Google's Pixel 10 Pro smartphone offers strong gaming performance through its bright display, despite limitations in storage and charging. The device, launched in September, features a 6.3-inch OLED screen with high resolution and refresh rate. It handles demanding games smoothly but falls short compared to some rivals in other areas.
Google introduced the Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10 Pro, in September. This flagship model, originally priced at $999 and now available for $799 after a $200 discount, includes hardware upgrades and AI features. For gaming, the phone's 6.3-inch OLED display delivers sharp details at 2,856x1,280-pixel resolution, vivid colors with HDR10 Plus support, and smooth action via a 120Hz refresh rate. Its 3,300-nit maximum brightness ensures visibility in sunlight and enhances colors in games like Dead Cells, surpassing older models such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 2,000 nits.
The Tensor G5 chip and 16GB of RAM enable the phone to run titles like Genshin Impact at maximum settings for 60 frames per second without noticeable overheating. Games such as Call of Duty: Mobile perform well, with the battery losing about 2% during each 4-5 minute match. The 4,870-mAh battery provides respectable life, though it ranks below top performers from 2025 tests. Speakers are serviceable, and the design fits comfortably in hand or with controllers like the Backbone One.
However, the Pixel 10 Pro starts with only 128GB of storage, which can fill quickly with large games over 50GB and high-resolution media, unlike competitors offering 256GB at similar prices. Charging is limited to 30-watt wired and 15-watt wireless speeds, taking over an hour for a full charge from empty—slower than the OnePlus 15's 80-watt rate, which reaches 73% in 30 minutes. The phone includes Pixelsnap magnets for wireless charging alignment. For faster options, the Pixel 10 Pro XL supports 45-watt wired and 25-watt wireless charging at a higher cost.
Previous Pixel models have trailed in benchmarks against Apple and OnePlus flagships. While not the top gaming phone, the Pixel 10 Pro adds value through its display and strengths in photography and AI, making it suitable for general users who game occasionally.
