend picking them up further down the line. However, the Pixel 8 Pro hasn't even reached the halfway point of its support lifespan, and you'll continue to enjoy software updates until 2030, along with new Android versions. I can't tell you what Android will look like on your Pixel 8 Pro in 2030, but I'm pleased that Google is committed to keeping the phones optimized and running well for longer. The early returns have been good, and I'm satisfied with how Android 15 runs on older Pixel hardware so far. I'm not the biggest fan of Google Gemini in its current state, but you can look forward to years of AI updates on your Pixel 8 Pro. A more complete package Older flagships are a better fit for more consumers than they were just a few short years ago. Increased software support is a help, but efficient chipsets keep these phones viable for longer. You also pick up plenty of creature comforts, such as QHD+ resolutions and a premium build quality. Pre-owned Pixel 8 Pros are available for anywhere between $400 and $500, while new ones can still be purchased for $600. Whichever path you choose, you're getting an excellent phone with a fantastic display and outstanding battery life for around the price you'd pay for a midrange device. I can't complain about that. Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Google Pixel 8 Pro 9 / 10 SoC Google Tensor G3 RAM 12GB Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Battery 5,050mAh The Google Pixel 8 Pro is still a good deal in 2025, with plenty of software support and a premium flagship experience. The Tensor G3 is powerful enough for most tasks, and you'll enjoy plenty of Pixel extras on Android 15. If you're in the market for a Pixel but don't want to pay flagship prices, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth a look. $999 at Amazon $999 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Our favorite phones of the year

Whether you want a phone with a massive screen, one that takes beautiful photos or one you can quickly fold up, this has been an amazing year for smartphones, and we've tested the best ones out there. From flagship phones with top of the line specs, camera phones with high-resolution sensors, flip or tablet-style foldables to budget phones that punch above their weight, you have loads of options when it comes to choosing the right smartphone for you. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed all of the latest smartphones for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025. Below, we highlight our favorite phones from the last 12 months whose design, features and pricing impressed us the most and we believe have earned a spot in your pocket. Samsung came back hard with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which set the tone for all flagship releases this year. This year's Ultra made a big leap thanks to its mighty Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset that powers many of its new Galaxy AI features. Specifically, it introduced cross app actions with Gemini that allows users to perform complex actions all with voice commands -- it's like having a personal assistant that can manage your day-to-day duties. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is a powerhouse unlike anything out there, proving it's a gaming champ with its incredible performance. But what makes it even better is how it's much more power efficient, resulting in a boost in battery life over its predecessor. At the same time, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a productivity powerhouse thanks to its support for Samsung DeX and the S Pen. With the latter, it offers users a desktop PC-like experience when it's connected to an external display. We've tested out this feature and it makes for a decent laptop replacement. Meanwhile, the S Pen gives it that paper meets pen experience that some people prefer. And finally, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers an astounding camera experience thanks to the four cameras on the back of the phone. This is a versatile camera system that lets you capture subjects near and far, but it also has a robust set of AI tools that can enhance your photos and videos after the fact -- like Audio Eraser and LOG video recording. No other phone can match its performance and features, making it the best phone you can buy for the money. While Apple equipped its standard iPhone with plenty of new features and enhancements last fall, the Pro lineup continues to receive the lion's share of the company's attention. And that makes the iPhone 16 Pro -- the more affordable of Apple's two Pro iPhones -- the top model right now. Everything the iPhone 16 Pro Max can do, the iPhone 16 Pro can do as well, from showing off the power of Apple's A19 Pro chipset to supporting the new Apple Intelligence features Apple has been rolling out to its phones over the past nine months. And if you've ever looked at the Pro Max model's bigger screen with envy, the iPhone 16 Pro addresses that, thanks to a larger 6.3-inch display than its predecessors. The cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro get a nice upgrade, too, -- one that really stands out when we shot photos with Apple's phone. This version picks up the 5x optical zoom feature introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, while improvements to both the ultrawide and main cameras help the iPhone 16 Pro produce vivid, detailed images. A new Camera Control button -- an addition to every iPhone 16 mode -- puts a Visual Intelligence feature that turns the camera into a search tool right at your fingertips. And we appreciate how the new Audio Mix feature can seamlessly remove background noise from the video you've captured. In short, the best features of the iPhone are very much on display in the iPhone 16 Pro. And while that $999 starting price isn't cheap, it's within reach for anyone who wants the best that Apple has to offer in a phone. Despite debuting almost a year ago in August 2024, the Pixel 9 Pro has clung onto its status as our favorite Android phone. More powerful and capable devices have appeared since, but the overall value offered by the Pixel 9 Pro is still hard to beat. Encased in a compact 6.3-inch body that's smaller than almost all other devices in the category, you'll find an incredibly bright Super "Actua" display. But despite the brightness, the Pixel 9 Pro has decent battery life, at least compared to other smaller flagship phones. The three cameras embedded in the distinctive rear horizontal bar are capable of brilliant photos, and you might have more time to use them thanks to the included free year of Gemini AI Pro (worth $20 a month) with your purchase opening up a huge range of AI features. Abilities like Pixel Screenshots and Gemini Live can prove to be especially useful to keen chatbot fans. Perfection eludes the Pixel 9 Pro due to its lower-powered Tensor G4 chipset, and the fact it's effectively a price increase over previous pro Pixels, giving you less phone for the same money. But those quibbles aside, it's a deserving recipient of this award. Hope you've got space on your mantlepiece, Google. Being the best camera phone takes more than just having pixel crunching specs, it needs to have a versatile camera software as well to meet the demands of power users. No other phone meets the criteria that we look for than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra -- and with good reason. First of all, its quadruple camera setup means it has all the range covered. Whether you're shooting something far off in the distance, or a super closeup of something, it has you covered. Its 200MP main camera might seem overkill, but the sensor pulled out bright shots under low light conditions, which is evident in our 200 photo shootout with the Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Pixel 9 Pro XL. Meanwhile, we put its 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom against the iPhone 16 Pro Max in a zoom shootout -- and Samsung wins the zoom conversation. We've also used its camera to capture professional looking portrait photos that almost look like they're captured by a mirrorless camera. Beyond the performance, the S25 Ultra is the best camera phone due to the amount of modes and features it offers with its camera app. From dedicated manual modes for photos and videos, to its ability to support external audio recording sources, it has the most robust native camera app around. We don't just think that Google has the best AI features of any phone maker -- we know it, after putting the Pixel through a series of tests with the latest iPhones and Galaxy flagships to find out which one excelled at the most tasks. In our AI phone face-off, the latest Google devices came out on top in four of our six tests, and they gave the Galaxy S25 series all that it could handle in the image generation and photo editing tasks, too. That's about as definitive a win as you can get. All of Google's Pixel 9 phones support the same AI capabilities, meaning the standard Pixel 9 is every bit as capable as the premium Pixel 9 Pro XL when it comes to make the most of Google's AI-friendly Tensor chipset. And since the $799 Pixel 9 costs several hundred dollars less than the Pro XL, it's the phone to turn to when you want the best AI features without breaking the bank. The Pixel 9 has plenty going for it besides AI, from top-performing cameras to a compact design. But if you're looking for a phone that can translate text into other languages on the fly, summarize recordings and notes and tap into the power of Gemini for performing everyday tasks, the Pixel 9 is just about impossible to beat. Samsung looked too complacent the last couple of years, as its foldable phones saw heated competition -- but it came roaring back with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. This flip-style phone sees bigger upgrades than previous years, including a much larger Flex Window display, longer battery life, multimodal AI features, and the introduction of Samsung DeX. What also helps is that despite having a larger 4.1-inch Flex Window display and 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display, Samsung keeps the same compact form factor and thin construction as before. The new Armor FlexHinge design is stronger and smoother than before, ensuring that it closes and opens with that satisfying snap. Over on the productivity side, the new multimodal experience of Gemini Live paired with its camera and Flex Window display lets you ask questions about what you're seeing. For example, you can ask it to translate a sign you see in front of you -- all by just using voice commands. The Z Flip 7 also gets Samsung DeX support, which is a first for the series and brings that desktop-PC like experience to the phone. It wouldn't be the best foldable phone either if it couldn't take good photos. While the camera hardware remains unchanged, its new ProVisual Engine does enhance photos to draw out more detail. Meanwhile, its various Flex Modes allow creators to use the camera hands-free -- making it the perfect phone for vlogging and selfies. There are a lot of practical benefits to foldable phones, like the fact you basically have a more portable version of a tablet. The problem is they felt too much like tablets, and lugging around what is effectively two screens in one was kind of a chore. But that's changed, and the ingenious design of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is to thank. The Z Fold 7 is much thinner and lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 7.5 ounces and measuring a mere 4.2mm (unfolded). To the point where you might actually forget you're holding a foldable at times. It's like Samsung took a bunch of lessons from the Galaxy S25 Edge, and used them to solve some of the issues it's had with past foldables. Plus it's all been done without sacrificing durability, thanks to stronger display glass, a newly reinforced hinge and a titanium lattice. So this is a phone that looks as good as it gives. There's an argument that there are a lot of factors to look into when it comes to gauging battery life on a phone. However, when it's all said and done, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro simply outlasts all the competition. Asus has always delivered when it comes to battery life, and the latest addition takes that to the next level. When we tested the phone, it achieved a time of 20 hours and 34 minutes on TG's custom battery test while the phone's display was set to an adaptive refresh rate. This impressive battery life is achieved thanks to the massive 5,800 mAh battery alongside the stellar power management afforded by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The ROG Phone 9 Pro doesn't just have a great battery life, it also recharges quickly thanks to 65W charging support. In our tests, we managed to get the phone back to 74% charge from 0% after only thirty minutes. If we take all of this combined, then it's easy to see why the ROG Phone 9 Pro takes the battery life prize. With phone prices climbing ever upward, it's refreshing to see Google's A Series of Pixel phones bringing a little pricing stability to the market. But even though the Pixel 9a retains the $499 starting price of its predecessor while other phones go up in cost -- looking at you, iPhone 16e -- Google ushered plenty of other changes with this new model. It starts with the Tensor G4 chip inside the Pixel 9a, allowing this midrange phone to offer many of the same AI features that makes the Pixel 9 lineup stand out from other devices. (A couple features, like Pixel Screenshots, require a more powerful version of Gemini Nano than the Pixel 9a has.) You're able to tap into Gemini Live, generate images using text prompts and access a full array of smart photo editing tools on a device that costs a fraction of what you'd pay for pricier flagships. As always, the reason for bargain hunters to turn to the Pixel A device is camera performance. And while the Pixel 9a doesn't feature big camera changes from its predecessor, it still turned in better photos than the iPhone 16e in our camera face-off. The Pixel 9a's support for astrophotography impresses, too. Google has long proven that a low price on a phone doesn't have to mean big sacrifices on features. The Pixel 9a drives that point home once again.

Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Which flagship could win?

We're less than a month away until the next Made by Google event on August 20, where we'll presumably get our first official glimpse at the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Expectations are naturally high, especially when it's a direct competition to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. That's why a Pixel 10 Pro X vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max face-off preview is necessary to determine how these best phone contenders compare to one another for that coveted best phone title. In our iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL comparison, Apple's flagship narrowly came out on top -- driven largely by excellent camera and battery performances. Google doesn't intend on coming up short with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which is tipped for bigger upgrades alongside its sibling in the Pixel 10 Pro. Not only is it rumored to be powered by the Tensor G5 chip, but you can bet that Google's going to be making greater strides around its software and new AI features. Depending on what storage models Google ends up giving the Pixel 10 Pro XL, it could see a price hike. Just as a refresher, the current Pixel 9 Pro XL fetches for $1,099 with the base 128GB model. With the Pixel 10 Pro XL, a price hike could be in its future if Google ends up ditching the 128GB model and opts to make 256GB the base option. That means the Pixel 10 Pro XL could inherently get a price hike because of this. If this ends up happening, then there would be no price advantage with the Pixel 10 Pro XL because it'd be the same price for what the iPhone 16 Pro Max commands right now. We know a lot about what the Pixel 10 Pro XL might look like, given the numerous rendered images shared by leakers (and Google itself). From the looks of it, Google isn't changing the formula with the Pixel 10 Pro XL's design, as the phone largely flaunts the same aesthetics as last year's model. This consists of rounded corners and the same elongated pill shaped camera bar on the back of the phone. One promising design change we're thrilled to potentially get with the Pixel 10 Pro XL is the magnets needed to support for Qi2 charging. Everyone thought the Pixel 9 Pro XL would come with proper Qi2 support, but it didn't come to fruition. With the Pixel 10 Pro XL, it stands to benefit in a great way. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still an incredibly well-built phone, but it too recycles the design of its predecessor. The only meaningful change is the addition of the Camera Control on the side of the phone. Even though the designs of these phones don't differ from their predecessors, it could ultimately come down yet again to the color options. Apple keeps to the same neutral tones it's leaned on for years with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, whereas Google is tipped to again inject a little bit of color to its flagship. Based on recently leaked renders, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will be available in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, and Jade. Meanwhile, you have only three options with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Google already has the upper hand here because the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the brightest display that we've ever tested with a staggering peak brightness output of 2,649 nits. Given how the iPhone 16 Pro Max topped out at 1,553 nits, it's a safe presumption that the Pixel 10 Pro XL will still come out on top -- but by how much more is the question. Specs leaks for the Pixel 10 Pro XL hint at a similar 6.8-inch display as its predecessor, with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and 2992 x 1344 resolution. Google is tipped to make one new addition with the display, an improved PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming, that would ease eye strain by switching to a 480Hz PWM dimming display. After coming up short in our 200 photo shootout with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google has a huge challenge ahead to redeem itself. The iPhone 16 Pro Max's triple camera system, which consists of a 48MP main shooter, 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto with 5x zoom, edged out the Pixel 9 Pro XL in nearly every category -- including telephoto and low light performances. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the Pixel 10 Pro XL is getting any major hardware upgrades. In fact, rumors point to the same triple camera system as before, which would be made up of a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom. We're hoping that the sensors and apertures are a little different. If not, then it's going to come down to what new image processing algorithms Google has in place for its new phone. Despite this, we're hopeful that Google could amplify its camera capabilities with new AI-assisted tools and features. The current tools on the Pixel 9 Pro XL already beat out anything that Apple offers with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, so Google could widen its gap in this area. There have been leaks around new AI-editing tools that could be coming to Google Photos, like a new Help Me Edit tool that lets users make edits through a text box. For Apple, we'll have to wait until a later time to see if the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get more camera tools with help from Apple Intelligence. Out of all the changes tipped to come to the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the most notable one has to be the Tensor G5. A promising tip reportedly says that Google's turning to chip maker TSMC for its Tensor G5 chip, which is supposedly being made using a 3-nanometer manufacturing process -- an improvement over the 4nm process with the current Tensor G4. While this is all promising, there's still the matter of how much of a significant performance boost it will give the Pixel 10 Pro XL. That's because the A18 Pro's performance with the iPhone 16 Pro Max easily proved how much of a gap there was against the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Various performance tests we conducted painted the A18 Pro as the winner, but the Tensor G5 could finally prove that Google can step up to the plate with something just as formidable. However, early reports hint that the Tensor G5 would lag behind chips from Qualcomm and Apple -- with a later report backing up this sentiment. Needless to say, it doesn't look good for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Hopefully optimizations that Google's been working on with Android 16 could result in improvements that could push the needle towards its upcoming phone. Those optimizations could end up being critical at boosting the Pixel 10 Pro XL's battery life over the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple certainly does not disappoint in this area because the iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved a time of 18 hours and 6 minutes on Tom's Guide's battery benchmark test -- whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL came in shorter at 14 hours and 37 minutes. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is reportedly getting a larger 5,200 mAh battery, an increase over the Pixel 9 Pro XL's 5,060 mAh battery capacity. Paired with power optimizations with the Tensor G5 and Android 16, the Pixel 10 Pro XL could at the very least match the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Exceeding it would be a tough challenge though. Likewise, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is tipped to gain a slightly faster wired charging speed to 39W, which despite being a minor increase over the 37W, would likely still charge faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. We already have a good idea how the software powering Pixel 10 Pro XL and iPhone 16 Pro Max, mainly because the iOS 26 beta has been available for some time -- along with the Android 16's rollout this summer to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Apple made significant visual changes to its interface with iOS 26, like its new Liquid Glass material design and other changes to the lock screen. There's also a slew of other helpful features and changes that we've tested, like its new Camera app layout, Hold Assist with phone calls, and even the new Call Screen feature. With the latter, we've tested the iOS 26 Call Screen against the Pixel 9 Pro's similar feature -- and determined Google's version to be superior. While we do have a good idea of what the final iOS 26 release for the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be like, Google could still throw in a few surprises around Android 16 for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Chief among them would be new Google AI features, possibly around more multimodal AI support with Gemini. There's even the Android 16 desktop mode that was quietly introduced at Google I/O 2025. Unless Apple Intelligence makes a big push, the Pixel 10 Pro XL could still be the AI phone to beat for the foreseeable future. Based on all the rumors we know around the Pixel 10 Pro XL, Google has a lot to prove to convince people it's going to be much better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple's flagship model is continually a best phone contender, despite newer phones coming out after it like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13. Google could again lean on what it does best, which is to bring new AI features that could tip the scales towards the Pixel 10 Pro XL's favor -- more so when the hardware upgrades don't seem as dramatic. At the same time, pricing could end up being the biggest differentiator considering how this has been a staple asset for the Pixel series. And keep in mind that the Pixel 10 Pro XL will have to compete with the new iPhone 17 Pro Max come September. Stay tuned for that comparison.

After Using Pixel Phones for 5 Years, I Know They're Worth the Money

Five years ago, I took a leap and got my first Pixel phone, not knowing if it was worth its price tag. After using three Pixels in a row, I know for a fact they are worth every penny. 5 Google Does Android Better Than Anyone I was not a fan of Android taking over the smartphone world. The Android phones I saw growing up were all slow, sluggish, and riddled with bloatware. So when the time came for me to pick my first smartphone, I chose Windows Phone. Fast-forward to 2017 when Microsoft officially discontinued Windows Phone, and I was forced to switch to Android. Guided by my past experiences, I chose a phone that gave as close to a stock Android experience as possible. I first went with Motorola phones running Android One, later upgrading to a Pixel 4a. Most, if not all, Android smartphone manufacturers add their own launchers, apps, and features to Android. It's what makes phones from a particular company stand out, but it also dilutes the overall Android experience, and the added features are rarely useful. Google, on the other hand, provides a near-stock version of Android. The Pixel UI is intuitive and doesn't get in the way of using your phone. It works the way you expect it to, and doesn't confuse you with unwanted menus and duplicate functions. This isn't just about aesthetics. Apart from a clean look and useful features, this also contributes to better performance. Pixel phones consistently feel more responsive and fluid than other Android devices I've tested in the past, even with inferior Pixel hardware. Google has tightened its control over both hardware and software with the launch of its Tensor G lineup of custom chips, which work in perfect harmony with the software. To be clear, the Android you see running on Pixels isn't 100% stock. Pure stock Android is more of a starting point for manufacturers to start building their own device experiences -- like the Chromium browser that so many companies build custom browsers from. Related What's the Difference Between Samsung and Android Phones? Samsung makes great phones, but how are they unique compared to other Android phones? Posts Android has come a long way since its inception, and other manufacturers have made improvements to their custom versions of Android that let them compete with Google. Regardless, I still feel stock Android (or as close to it as possible) is the best Android experience you can get. 4 They Have One of the Best Camera Experiences on Android One of the first tests I did with my Pixel 4a was a biking trip to the mountains. This was done within hours of unboxing my phone, providing the perfect test ground for the Pixel 4a's camera. The competition was an iPhone 11, an iPhone 12, and my Canon 200D Mk 1 DSLR with a 50mm lens. The photos I took on that trip changed how I used my DSLR entirely. For nearly the entire duration of the trip, my DSLR remained in my backpack while I was testing Google's photography and video software wizardry. Not only did the Pixel 4a beat phones way above its class in terms of camera hardware, but it also made me realize that I didn't need to carry my bulky DSLR everywhere with me. The biggest game changer was Night Sight, and I still believe that it gives the best low-light smartphone photos in 2025. The astrophotography mode made my life a lot easier, allowing me to take near professional-grade shots of the night sky without having to set up my camera in the freezing mountains and hoping to get the focus and exposure right. Both my Pixel 7a and the latest 9a have stayed true to this pattern. The camera hardware has also improved since then, meaning the photos are better than ever. As you'd expect, my DSLR still takes photos that the Pixel (or any smartphone) can't beat. However, the DSLR has a significantly larger sensor and much better optics. With the Pixel, you just point and shoot and can rest assured that the image will turn out well. One complaint I have about the Pixel's camera experience is that it's not the greatest at video. iPhones still manage to beat Pixels when it comes to video, especially cinematic video. However, Google has made noticeable improvements to how Pixels shoot video since then, and this seems to be on the right track. Then come all the AI features baked into Google's camera and gallery apps. Apart from Night Mode, you get Magic Eraser, Add Me, Portrait Light, and tons of other features that can completely change your photos from "barely usable" to "perfectly shot". 3 Pixel-Exclusive Features Are Actually Useful When you buy a Pixel, you get a litany of Pixel-exclusive features that integrate themselves into your life. Before you know it, you can't go back to a non-Pixel Android device. Apart from the aforementioned Google Camera features, these include small quality of life bits like Now Playing, Call Screen, Hold For Me, Direct My Call, and Face and Photo unblur. You also get great software like the excellent Google Recorder and Pixel launcher. The ability to use your phone as a webcam on your PC is neat, too. These are all small features that might not be something you use daily, but become tools you won't want to do without once you get used to them. You can try to port Pixel-exclusive features to any Android smartphone to counter this advantage, but the porting process often involves installing unofficial third-party APKs, manually handling processes, and even rooting your phone. Even then, the ported features won't work with the same seamlessness as they do on Pixel hardware. 2 Unique Look and Hardware Until the Pixel 5 lineup, Google's smartphones had great software, but didn't differentiate themselves much on the hardware and design front. With the launch of Google's Tensor chip, both the hardware capabilities and design language have made improvements that lend Pixels the unique design you see today. The camera bar (or visor) now gives Pixels a distinct look, and the build quality has been improving each generation. The Pixel a lineup, despite being the cheapest phones Google offers, reflects this with better materials, internal hardware, and overall design. This also translates to the ergonomics of the phones; I have no complaints about how good these phones feel in the hand. On the Pixel 9, Google credits the new design language for making its latest phone twice as durable as the Pixel 8. I can say from experience that these benefits trickle down to Google's budget phones as well. No amount of design and hardware improvement is going to make a phone perfectly durable, though. I have cracked the screens on all my Pixel phones shortly after buying them, including cracking my Pixel 9a's screen within a month of buying it (thanks to an accidental drop). However, they've all survived the screen breaking and continue to operate as usual with no repairs whatsoever. As for the internal hardware, Google's Tensor chips can't match top performers in the Android space. If you're going by benchmarks and performance figures, these aren't exactly top-of-the-line chips. That said, they're not far behind, and I highly doubt you'll see any performance difference in day-to-day usage. Some of it comes down to just how well-optimized Google's software is -- now more than ever, considering it's using in-house silicon. Regardless, the hardware has wholistically improved over the years. From the camera, batteries, SoCs, and internal storage/memory, to the materials used in the phone's construction, Pixels feel like flagship phones and can justify their price tags. 1 Long-Term Software Support If you want your Android phone to last as long as it possibly can, buying a Pixel is your best bet. A Pixel 9 purchased today will get software updates until 2031. Compared to most Android manufacturers, Google offers seven years of software support for Pixel 8 and newer devices. This includes Android updates, security patches, and new Pixel feature drops. You might not get the latest features released for the newest devices, but your phone will still be supported and secure. Even older devices such as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, launched in 2021 and 2022, respectively, are supported up to five years -- an increase from the originally promised three years of support. You will also be first in line to get these updates, whether security updates or a new version of Android. This keeps your phone fresh on the software side, with new features, improvements, and security updates regularly being added. Speaking of security updates, Google launches one every month. Android smartphones are a far more enticing target for attackers to hit, making these security updates often the only barrier standing between a hacker and your phone. Google's Pixel phones might be a more expensive buy upfront, but they're an investment that justifies the cost. The software works wonders, the hardware is constantly improving, and the overall package is better than what you get from the vast majority of the Android ecosystem.