Pixel 10 Pro XL or OnePlus 13: Which is really the better buy? [Video]

Although the OnePlus 15 is on the horizon, the OnePlus 13 has been one of the best buys on Android all year. Can Google usurp the OnePlus 13 with the Pixel 10 Pro XL? Here’s everything you need to know.

A few people might ask why there is a point in even comparing the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the OnePlus 13. The latter can sometimes be snapped up for around the same price as the base Pixel 10. That puts it in a league of its own for price-to-performance.

Hardware and Design

Both the Pixel 10 Pro XL and OnePlus 13 come with massive 6.8-inch displays and thin bezels, so neither phone feels compact. The Pixel is a touch heavier, which makes it feel a bit denser in the hand. Credit where it’s due, the Pixel feels especially well-crafted.

It’s a toss-up as to which display you’ll prefer. The OnePlus 13 has tiny display curves at its edges, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps it completely flat. My own OnePlus 13 has taken a beating, but the pre-applied screen protector has kept things underneath pristine, albeit to the detriment of the display experience. Getting a good replacement is tougher, too, so that might be something important to you.

That’s not to say it isn’t a durable phone, as the ceramic coating should withstand most daily use and abuse. OnePlus also implements very high-frequency PWM dimming (2160Hz), which is easier on the eyes, especially for users sensitive to flicker. The Pixel tops out at 240Hz by default, though an accessibility mode can double that to 480Hz, but it still doesn’t match OnePlus.

Content looks great across the board on either display. The Pixel may have marginally better colors, but nothing drastic. You simply cannot go wrong if you choose either phone based on the display alone. The in-display fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 10 Pro XL is a little more reliable and accurate in our testing versus the OnePlus 13. This could be due to the pre-applied screen protector causing minor slowdowns.

There is one thing to note, though: the OnePlus 13 goes further than the Pixel with durability. It carries both IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning it’s resistant to dust, water immersion, and even high-pressure water jets, while the Pixel only matches the standard IP68 rating. That might not be a major selling point, but it is something to note.

I also think the design of the OnePlus 13 feels a little less standout. The Pixel is starting to gain a bit of traction and brand identity with the camera bar. Accessory makers are jumping on board and supporting the lineup, so if you want high-end accessories plus the all-important Magsafe – read “Pixelsnap” – without needing a case, it’s an easy phone to recommend. That said, the vegan leather texture of the OnePlus 13 is sublime, and while there are fewer colors to choose from, it has a gorgeous blue option that is a major standout. The softer corners and the alert slider are big selling points, too.

Software and performance

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL launches with Android 16 out of the box. It has even received another update since launching. Plus, the company promises an industry-leading seven years of OS and security updates. That makes it a clear winner for anyone looking to hold onto their phone long-term or who values software support, but that comes with a caveat.

The OnePlus 13 is still on Android 15 but will be updated to Android 16 soon, with four years of OS updates and six years of security patches. They are not quite as regular, but this is the best OnePlus has ever offered.

On the software experience, OnePlus leans on Oxygen OS for additional customizations, including a robust gaming mode, a dedicated “Shelf” widget hub, and UI tweaks that differentiate it from AOSP or Android on Pixel phones.

The Pixel has received a huge Material 3 Expressive update and although visually these software releases aren’t as far apart as they once were, there is a lighter feel with little extra tacked on. Google leans heavily into Gemini and Gemini-powered functions like Magic Cue, Pixel Screenshots, and AI within the default applications.

OxygenOS 15 – and likely 16 – are very good versions of what Android should offer. There is so much you can tweak and tune, from homescreen icons, to the how the punch-hole shows quick toggles and controls. There is a faint whiff of iOS at times, but it’s a fine alternate look that runs better than ever.

Sadly, performance is where we start to see some big changes. Google’s Tensor G5 chip is not a powerhouse, which is somewhat disappointing. You might not see that when you’re whizzing through most apps, but you will notice that some things like photo processing, or gaming is just not as good as the OnePlus 13. If those things matter to you, a Pixel probably isn’t for you.

That’s not to say the Pixel 10 Pro XL is bad; it just doesn’t quite hit the heights of the Snapdragon 8 Elite levels. Some optimization might help over time, but the OnePlus 13 is a workhorse in most regards.

Camera

For photography, both devices are well-equipped with 50MP main cameras, but their philosophies differ a little bit. The Pixel 10 Pro XL favors natural color reproduction and cleaner low-light results, while OnePlus has richer colors that still lean to the natural side of tuning. Which you prefer is down to personal preference. There are a lot of modes available out of the box; maybe the OnePlus 13 edges it with some neat exclusive options, but nothing that drastically adds value.

In the telephoto department, Google takes the lead with a 5× optical zoom lens and additional AI-driven “Pro Res zoom” features, which provide more usable detail when zooming far in. It’s all powered by generative AI, so there is an element of “did I really take this?” but within a certain distance radius, you can get exceptionally clean and sharp results that would otherwise be impossible without having improved camera hardware onboard.

OnePlus, with a 3× telephoto, captures good shots but doesn’t offer as much flexibility at long range. Both phones have capable ultra-wide shooters that perform surprisingly well even in dim lighting, delivering consistent wide-angle results.

Video recording is also competitive: OnePlus supports native 4K60 with HDR and even 8K capture, while the Pixel tops out at 4K60 HDR locally. It relies a little too heavily on its “Video Boost” cloud-processing feature for 8K video. On the selfie front, the Pixel again boasts a higher resolution with a 42MP front camera versus 32MP on OnePlus, though both can record 4K HDR video.

Battery and charging

The 6,000mAh battery on the OnePlus 13 is quite a bit larger than the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s, and it has a few distinct advantages, including much faster charging and a difference in tech used. Technically, two silicon-carbon cells make up the full capacity. This new tech means that over time the battery should degrade less when charged at higher wattages – something which has been backbone of OnePlus phones for some time.

The 80W or 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging of the OnePlus 13 means you can get a full day of power in under 30 minutes. The improved 45W wired charging of the Pixel 10 Pro XL can’t quite match that impressive feat, but is no longer the slowest of any top tier phone. 25W wireless charging with magnets though is ultra convenient and opens up a world of accessories you can pair with your phone.

Longevity can be very subjective, depending on usage patterns, but although not scientific, our testing has the OnePlus 13 among the longest-lasting Android phones. Updates have helped with efficiency, and for many people, you could easily get two days with moderate usage patterns. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a mixed bag in that it can last multiple days, but sometimes drains faster than it ought to. However, it is a reliable companion, and some post-release updates have helped dramatically.

Final thoughts: Which is the right buy for you?

About upgrading: NewGeekGuide often gives specific product recommendations. Sometimes, we may suggest not upgrading, due to various reasons including, but not limited to: increased device cost, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always your call, but our aim is to help you make as informed a decision as possible.

When we look at just what you want from a modern day smartphone, you need to determine if performance is all that important to you. There is a growing gulf between the best of Google and the best of everyone else. The OnePlus 13 is a fine phone, in fact, my personal opinion is that when you factor in the pricing, it’s simply the best value for money package out there.

There are a few areas where we can draw firm lines in the sand where a buyer will notice a difference. Firstly, the camera on the Pixel is more reliable in more situations. It has better physical zoom, higher resolution images, and it handles anything you can throw at it. However, the Hasselblad tuning on the OnePlus is visually a distinct, key look that other phones cannot replicate out of the box.

In sheer performance, the OnePlus 13 runs rings around the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It also has far greater battery longevity. The display has better OLED flicker control, so it will be more comfortable for more people. The soft curves of the frame could also be a big plus point if you want a big phone but don’t like flat sides and sharper corners.

It sounds like the Pixel doesn’t stand a chance against such a “complete” package. In truth, there are lots of reasons to love Google’s latest top-tier smartphone. The seamless software experience is a big plus, as is the camera quality, and the build quality, plus the display is another strong reason. With a Pixel phone, you are buying into the “default” Android experience for better or worse.

The downside is that some shortfalls are harder to omit when Google has the MSRP at over $1,000. OnePlus is simply offering more value for money at under $900 at retail, but the price has dipped way below this already multiple times this year. It’s an incredible phone at a solid price and that has made it hard to beat throughout 2025.