Google Pixel 10 Pro XL underwater photography review: our complete test for 2025.

--- ## A smartphone that arrives with a real question.

A few years ago, the question was simple: could a smartphone seriously replace a waterproof underwater camera? Today, that question hardly exists anymore. The best models have surpassed dedicated cameras on almost every criterion. The real question has become: which one to choose, and for what depth?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL was released in August 2025 with a new feature that has generated discussion among video photographers far beyond the realm of diving. For the first time on a smartphone, Google integrated DCG (Dual Conversion Gain) natively, accessible via MotionCam Pro. We will detail what this specifically changes for underwater photography, block by block.

This test follows the AquaExposure rating system: 7 criteria weighted specifically for underwater photography in natural light. No flash, no artificial lighting, just the sensor, the optics, and the management of available light in the water.

Overall score: 3.8/5

This device is designed for: divers who want serious RAW video quality without leaving a smartphone-based system.

This device is not ideal for: cold waters below 15°C (risk of condensation in the housing), or very sensitive species that require a large sump with a minimum height of less than 5 cm.

The main sensor measures 1/1.31 inches with 50 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.7. It's not a large format sensor, but it's in the high range for smartphones available in 2025. In practice, underwater, the f/1.7 aperture captures light well at depths of 5 to 10 meters, where colors start to disappear.

The 5x periscope telephoto lens has an aperture of f/2.8, with a minimum focus distance documented at 30 centimeters. This is a significant improvement compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL (which was limited to 73 cm), but it's still insufficient for close-up macro photography. For subjects closer than 10 centimeters, the 48MP ultrawide lens with an aperture of f/1.7 takes over.

For more details - Complete optical specifications:

Main sensor: 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS Telephoto lens: 48MP, f/2.8, 5x periscope, 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF, OIS, minimum focus distance 30 cm Ultrawide lens: 48MP, f/1.7, 123°, 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF Stabilization: OIS on main and telephoto lenses, digital EIS on ultrawide lens, Tensor G5 motion deblur Unmeasured data: shutter lag, RAW buffer, flare in direct sunlight.

The B1 score remains at 3.4/5 primarily due to the sensor format (1/1.31" compared to 1 inch on the best compact cameras) and the burst/buffer data, which are not documented in independent tests as of the publication date.

This is the strong point of this device, and by far. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the first smartphone to natively integrate DCG (Dual Conversion Gain), accessible via MotionCam Pro. Whether in still images or video, it produces 12-bit DNG files with a level of detail that other smartphones don't yet offer.

What it changes underwater: Light during diving is scarce and unevenly distributed. Bright highlights (surface reflections, the whiteness of sand) coexist with deep shadows in the same image. A 12-bit file captures much more information in these two areas than an 8-bit or even a standard 10-bit file.

For further details - RAW and color science

Native RAW: 12-bit DNG in the Pixel Camera app (RAW+JPEG) and MotionCam Pro.

DCG: Dual Conversion Gain, simultaneous capture of high and low sensitivity before digitization. Result: RAW latitude close to professional APS-C sensors, with no noise in shadows or blown highlights.

Maximum video codec: 12-bit RAW DNG via MotionCam Pro, native 10-bit HDR (H.265), 4K@60fps.

Lockable Kelvin white balance: yes, via MotionCam Pro (essential for correcting the cyan-green cast underwater).

Color science: Google Tensor G5 proprietary ISP, no partnership with Zeiss/Leica/Hasselblad. Colorimetric profiles remain within the Google ecosystem.

App compatibility: Android 16 with GMS - Blackmagic Camera (iOS only) not available, MotionCam Pro (Google Play) is available and stable.

To compare with what the RAW format truly offers in post-production, our complete guide on RAW vs. JPEG in underwater photography details the processing workflow.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options (UFS 4.0). There is no microSD card slot, which means the storage capacity must be chosen at the time of purchase. In practice: a video recording in 4K 10-bit lasts between 8 and 12 GB per hour. Three 45-minute recordings in 4K RAW using MotionCam Pro can exceed 30GB.

The 256 GB version might be sufficient for a short trip, provided you transfer data every evening. The 512 GB or 1 TB version provides more space for a 10-day trip without needing a computer.

For more information - Data transfer

Connector: USB-C 3.2 (theoretical speed of 10 Gbps, practical speed of 500-800 MB/s for reading)

OTG: compatible, it is possible to connect an external SSD via USB-C between dives.

Estimated data transfer rate: 30 GB transferred in less than 5 minutes with a USB 3.2 SSD.

No microSD slot: anticipate the required capacity before your trip.

For the complete workflow between two dives, our article on "file management and underwater photo storage" provides the basics.

The frame of the Pixel 10 Pro XL is made of aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and it incorporates a vapor chamber. This provides good heat management for terrestrial use, including during long video recordings.

Underwater, the equation changes. Aluminum is an excellent thermal conductor, which means that the device's body will cool down quickly when it comes into contact with cold water. In a closed housing, this temperature difference creates a risk of condensation on the inner glass, between the cold water surrounding the housing and the humid air trapped inside.

In tropical waters (above 25°C), this risk is low and manageable with standard anti-fog pouches. In cold water (below 15°C), such as in the Mediterranean Sea in autumn or the North Sea, this risk becomes a reality.

For more details - Thermal and condensation

Material: aluminum + vapor chamber (high thermal transfer) Score for tropical water (>25°C): 2.5/5 - condensation possible, manageable Score for cold water (<15°C): 1/5 - high risk, active anti-fogging recommended Certification: IP68 (1.5m, 30 min), Gorilla Glass Victus 2, no MIL-STD-810 Good news: the vapor chamber prevents prolonged thermal throttling during long 4K recordings.

Our article on condensation in diving housings and how to avoid it is a useful read before taking your smartphone underwater for the first time using a housing.

5200 mAh with the Tensor G5 processor manufactured using a 3nm process. This is one of the best combinations available in 2025 on Android. GSMArena tests show 12 hours and 29 minutes of active usage score. In real-world use, three 45-minute dives recording video in 4K, plus file management and surface adjustments, provides a full day without battery anxiety.

The EU official label documents 1000 charge cycles before a 20% loss of capacity. This is the most reassuring data for intensive use over several seasons.

For more information - Battery

Chemistry: Li-Ion (no silicon-carbon, the Si-C generation is starting to become prevalent with other manufacturers in 2025) Point of attention in cold water: Li-Ion batteries lose between 15% and 25% of their efficiency below 10°C. Store the device in a warm place between dives. Charging: 45W wired (70% in 30 minutes), 25W wireless Qi2, bypass charging available.

Before each diving session, remember to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the right power bank for your dive equipment and desired battery life.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL combines several autofocus systems. The primary system is the dual-pixel PDAF on all three sensors, coupled with the Tensor G5 AI which manages motion prediction and subject recognition.

There is also a multi-zone AF laser. In clear water, it helps to quickly lock onto a moving subject. In murky water (suspended particles, turbulent coastal environments), the laser may latch onto particles rather than the subject. In these conditions, switching to manual focus via MotionCam Pro is the best approach.

Focus peaking is available through MotionCam Pro, which allows you to confirm sharpness on stationary subjects (such as corals, sponges, and sea slugs that are resting) before triggering the shutter.

For more details - Underwater AF

Dual pixel PDAF multi-directional on the 3 sensors Tensor G5 AI: subject tracking, motion prediction Multi-zone laser AF: useful in clear water, problematic in murky water No LiDAR (only on iPhone Pro) - LiDAR physically measures distance and is more resistant to particles. Manual focus + Focus Peaking: available via MotionCam Pro Manual focus in the Google Pixel Camera app: available, without Focus Peaking.

To understand why autofocus is more complex underwater than on the surface, our guide to underwater photography for beginners without spending a lot explains the basics of focusing in real-world conditions.

The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max (and its Platinum version) is the announced compatible case for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It is certified to a depth of 60 meters and provides access to the full touchscreen underwater via SeaTouch gel technology, allowing you to navigate MotionCam Pro, change sensors, and adjust settings without surfacing.

It's a soft case, not rigid, which explains the score of 3.0/5 for this criterion. Soft cases absorb impacts on the surface better, but offer less tactile precision than rigid membranes on physical buttons.

For more information - Available Housings

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max: flexible, certified to 60m, full gel touchscreen, access to MotionCam Pro.

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum: version with port for optional red/orange filter or macro lens.

No dedicated rigid housings available for the Pixel 10 Pro XL as of the publication date (August 2025).

Compatible Divevolk accessories: wet lenses, handles, trays, mounting clips.

Our article about the iPhone + Divevolk experience in underwater photos and videos gives a concrete idea of what the SeaTouch workflow delivers in the field, even though it's on iOS.

The on-site workflow for a day of three dives:

A 45-minute dive in 4K 10-bit format occupies approximately 8 to 12 GB. Three dives require 25 to 35 GB. The 256 GB version allows for a complete trip by compressing the files each evening. The 512 GB version provides 4 to 5 days of recording without needing to transfer any data. The 1 TB version is intended for long liveaboard trips or for shooting video in RAW format.

Current Prices (July 2026)

New: €1299 (256 GB) - Source: Google Store France, data as of July 2026. Refurbished from Back Market: starting at €700 (Good condition grade, 256 GB) - Source: Back Market France, data as of July 2026.

Condensation: Anticipate based on the destination:

In warm water (Maldives, Red Sea, Indonesia), the risk is low with silica gel packets in the housing. In temperate water (Mediterranean during certain seasons, Azores, Canary Islands), it is recommended to use an anti-fog packet. In cold water (below 15°C), caution is advised, and a test in a heated pool before any dive in natural waters is strongly recommended.

Specific points to watch out for with the Pixel 10 Pro XL:

The 8K image mentioned in the specifications is achieved through cloud-based upscaling, not by a native 8K sensor. For field use without a connection, the actual native maximum resolution is 4K at 60fps, which is more than sufficient.

MotionCam Pro is available on Android (Google Play) but not on iOS. This is a clear advantage of the Pixel compared to the iPhone for this specific use case.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL receives a score of 3.8/5 in our rating system, and it is well-deserved based on the features that truly matter for serious underwater photography. The 12-bit DCG is a significant advancement. The combination of the main f/1.7 sensor and MotionCam Pro provides access to RAW video capabilities that would cost several thousand euros with a dedicated system.

What prevents it from being the perfect smartphone for all waters is the thermal management. The aluminum and vapor chamber are good for managing heat on the surface, but they increase the risk of condensation in cold water. If you primarily dive in the Mediterranean Sea from April to October or in tropical areas, this isn't a major problem. However, if you regularly dive in the North Atlantic or in cold water, it will be necessary to carefully manage the air inside the enclosure.

For the diver who wants a single device capable of producing high-quality underwater photography, usable RAW video, and natural results in ambient light, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is, in 2025, one of the two or three most relevant choices alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Compared to the standard Google Pixel 10 Pro, the XL mainly offers a larger battery (5200 vs 4700 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.8" vs 6.3"), which is beneficial for underwater viewing with the housing. If battery life and screen readability are important to you, the XL is worth the price difference.

Are you hesitant? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this camera with other tested models.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and condensation on a smartphone in an underwater housing.

Having the right tool is one thing. Knowing what to do with it underwater is another. The AquaExposure Training starts from scratch and covers all aspects of shooting in natural light: approaching subjects, reading light, manual exposure, stabilization, and post-production workflow. Available for immediate access, at your own pace.