Why I Continue to Rely on the Imperfect Pixel 10 Pro Even After a Year

It’s hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since I acquired my Pixel 10 Pro. Since its arrival on August 28, this device has been my everyday phone, and I genuinely love it when everything operates smoothly.

However, like many Pixel users know all too well, it doesn’t always perform as expected. Reflecting on the past year with the Pixel 10 Pro, I’ve experienced both highs and lows, but it remains the one phone I truly want to call my own.

After using large Samsung Ultra phones for five years, I was eager to switch to something smaller. Towards the end of 2024, I tried an iPhone 16 Pro and appreciated how conveniently I could operate it with one hand while enjoying high-quality camera capabilities.

This inspired my decision to pre-order the Pixel 10 Pro, which boasts nearly the same hardware as the XL model—just with a smaller screen and battery. Additionally, it outshines my Galaxy S24 Ultra in camera performance. I even prefer its camera over my wife’s Galaxy S26 Ultra.

While I wouldn’t describe the Pixel 10 Pro as a small device—it’s bulkier than the standard Galaxy S26 and has a surprising weight—it remains comfortable to use. It strikes an excellent balance for activities like viewing photos, watching videos, or using any apps, all while avoiding hand fatigue.

Moreover, the exclusive software features keep me coming back to my Pixel 10 Pro. One such feature is “Now Playing”, which allows me to quickly identify songs playing in various venues just by glancing at the lock screen—something I miss immediately when using another device. My wife, who previously owned a Pixel 4, still longs for this feature after switching to Samsung.

Another standout feature is call screening. While other brands have developed their versions, none match Google’s efficiency in detecting and managing spam calls appropriately without user intervention.

Additionally, features like “Hold for Me” and “Direct My Call” greatly enhance productivity. After switching my internet provider last month, the Pixel smoothed the process by efficiently categorizing options and managing holds. Though some may find it cliché to describe a Pixel this way, the fact remains—it truly offers smart features that other smartphones lack.

While the Pixel 10 Pro’s cameras may not seem cutting-edge compared to devices like the Motorola Razr Fold, it compensates with consistency. I have yet to miss a photo opportunity with this device in the past year, and while editing can be tedious, I prefer refining well-captured images over salvaging poorly processed ones.

During a trip to Cornwall this year, the Pixel excelled in capturing beautiful memories. Its ability to maintain warmth in beach photos has been remarkable, thanks to the easily accessible white balance slider in the camera app. Unlike other brands that bury such settings deep within menus, the Pixel allows quick adjustments right in the viewfinder.

I also appreciate the various modes that Google has integrated into the camera app. During my trip, I had fun experimenting with the long exposure mode, which yielded stunning results particularly in capturing moving water.

My Pixel 10 Pro has effectively replaced my Sony A6300 for many occasions. Although I cherish my camera, taking it along with its accessories can be cumbersome. In contrast, the Pixel consistently delivers outstanding photos and videos without being a drag to carry. Most importantly, it has helped me capture memories with my new furry friend who joined my life late last year.

Without revealing too much personal history, I welcomed a pet into my home last October after some tough moments with friends. He’s the first pet I’ve owned since childhood, and I regret not having more photos of my earlier pets. The Pixel has made it a priority to ensure I won’t have that same regret with my new companion. Since adopting him, my wife and I have snapped nearly 3,000 pictures, most of which the Pixel 10 Pro captured.

While other smartphones tend to struggle with focus or exposure issues—as seen in my attempts to photograph his dark fur—the Pixel has consistently captured quality images, regardless of lighting or his movement. This reliability means I’ll have countless memories of my cat, which is invaluable considering his age. Ultimately, this phone has shown its worth far beyond its price tag based solely on sentiment.

Every Device Has Its Flaws

While my appreciation for the Pixel 10 Pro is strong, I cannot overlook its shortcomings, particularly related to battery life. There were stretches when I had to use this phone solely as a camera because my SIM card was in another device.

When the Pixel 10 Pro functions properly, I’ve managed impressive battery longevity, often ending days with a 25% charge remaining after 16 hours of use along with over nine hours of screen time. However, it’s prone to the same battery drain issues that have plagued previous Pixel models, rendering it unable to last even five to six hours on a single charge. While I can manage the slow charging when I charge it overnight, frequent top-ups become frustrating.

Google has claimed that the battery issues have been addressed, yet reports continue to surface. In my experience, while there have been improvements allowing me to reinstate my SIM in the Pixel 10 Pro, it still isn’t quite as efficient as when I first received it. Thanks to this role, I had other devices to rely on, but that’s not the case for most users. The frequency of these issues with Google’s phones is, frankly, unacceptable.

While complaints about heat from the Tensor chip aren’t novel, the heat levels of the Pixel 10 Pro at times are puzzling. Earlier versions tended to get hot during specific tasks like extensive photography, gaming, or engaging heavy 5G capabilities, making the heat somewhat predictable.

In contrast, my Pixel 10 Pro becomes unexpectedly warm during the most mundane tasks. For instance, while streaming videos on maximum brightness during a sunny day, it stays cool, yet at night, simple scrolling through social media ignites significant heat.

Essentially, my frustrations with the Pixel 10 Pro can be summarized as inconsistency. It has the potential to excel, and frequently does, but there are also times when it approaches unusable performance, which is a disappointment.

Despite an array of devices I’ve had the pleasure of using this year, the Pixel 10 Pro remains my favorite. It feels uniquely personal, and thus, I have no immediate plans to replace it. While I anticipate improvements with the Pixel 11 series, upgrades are usually minimal year-over-year, leading me to question whether I’ll feel compelled to switch. I am not ready to spend more on Pixels until I can confirm enhancements in terms of reliability and performance consistency.

I sincerely hope the Pixel 11 series addresses my concerns, paving the way for a comfortable purchase of a future Pixel model.