When Google initially unveiled the Pixel 10 series, many applauded the Android brand for being the first major player to embrace Qi2 magnets. Others lauded the upgraded Tensor G5 processor, the quicker charging, and the greater battery capacities. In general, the [Google Pixel 10 Pro](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-10-pro-review) appeared to be a success, but I had my doubts for a single reason: the device’s thickness and weight.
Google Pixel phones have consistently packed features and battery life into bulky designs, but the Pixel 10 Pro seemed to push the limits. With a thickness of 8.6mm and a weight of 207 grams, the Pixel 10 Pro overshadowed competing models from Samsung and [Apple](https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/apple), adding an additional tenth of a millimeter and seven grams to the already hefty Pixel 9 Pro. To me, this was a dealbreaker.
Then, Apple surprised everyone by making the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max thicker and heavier than virtually any rival on the market — including the Pixel 10 Pro and XL, [Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-review), and [OnePlus 13](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/oneplus-13-review). I haven’t exactly changed my perspective, but the enormous dimensions of the iPhone 17 Pro series have certainly led me to value [the Pixel 10 Pro and XL models](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-10) more.
If you’re only just hearing about the large size of the iPhone 17 Pro, you’re not the only one. We’ve all been intensely focused on the iPhone Air and its divisive design, allowing Apple’s Pro models to go unnoticed. Here’s a brief overview: both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max measure 8.75mm, making them the thickest iPhones since the iPhone 5c launched way back in 2013.
This measurement doesn’t include the camera *plateau*, which contributes additional thickness to the overall design. Apple also increased the weight of the iPhone 17 Pro by eight grams and the iPhone 17 Pro Max by six grams. In other words, these are indeed massive smartphones that will occupy a significant amount of space in your hands, pockets, or bags. Compared to the 8.25mm [iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/apple-iphone-16-pro-max-review), this represents a significant shift.
I’m fully supportive of consumer choice, and there are those who will be excited that the Pro models offer more features and enhanced battery life. There’s the iPhone Air for individuals like me, who desire a sleek and lightweight option. Then you have the iPhone 17 as a middle ground, with the sturdy Pro and Pro Max at the other end of the spectrum.
It’s an impressive lineup of iPhones, but I can’t help but feel that the [Google Pixel 10](https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/google-pixel-10) Pro and Pro XL present a much more compelling design and engineering accomplishment when compared to the sheer size and weight of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
It was simple to critique Google upon the release of the Pixel 10 Pro, as it was clearly larger than the iPhone 16 Pro and [Galaxy S25 Ultra](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-review). Now that the iPhone 17 Pro is available and it’s a giant, the situation feels different. On paper, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro share quite a bit in common — comparable battery capacities, [Qi2 magnets](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel/google-pixel-10-qi2-magnetic-charging), and a triple-camera system on the back — yet the Pixel 10 Pro manages to remain thinner and lighter.
In simple terms, this makes the Pixel 10 Pro and XL appear as notably more impressive design and engineering achievements than they did just a month ago. Thinner and lighter flagship phones, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, lack *something* that accounts for the difference, such as magnets. Google has nearly everything Apple included in the iPhone 17 Pro while maintaining a smaller size and weight.
Both devices are likely still too thick and heavy for my daily preferences. However, if you’re like me and initially looked down on the size and heft of Google’s new phones, maybe the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will help you better appreciate the Pixel 10 Pro and XL.
