Google Pixel 11: A complete review of the new smartphone series

Google has introduced the new generation of its popular Pixel smartphones. As with the previous generation, the company has unveiled four new models: the standard Pixel 11, the upgraded Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each model, explore the key features of the new series, and compare them with the previous generation.

Google Pixel 11

The new Pixel 11 is more than just another update. Google has introduced a number of important changes, covering everything from the processor to the camera and charging system. One of the biggest additions is, of course, the Tensor G6 chip, which replaces the previous-generation Tensor G5. Although details about the new processor are still limited, it is already known that it is manufactured using an advanced 2nm process and is designed to deliver faster and more efficient Gemini AI features.

The RAM capacity remains unchanged at 12GB, but Google has significantly changed the available internal storage options. The 128GB version is no longer available and has been replaced by a 512GB option. As a result, the Pixel 11 moves away from the previously used UFS 3.1 storage and switches to the faster UFS 4.0 standard.

Camera: a small change with a noticeable impact

If having a smartphone with a good camera is important to you, the Pixel 11 is definitely worth considering. The main camera now features a larger sensor: instead of the previous 1/1.95" Samsung GN8, it uses a 1/1.56" sensor. A larger sensor can provide an advantage, especially in low-light conditions, allowing more light to be captured and producing more detailed photos.

The 10.8MP 3J1 telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom remains, but digital zoom has increased to 30x. Meanwhile, the 13MP IMX712 ultrawide camera and the 3J1 autofocus front camera remain unchanged.

Larger battery and twice-as-fast wireless charging

The increase in battery capacity is minimal — just 15mAh, bringing the total to 4,985mAh. The more interesting change is in the charging system. 30W wired charging remains unchanged, while wireless charging has become significantly faster, increasing from 15W to 25W. This means the Pixel 11 now falls much less behind wired charging in terms of speed.

Other changes

The Pixel 11 features a 6.3-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fast USB 3.2, eSIM, and, of course, runs on the Android 17 operating system.

Overall, the changes to the Pixel 11 may not seem revolutionary at first glance, but some of them are quite significant. The Tensor G6 chip, larger main camera sensor, UFS 4.0 storage, and 25W wireless charging make the new Pixel a more modern and technically interesting device.

The standard Pixel 11 is available in four colors: delicate light blue Frost, bright and vibrant pink Hibiscus, soft pastel pistachio green Pistachio, and classic deep black Obsidian.

Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL

While Google has mainly focused on improvements with the Pixel 11, the story is somewhat more complicated with the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL. The new generation brings several interesting updates, but in some areas, we can even see a step backward.

The first unusual change concerns RAM. The 16GB of RAM available in all base 256GB versions has been replaced with 12GB. This is the first such change since 2023 and could naturally raise questions among buyers interested in the Pro series.

The battery situation is even more interesting. Instead of increasing capacity, Google has actually reduced it slightly. The Pixel 11 Pro features a 4,850mAh battery, compared with 4,870mAh in the previous Google Pixel 10 Pro. The 11 Pro XL also sees a reduction, from 5,200mAh to 5,115mAh. This is quite an unexpected decision.

There is, however, some good news: 25W wireless charging is now available on the standard Pro model as well, whereas previously this feature was exclusive to the Pro XL. Wired charging, meanwhile, remains at 30W and 45W respectively.

Cameras: a focus on the telephoto lens

The main camera system has remained largely unchanged. The Samsung GNV main sensor and Sony IMX858 ultrawide camera remain the same.

The 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, however, has been upgraded. Instead of the smaller 1/2.55" IMX858 sensor, the new model uses a larger Samsung GN8 sensor, which could have a positive impact on photo quality, particularly when using the zoom.

The camera system is complemented by a laser autofocus sensor, but there is another notable change here: the built-in thermometer is no longer included. It has been replaced by a HiLight RGB LED indicator.

The front camera retains the previous generation's 42MP resolution and autofocus.

Display and connectivity - almost unchanged

The remaining key specifications are familiar. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL feature 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch OLED displays respectively, with 1.5K resolution and LTPO technology. The displays are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Both smartphones are powered by the Tensor G6 processor and support eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and USB 3.2. The audio system continues to feature stereo speakers.

Google has prepared a premium color palette for the flagship Pixel models. The bodies feature a matte finish designed to reduce visible fingerprints: sandy reddish Canyon, olive green Olive, light silver-gray Fog, and smooth matte black Obsidian.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold has received a more modest update compared with the previous generation. Google has focused on several key changes.

One of the most important additions is, naturally, the new chipset. The main camera has also been upgraded and now uses a larger 1/1.56" sensor. As with the Pro series models, the thermometer has also been removed here and replaced with the same LED indicator.

The external display has also been updated. It now measures 6.5 inches and supports LTPO technology. One of the most interesting changes is the device's weight: Google has managed to make the smartphone 19 grams lighter, which can be a noticeable difference for a foldable device.

Smaller battery, faster wireless charging

The battery situation is somewhat mixed. Its capacity has decreased from 5,015mAh to 4,806mAh. On the other hand, wireless charging has become significantly faster, increasing from 15W to 25W.

There is an unexpected change here as well: wired charging has been reduced from 45W to 30W. In other words, the new generation offers faster wireless charging but slower wired charging.

Cameras: a largely familiar system

The rest of the camera system has remained largely unchanged. The smartphone continues to feature two 10MP front cameras, while the rear setup retains the 10.5MP ultrawide sensor and 10.8MP telephoto lens.

As a result, the main focus has been placed on upgrading the primary camera, while the other camera modules remain at the level of the previous generation.

16GB RAM across all versions

Interestingly, unlike the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, the Pro Fold has not seen a reduction in RAM. All versions come with 16GB of RAM, which is particularly important for such an expensive and multifunctional foldable smartphone.

The remaining key specifications have also been retained, including an 8-inch internal display, IP68 protection, and the large workspace characteristic of the foldable form factor.

Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is more of a refined upgrade than a complete redesign. It has become lighter, gained an LTPO external display and faster wireless charging, but the smaller battery and slower wired charging somewhat overshadow these improvements.

The new foldable model is available in just two colors: black Obsidian and olive Olive.

What other new features are there?

The Pixel 11 series also introduces several interesting software features that may not seem significant at first glance but can prove quite useful in everyday use.

For example, the video player can now extract individual frames from a video and turn them into full-fledged photos. Artificial intelligence most likely plays a role here: instead of simply saving a single frame, the system attempts to process it and produce a higher-quality final image.

The camera app has also received a teleprompter. This feature will be especially useful for people who frequently record videos, for example, for social media. You can keep the text on the screen while looking directly at the camera without having to memorize everything in advance.

Google Photos has also gained another interesting feature: photos can now be quickly “enhanced” simply by giving the appropriate command. This means users can spend less time editing their photos, leaving certain adjustments to artificial intelligence.

Overall, the new features of the Pixel 11 series go beyond hardware specifications. Google is also aiming to make its devices smarter and more convenient for everyday use.

When and where can you buy the Pixel 11 in Armenia?

Google officially introduced the Pixel 11 series on August 12, with sales scheduled to begin on August 20. As with all latest smartphones, the new Pixel models will be available to look for first at AllSell stores.