We’re lastly at the moment of yr when all the foremost smartphone makers have revealed their 2025 flagship lineups.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 sequence launched in January, and each Apple and Google have formally unveiled their newest gadgets prior to now couple of months. I additionally went hands-on with Apple’s new iPhone 17 Professional.
I’ve already stated it earlier than — the Pixel 10 Professional appears like a refreshing improve over the Pixel 9 Professional, even when it does not look drastically totally different on the surface.
Whereas Google’s AI options and the entire Android ecosystem stay the largest causes I desire sticking with a Pixel, my quick time with the iPhone 17 Professional revealed one very particular cause why the Pixel 10 Professional may very well be the higher long-term selection for me.
The iPhone 17 Professional hides its bulk with the distraction of the iPhone Air
Apple’s thinner iPhone overshadows the Professional’s weight drawback
2025 is shaping as much as be the yr of skinny smartphones. Each main model is releasing a “slim” machine aimed toward customers preferring lightness and portability over options like a telephoto zoom digital camera or an enormous battery.
Samsung kicked it off with the Galaxy S25 Edge, Tecno confirmed a comparable machine at MWC 2025 (albeit with a a lot greater battery), and even Motorola is getting ready to affix the pattern.
All of this, nonetheless, felt like a premeditated push from Android makers to get forward of Apple’s iPhone Air reveal.
As anticipated, Apple launched the Air this yr, changing the Plus mannequin with a brand new kind issue that prioritizes thinness above all else.
That does not imply Apple skipped on Professional fashions.
Alongside the Air, the corporate launched the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max with a redesigned construct and brighter screens. Apple additionally swapped out titanium for aluminum in its Professional lineup to enhance warmth dissipation.
On paper, these sound like strong adjustments — till you notice what Apple has truly carried out.
The iPhone 17 Professional fashions will not be solely thicker (by 0.5mm) and heavier than their predecessor, the iPhone 16 Professional, but additionally their Android rivals, together with the Google Pixel 10 Professional, Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, and OnePlus 13.
I have never used the iPhone 17 Professional lengthy sufficient to ship a full verdict, however its new dimensions and weight have already made me admire my Pixel 10 Professional greater than ever.
Google is not good both. The Pixel 10 Professional is bigger than the Pixel 9 Professional, which was already an enormous cellphone, however Google not less than added significant upgrades like Qi2 magnets.
Extra importantly, the corporate is not disguising its Professional fashions’ heft by distracting customers with a slim machine in the identical lineup.
Look, I am not completely in opposition to the majority of the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max. They could nicely grow to be wonderful smartphones for hardcore customers, and the corporate can be providing the iPhone Air as an ideal choice for customers who need a slim, light-weight machine.
However after I evaluate the sheer bulk of the iPhone 17 Professional to the extra balanced Pixel 10 Professional, despite the fact that the distinction is just about 2mm on paper and may not appear vital in-store, Google’s flagship nonetheless appears like the higher cellphone.
In spite of everything, you solely really discover a tool’s bulk and weight after you begin utilizing it each day.
Pixel 10 Professional does not really feel so unhealthy, however Google should repair the slipperiness
Nice stability, however the grip is what nonetheless wants consideration
All of this does not imply the Pixel 10 Professional is ideal. I desire Google’s design with rounded corners and flat edges. Plus, it’s simpler to relaxation the cellphone with its digital camera visor on the again, and paired with the brand new Qi2 magnets, the cellphone feels extra sensible than ever.
What I do not admire, nonetheless, is how slippery the brand new Pixel 10 Professional fashions are. I’ve already dropped my Pixel 10 Professional practically 5 instances in a single month, leaving a small everlasting scratch on the again.
Granted, I do not use a case with my Pixel 10 Professional, and that does not assist, however I am not the one one complaining. Folks utilizing the Pixel 10 Professional fashions have stated the cellphone is just too slippery and might get out of their palms simply.
Plus, provided that the Pixel 10 Professional is each heavier and bulkier than the Pixel 9 Professional, it is much more vulnerable to slipping out of hand. Positive, Google might have used the powerful Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the again, however a greater textured coating would elevate the texture of the cellphone much more.
That stated, if you happen to’ve invested in Google’s flagship this yr, I strongly suggest getting a Pixel 10 Professional case as quickly as doable to ensure your machine stays protected for a very long time.
- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- Show kind
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Tremendous Actua
- Show dimensions
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6.3-inch
- RAM
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16GB
- Battery
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4870mAh
- Working System
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Android 16
Google’s newest Professional Pixel packs a quicker but environment friendly Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter show. Plus, an array of recent AI options that make it top-of-the-line Android telephones to launch in 2025.