Google Pixel 10 Pro Hands-On Review: The Most iPhone-Like Phone That Is Not An iPhone

The Pixel 10 Pro combines Google's most consistent Android experience with excellent camera processing, built-in magnetic accessories and several surprisingly practical features.

The greatest strength of the iPhone has never been one particular camera, processor or software feature. It is the fact that Apple develops both the hardware and software, allowing the two to operate as parts of the same product rather than separate pieces forced into cooperation.

That advantage is difficult for most Android manufacturers to reproduce. Companies such as Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi build their phones around Google's operating system, then add their own interfaces, applications and features to distinguish themselves. These Android skins have become lighter and considerably more refined over the years, but every so often, a small crack still appears beneath the surface. It may be an inconsistent menu, a duplicate application, a visual bug or a feature that feels attached to Android rather than developed as part of it.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is fundamentally different because Google is responsible for both Android and the hardware running it. Much like Apple, the company can develop the operating system, processor, camera system and connected services around one vision.

After spending time with the Pixel 10 Pro, I would describe it as the most iPhone-like phone that is not an iPhone. That does not mean Android suddenly behaves like iOS or that Google has copied Apple's interface. The resemblance comes from the Pixel's consistency and the sense that its hardware and software were designed to work together.

The timing of this review also makes the Pixel 10 Pro particularly relevant. Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 will be introduced at its Made by Google event on August 12, 2026, with preorders beginning that day. This means the Pixel 10 Pro is entering the period of its life when substantial discounts are beginning to appear.

Pros

• Excellent hardware-software consistency
• Blazing-fast fingerprint and face unlocking
• Pixelsnap provides built-in Qi2 magnetic accessory support
• Distinctive Pixel camera processing and excellent HDR
• Impressive 100x Pro Zoom results
• Full and substantial stereo sound
• Useful built-in temperature sensor
• Adjustable flashlight brightness
• Desktop-style external-display mode
• Seven years of software support

Cons

• Noticeably heavier than similarly sized phones
• Power and volume button placement requires adjustment
• Google search bar cannot be removed from the default launcher
• Clear All button is unnecessarily difficult to find
• Face unlock may struggle in darkness
• 100x images rely heavily on AI reconstruction
• Some MagSafe accessories may not fit perfectly
• Full retail price is difficult to recommend immediately before Pixel 11

A Small Phone With Considerable Heft

Coming from a Samsung Galaxy S23, the first thing I noticed about the Pixel 10 Pro was its weight. The Galaxy S23 is a particularly light compact flagship, while the Pixel 10 Pro weighs approximately 7.3 ounces, or 207 grams. Despite having a relatively compact 6.3-inch display, the Pixel feels considerably denser in the hand. Google also equips it with a polished aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, contributing to that substantial construction.

That additional heft gives it a feeling that reminds me of an iPhone Pro. It feels solid and expensive, although anyone moving from a smaller Samsung flagship will immediately notice the difference. This is the Pro model, so the additional weight is understandable, but it still took some time to adjust.

The prominent camera bar is also impossible to ignore. It occupies a large portion of the phone's back and makes the Pixel immediately recognizable, but its full-width, symmetrical position has a practical advantage. When the Pixel 10 Pro is placed on its back, it remains balanced from left to right and does not rock around every time I press the screen, as phones with a large camera island in one corner often do.

That may sound like a minor detail, but it becomes meaningful when the phone is regularly used while resting on a desk.

The button arrangement also required some adjustment. Samsung places the volume rocker above the power button, while Google puts the power button above the volume controls. For the first few days, my fingers repeatedly reached for the wrong button, although longtime Pixel users will already be familiar with the arrangement.

The two large cutouts surrounding the USB-C port also give the bottom of the phone a serious appearance. Google's hardware diagram identifies one opening as the bottom speaker and the other as a microphone, while a second speaker sits at the top of the phone.

The resulting stereo sound matches that substantial design. I would not necessarily describe it as the loudest phone I have heard, but the audio has an enjoyable fullness, with music, videos and dialogue sounding richer than I expected from a relatively compact device.

Unlocking A Phone Matters More Than We Admit

dOne feature that does not receive enough attention in smartphone reviews is the unlocking process. Unlocking may be the action we perform most frequently on a phone, which means even a fraction of a second matters when that delay is repeated dozens of times each day and thousands of times throughout the life of a device.

My preferred unlocking mechanism remains the rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint reader found on early Pixel phones. Its placement in the center of the back allowed an index finger to land naturally on the reader while picking up the phone. It was nearly instantaneous and remained unaffected by whatever screen protector was installed.

Under-display fingerprint readers introduce more variables. A glass screen protector can reduce their speed or reliability, while even a good under-display reader often has a slight hesitation compared with a traditional capacitive sensor. Google also acknowledges that screen protectors can interfere with fingerprint recognition and recommends using a certified protector when possible.

I therefore did not have especially high expectations for the Pixel 10 Pro's under-display fingerprint reader, but it turned out to be one of the phone's biggest positive surprises. This is one of the fastest under-display fingerprint readers I have used, recognizing my finger quickly and consistently without the delay I have experienced on many other phones.

I also installed an aftermarket glass screen protector. I now need to press slightly harder, but the reader remains remarkably fast and is still quicker than most other under-display fingerprint systems I have tried.

For people who cannot use the fingerprint reader reliably, the Pixel 10 Pro's face unlock is an excellent alternative. In my testing, it was blazing fast, often recognizing me before I had consciously thought about unlocking the phone. A small illuminated ring briefly appears around the front-facing camera while the system is active, providing a useful visual indication that the phone is scanning for a face. Google's support documentation confirms that this camera-ring animation indicates an active face scan.

It is worth clarifying that the ring does not necessarily mean the Pixel has taken and stored a conventional photograph. Google says the system creates an on-device model from images of the user's face, while the images used to create that model are not retained. The face model remains stored securely on the device, and Google says the processing takes place locally.

The Pixel 10 Pro's official hardware diagram lists a front-facing camera but does not identify a dedicated infrared projector, LiDAR scanner or separate depth-sensing array. It therefore appears that face unlock relies on the 42-megapixel front camera and Google's processing rather than the more elaborate infrared hardware used by Apple's Face ID. That makes its speed even more surprising, although Google warns that it may not work as well in insufficient light or when the face is obscured by sunglasses or a covering.

A rear-mounted capacitive reader remains my ideal system, but the Pixel 10 Pro comes unusually close to eliminating my complaints about modern phone unlocking. Between the remarkably responsive fingerprint reader and the blazing-fast face recognition, getting into the phone is rarely a source of friction.

Pixelsnap Opens Up A Huge Accessory Ecosystem

One of the Pixel 10 Pro's most important hardware additions is Pixelsnap. For years, iPhone users have had access to an enormous selection of magnetic chargers, stands, wallets, battery packs, grips and car mounts centered around MagSafe.

Android users could imitate that experience by purchasing a magnetic case or attaching an adhesive ring to the back of the phone, but it always felt like a workaround. The Pixel 10 series changes this by building Qi2 magnetic alignment directly into the hardware, with Google's hardware diagram confirming the presence of Pixelsnap magnets inside the Pixel10 Pro.

Google calls its implementation Pixelsnap, and the Pixel 10 Pro supports magnetic Qi2 wireless charging at up to 15W. This means the phone can connect directly to compatible magnetic chargers and accessories without requiring a specialized magnetic case. More importantly, it opens access to many products originally created around the iPhone's MagSafe ecosystem.

Not every accessory designed for an iPhone will fit the Pixel perfectly. Differences in dimensions and camera placement can cause compatibility problems, particularly with larger wallets, battery packs or stands. Qi2-certified products are also the safest choice when wireless charging is involved.

Even with those qualifications, Pixelsnap is a major improvement. A magnetic stand can hold the phone upright on a desk, a battery pack can attach without a cable, and a ring, grip, wallet or car mount can connect directly to the phone or a thin compatible case.

This is one of the areas where the Pixel 10 Pro genuinely feels like an Android answer to the iPhone. Pixel owners finally have built-in access to the magnetic accessory ecosystem that Android users have watched develop from the outside.

One Word Describes The Software: Consistency

The Pixel 10 Pro originally launched with Android 16, but mine upgraded to Android 17 immediately during the setup process. Google has released Android 17 to Pixel devices, with the company stating that eligible phones should receive the stable update over the air.

If I had to describe the Pixel software in one word, it would be consistency, which makes sense because Google develops both the phone and the operating system running on it.

A simple example can be seen in the visual customization. When I change the icon size, shape or color scheme, the adjustment is applied immediately and consistently throughout the interface. On another Android phone, most of the interface may follow the selected theme, but an occasional icon, menu or application can remain visually out of place.

Most modern Android phones get almost everything right, but a tiny bug or inconsistency will usually appear somewhere. The Pixel seems to reduce that already-small margin of error even further, and during my time with the Pixel 10 Pro, I have not encountered a significant software bug.

Even basic transitions feel particularly polished. When rotating a video from portrait into landscape, the image changes orientation smoothly without briefly cropping, cutting off or incorrectly resizing the content.

None of these refinements is dramatic enough to sell a phone individually. Together, however, they create a dependable and cohesive experience, and this is where Google's control over both Android and Pixel hardware becomes most apparent.

Google Apps Feel At Home On Google Hardware

I also noticed a difference in Google's own applications. Google Maps appeared smoother on the Pixel 10 Pro than it did on my Galaxy S23, with more detailed 3D buildings, more fluid movement and what appeared to be a higher frame rate while moving around the map.

Software versions, account settings and staged feature rollouts can all affect what an individual user sees, so I would not claim that the Pixel necessarily receives a completely separate version of Google Maps. Nevertheless, the difference was clearly noticeable in my testing.

Some of that newer experience also appeared when the phone connected to Android Auto in my car. That was an unexpected but welcome surprise, and it reinforced the feeling that Google's applications and connected services are particularly comfortable on Google's own hardware.

The Permanent Search Bar Became Useful

The Pixel software is not without restrictions. At the bottom of the default home screen is a permanent Google search bar that cannot be removed or repositioned through the standard Pixel Launcher.

Anything that cannot be customized on an Android phone can be irritating. In that sense, the fixed search bar feels like a page taken from Apple's playbook, with Google deciding that the feature belongs there whether the user agrees or not.

However, after spending more time with the Pixel 10 Pro, I found myself using it regularly. It is fast, always within reach and useful for finding applications, contacts, settings or information.

My objection to the lack of choice remains, but the imposed feature proved considerably more useful than I expected. The fact that I cannot remove it is still annoying, although I am no longer certain that I would remove it even if Google gave me the option.

The Clear All Button Is Hidden, Not Missing

Another software quirk appears in the recent-apps screen. After swiping up and holding to open the app switcher, I initially thought Google had removed the Clear All button, which irritated me considerably because there seemed to be no good reason to force users to dismiss every application one at a time.

The iPhone does not provide a universal button for clearing all recently opened applications, and I briefly wondered whether Google had followed Apple's example. Fortunately, the option is still there, but users must scroll through the recent-apps carousel all the way to the far-left end before the Clear All button appears.

Once found, it works exactly as expected and dismisses every recent application at once. This is therefore less a missing feature than a discoverability problem, with Google placing a basic control in a location that many new Pixel users may not think to check.

Android manages background applications automatically, so repeatedly clearing everything is not generally required for performance. However, it remains useful for organization and quickly cleaning up the app switcher.

The Camera Is Still The Biggest Reason To Buy A Pixel

The camera is arguably the biggest reason I personally buy Pixel phones. On my other Android devices, I normally keep the manufacturer's native camera application while also installing a modified version of Google's Pixel Camera.

There is a distinctive tone to Pixel photography. Google's computational photo stacking produces a recognizable look, particularly in the way it balances highlights, shadows and colors. It is not perfect on every attempt, but the final photographs have a character that is difficult to reproduce on another phone.

Having the complete Pixel Camera system built directly into the phone is considerably better than relying on a side-loaded application.

The Pixel 10 Pro has a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Google also claims optical-quality results at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x and 10x, with Pro Zoom extending the range to 100x.

The specifications are impressive, but Google's image processing remains the defining part of the experience. HDR may be the strongest part of the Pixel camera, with the phone handling scenes containing bright highlights and deep shadows particularly well while maintaining attractive colors.

The result is not simply a technically well-exposed photograph. It has the distinctive appearance that made Pixel photography appealing to me in the first place.

The 100x Zoom Is Incredible, But Not Purely Optical

The camera feature I was most excited to test was the Pixel 10 Pro's 100x Pro Zoom. The phone combines its 5x periscope-style telephoto camera with digital magnification and computational processing to produce a clearer final image. Google officially advertises Pro Zoom at up to 100x.

I tested the feature by photographing the moon, a subject on which Samsung Galaxy phones have traditionally delivered impressive results. The Pixel produced an incredible-looking photograph, with visible surface detail and excellent handling of the contrast between the dark sky and the moon's bright surface.

However, it is important to understand what the phone is doing. At 100x, the final result is not simply an optically magnified photograph. The camera captures the available visual information, and Google's software uses Tensor G5-powered computational processing to reduce noise and reconstruct the final image.

That distinction matters for documentary, journalistic or evidentiary photography because the final image can contain reconstructed detail rather than only what the sensor directly recorded.

For casual photography, however, the result can be remarkable. The Pixel 10 Pro can produce visually convincing photographs of distant subjects that would be extremely difficult to capture clearly with most phones.

The Built-In Thermometer Is More Useful Than It Sounds

The temperature sensor beside the rear cameras initially sounds like a novelty. Google's official hardware diagram confirms a dedicated temperature sensor beside the camera system, and the Thermometer application can measure the surface temperature of nearby objects.

In supported regions, the sensor can also be used for body-temperature measurements. Checking whether someone may have a fever is the most obvious application, although a temperature reading by itself cannot determine whether someone is ill.

For a technology enthusiast, measuring electronic devices may be more entertaining. The thermometer can be pointed toward the surface of a laptop, charger, power bank, phone or another device to see how warm it has become.

This does not replace an internal CPU, battery or thermal-sensor reading because it measures only the external surface. However, it can still help identify unusually warm areas or compare the external temperatures of different devices.

A built-in thermometer is not a reason by itself to purchase the Pixel 10 Pro. It is simply one of those unusual features that becomes more useful once you begin finding your own applications for it.

The Adjustable Flashlight Was A Pleasant Surprise

I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that the flashlight has adjustable brightness. Holding the flashlight control in Quick Settings opens a slider, allowing the light to be dimmed or brightened rather than simply operating at maximum output.

I was later told that iPhones have offered this function for years. As someone who does not regularly use an iPhone, it was still something I had not previously encountered as a standard function on my Android phones.

A full-strength flashlight is not always necessary, particularly when looking for something in a dark room without wanting to disturb everyone nearby. It is a small feature, but one that quickly becomes convenient.

Google Now Has An Answer To Samsung DeX

Another major surprise appeared when I connected the Pixel 10 Pro to an external display through USB-C. Instead of simply mirroring the phone, Android opened a desktop-style session with a taskbar, multiple applications and freely resizable windows.

The phone could retain its own screen state while the external display operated as a separate workspace. Google says connected-display support became generally available with Android 16 QPR3 on supported Pixel and Samsung devices, with Google and Samsung collaborating on the broader Android desktop-windowing system.

The desktop session includes a taskbar, allows multiple applications to run side by side and supports resizable windows, making it Android's platform-level answer to Samsung DeX rather than a simple screen-mirroring feature.

For me, its practical value is straightforward. There are times when I unexpectedly need to complete some work but do not have my laptop nearby. Connecting the Pixel to an external display and adding a keyboard and mouse creates an excellent emergency workstation.

It will not completely replace a conventional computer, but it is far more useful than simply mirroring a phone onto a larger screen.

Is The Pixel 10 Pro Still Worth Buying?

The timing of this review creates an obvious question because Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 will be introduced at its Made by Google event on August 12, 2026, with preorders beginning that day.

Normally, the imminent arrival of a replacement would make the outgoing model less relevant. In the case of the Pixel 10 Pro, however, it may also create the strongest reason to consider purchasing one.

The Pixel 10 Pro originally started at $999, but substantial late-cycle discounts are already appearing. As of August 5, 2026, Best Buy listed the unlocked 256GB Pixel 10 Pro for $825, compared with its original $1,099 price. Prices, colors and inventory can change quickly, particularly this close to the Pixel 11 announcement.

At its full $999 starting price, I would wait to see what the Pixel 11 offers. At $825 for the 256GB model—or at the $699 price previously seen for the 128GB version—the calculation becomes very different.

The Pixel 10 Pro still provides a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display, 16GB of RAM, Tensor G5, an excellent triple-camera system, Pixelsnap charging and seven years of operating-system, security and Pixel Drop updates.

Anyone determined to own Google's newest hardware should wait for the Pixel 11 announcement. Someone looking for a mature flagship at a substantially reduced price should keep watching the Pixel 10 Pro, because its most appealing period may begin after it is no longer the newest Pixel.

Final Verdict

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a substantial, polished and unusually consistent Android flagship. Its weight takes some adjustment, while the fixed search bar and hidden Clear All button show that Google is not afraid to make certain decisions on the user's behalf. The 100x zoom also relies heavily on computational reconstruction rather than purely captured optical detail.

Those compromises are outweighed by the excellent fingerprint reader, blazing-fast face unlock, distinctive Pixel camera processing, Pixelsnap magnetic accessories and seamless relationship between Google's hardware and software. At its full $999 price, I would wait to see what the Pixel 11 brings on August 12, but at a sufficiently steep discount, the Pixel 10 Pro is very easy to recommend.

It is the most iPhone-like phone that is not an iPhone—not because it copies Apple, but because Google brings the same fundamental advantage of unified hardware and software to Android.

David is a technology enthusiast and writer who is often on the move and is on a mission to explore ways to make long-haul flights and business travel more enjoyable. This is a contribution to an ongoing IBTimes review series on gadgets for business travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Google Pixel 10 Pro cost?

The Pixel 10 Pro officially starts at $999 for the 128GB model. However, late-cycle discounts are already appearing, including an August 5 Best Buy price of $825 for the unlocked 256GB version. Prices can change quickly as Google prepares to introduce the Pixel 11.

When will the Google Pixel 11 be announced?

Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 will be unveiled at its Made by Google event on August 12, 2026, with preorders beginning on the same day.

Does the Pixel 10 Pro have MagSafe?

The Pixel 10 Pro does not use Apple's MagSafe branding, but it has a similar magnetic system called Pixelsnap. Pixelsnap is based on the Qi2 standard and supports compatible magnetic chargers, stands, wallets, grips, battery packs and many accessories originally designed around MagSafe.

How fast is Pixelsnap wireless charging?

The Pixel 10 Pro supports Qi2-certified Pixelsnap wireless charging at up to 15W. The larger Pixel 10 Pro XL supports faster wireless charging with compatible equipment.

Does the Pixel 10 Pro have a good fingerprint reader?

In my testing, it had one of the fastest under-display fingerprint readers I have used. It remained quick after I installed an aftermarket glass screen protector, although it required a slightly firmer press.

How fast is face unlock on the Pixel 10 Pro?

Face unlock was blazing fast in my testing, often recognizing me almost immediately after the screen activated. A small animated ring appears around the front-facing camera while the phone scans for a face.

Does Pixel face unlock use infrared or LiDAR?

Google's hardware documentation lists a front-facing camera but does not identify a dedicated infrared projector, LiDAR scanner or separate depth-sensing array on the Pixel 10 Pro. The system therefore appears to rely on the front camera and Google's on-device processing. It may not work as reliably in very low light.

Can the Pixel 10 Pro measure body temperature?

In supported regions, the Pixel Thermometer application can take body-temperature measurements. It can also measure the external surface temperature of objects such as laptops, chargers and other electronic devices.

Can the Pixel 10 Pro replace Samsung DeX?

The Pixel 10 Pro supports Android's desktop-windowing environment when connected to a compatible external display through USB-C. It provides a taskbar, multiple applications and resizable windows, making it a useful emergency workstation.

Does the Pixel 10 Pro have 100x optical zoom?

No. The Pixel 10 Pro has a 5x optical telephoto camera and claims optical-quality results at several focal lengths up to 10x. Its 100x Pro Zoom combines captured camera information with digital magnification and computational reconstruction.

Did the Pixel 10 Pro launch with Android 17?

No. The Pixel 10 Pro originally launched with Android 16. Google later released Android 17 to eligible Pixel devices, and my review unit upgraded during its initial setup.

How long will the Pixel 10 Pro receive updates?

Google promises seven years of operating-system, security and Pixel Drop updates for the Pixel 10 Pro.

Is the Pixel 10 Pro heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S23?

Yes. The Pixel 10 Pro weighs approximately 7.3 ounces, or 207 grams, compared with approximately 5.93 ounces, or 168 grams, for the Galaxy S23. The difference is immediately noticeable in the hand.

Should I buy the Pixel 10 Pro or wait for the Pixel 11?

At the Pixel 10 Pro's full $999 price, waiting until Google reveals the Pixel 11 on August 12 is the safer choice. If the Pixel 10 Pro is available at a substantial late-cycle discount, it may offer better value than purchasing the newest model at launch.