These unexpected Pixel 10 Pro features completely changed my opinion

While I’ve been perfectly happy with my Google Pixel 8 since I bought it in 2023, a unique alignment of trade-in offers and limited-time deals meant I was able to upgrade to a Pixel 10 Proat a fraction of the phone’s regular price.

I’ve been skeptical about the Pixel 10 lineup since Google failed yet again to implement effective AI features, but I was still keen to give it a chance.

I was expecting better performance, battery life, and cameras than what I experienced on the Pixel 8. Unsurprisingly, the Pixel 10 Pro met my expectations in all three areas.

However, when I talk about the Pixel 10 Pro, I don’t rave about these features. Instead, here are the unexpected features I can’t stop talking about.

The Super Actua display is super!

Far more than a resolution upgrade

I rarely concern myself with factors like resolution and bezel sizes when buying a new phone. The standard for display quality is so high that even budget Android phone displays feel bright and vivid.

I’ve often considered improved display technology as something nice to have, but not necessary. The Pixel 10 Pro changed my mind with its Super Actua display.

I’ve never considered my Pixel 8’s display dull, but next to the Pixel 10 Pro, it looks drab and uninspiring. However, a side-by-side comparison always makes older phones look bad.

The reason the Pixel 10 Pro surprised me is that I notice the display every day. I’ve actually started playing more games on my phone because they look so good.

It’s worth noting that while the Pixel 10 Pro’s display is a significant upgrade over the Pixel 8’s, every Pro model since the Pixel 8 Pro has offered a Super Actua display.

While the Pixel 10 Pro’s display is slightly brighter than the Pixel 9 Pro’s (2,200 nits and 2,000 nits in HDR, respectively), it’s not noticeable. However, if you own a base model Pixel, the Super Actua display is almost worth going Pro by itself.

AI is where it belongs, behind the scenes

Use it or ignore it; it’s up to you

Setting up a new phone is usually an exciting process, but this time it was overshadowed by a cloud of anxiety.

Was Google going to shove its new AI features in my face at every turn? Was I going to have to go through the chore of disabling notifications and recommendations just to use my phone?

Thankfully, my fears were misplaced.

During the setup process, my Pixel 10 Pro recommended I set up and use five AI features: Gemini, NotebookLM, Pixel Journal, Pixel Screenshots, and Magic Cue.

My pledge to use all the phone’s features now seemed hasty, but I plowed ahead and told Google that yes, I was excited to use my phone’s new AI toys.

However, in the weeks since I set up my phone, I haven’t heard a peep out of my Pixel 10 Pro regarding AI.

I’ve enjoyed using Pixel Journal and experimenting with Pixel Screenshots. I’ve continued to use NotebookLM to answer questions about complicated board game rules. I’ve ignored Gemini. I’ve eagerly anticipated Magic Cue appearing (So far, it might as well not exist).

But what’s important is that I’ve chosen to use these features.

I recommend using tools like Pixel Journal and NotebookLM, but if you would rather avoid the AI-powered features, you can disable most of them. Thank you, Google, for not forcing me to use your half-baked tools.

The cameras capture vivid colors with ease

Vibrant photos are back

I tend not to use ultrawide or telephoto cameras on my phones, but I was excited to give Super Res Zoom a go on the Pixel 10 Pro.

However, for some reason, it didn’t wow me. Perhaps it was because I’ve seen enough AI-enhanced photography to know what to expect. Sure, it works, but not in a way that surprised me.

I recently wrote about my journey to fix the Pixel 8’s camera, as my photos came out crisp but drab; the results required heavy editing to restore the subject’s true colors.

The Pixel 10 Pro might have the same 50MP rear camera, but it has restored color and vibrancy to my photos. Take a look at the gallery below to see what I mean.

While the difference between the blue and yellow subjects is subtle, the red mousemat looks completely different in each photo.

I was expecting camera improvements, but not a total fix to my biggest problem with my Pixel 8’s camera.

The Pixel 10 Pro is a subtle and powerful phone

The best way to summarize the Pixel 10 Pro is that you’ll notice what makes it great every day.

I haven’t even mentioned the slick animations, powerful speakers, all-day-plus battery life, 16GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 support.

It’s packed with upgrades that not only make it a fantastic phone in its own right, but the first Pixel Pro I would recommend over the base model.