I can't believe it's been ten generations of Pixel phones already. I still remember the excitement surrounding the original Pixel launch back in 2016. However, my relationship with Pixels became complicated. Issues with early models led me away for years. Now, the Pixel 10 Pro has me rethinking everything.

What went wrong? The Pixel 3 marked the end of the initial excitement. Constant hardware issues plagued my experience. My Pixel XL, 2 XL, and 3 XL all needed multiple warranty replacements. The Pixel 3 XL was particularly frustrating, even when it worked "correctly." It only had 4GB of RAM. This impacted performance. For example, the camera app would often crash my music player, or vice versa. It felt sluggish compared to older Pixels. I switched to a Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, hoping for a better experience. Although I enjoyed Samsung's offerings, I secretly wished for a Pixel that could deliver on its promise.

Now, Pixels might not top spec sheets, but the compromises are less significant. The Tensor G5 isn't as powerful as some competitors. However, it provides a smooth experience for my needs. I don't usually play demanding games on my phone. So, the G5 handles social media and work apps with ease. It doesn't overheat, and the battery lasts all day. I think that Google should improve Tensor's performance for its price point. When you buy a Pixel, you're betting that the Pixel magic outweighs any shortcomings. In the case of the Pixel 10 Pro, I believe it does.

The build quality of the Pixel 10 Pro is a significant improvement. Previous Pixels felt less premium compared to Samsung phones. But the Pixel 9 Pro, and now the 10 Pro, have addressed this. The phone feels solid and well-made. It doesn't feel fragile. Its Jade color is so beautiful that I enjoy using it without a case.

I also appreciate the size of the Pixel 10 Pro. I wanted something smaller than Samsung's Ultra phones but with flagship cameras. The Pixel 10 Pro offers the perfect balance. It's comfortable to hold and use with one hand. It also has all the essential features of a larger phone.

My Concerns About the Pixel 10 Pro

However, I have some concerns. Google has had battery issues with past Pixel models. My grandfather's Pixel 6a had a swollen battery that damaged the display. This is unacceptable and makes me hesitant to recommend Pixels to others. I bought the Pixel 10 Pro because I replace my phone every 1-2 years. So I consider that issue unlikely to affect me. Also, I trust Google's customer support. When my grandfather's 6a failed outside warranty, Google replaced it with a refurbished model.

The improved hardware makes Pixel features even more valuable. Spam calls have been overwhelming lately. Since switching to the Pixel 10 Pro, I've only received one spam call. The automatic spam filtering is incredibly effective. Also, the call screening feature lets me intercept and reject unwanted calls. This feature alone is worth the price of admission for me.

Moreover, features like Direct My Call and Hold For Me make dealing with customer service much easier. Now Playing, which identifies music playing in the background, is also a favorite. It works offline and is faster than manual song searches. Now Playing is surprisingly useful.

Pixel cameras have always been excellent. While some prefer the Pixel 3 XL's camera over the Galaxy S10 Plus, I preferred the latter's versatility with its multiple lenses. The Pixel 6 Pro finally offered a flagship-level camera. With the Pixel 10 Pro, I'm reminded why people love Pixel cameras. They're reliable and consistent.

Even so, there's room for improvement. I liked the Photographic Styles on the iPhone 16 Pro. This allowed me to save presets and apply them to photos. Google could implement something similar in Google Photos. The editor already has filters, but the ability to save presets would be a significant upgrade. The Pixel 10 Pro is the best Pixel Google has made. It addresses the issues that kept me away for years. While it might not suit everyone, it's the perfect Pixel for me.