Defense · Report Line
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro review: Google’s latest Pro phone aims to prove it has the best camera on a smartphone while offering extensive customisation options for photo processing, even if it means compromising technical quality. The Pixel 11 Pro packs Google’s best hardware and software into a compact, easy-to-handle design, making it a strong contender for the best smaller phone of the year.
The price starts at £1,079 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849), £80 more expensive than the Pixel 11, with double the storage but less RAM due to cost constraints. The design remains largely unchanged from previous Pro models, with a 0.1mm smaller size, 3g lighter weight, and the same 6.3in OLED screen. The body is made of polished aluminium and glass, and a prominent camera bar is visible on the back. The temperature sensor has been replaced by a coloured HiLight LED, which serves as a camera flash and notification light but is limited to Gemini and contact notifications.
The Pixel 11 Pro features the same Tensor G6 chip as the regular Pixel 11, with 12 or 16GB RAM depending on storage. It offers a battery life of just shy of two days with active screen use, suitable for general use every other day. The phone runs Android 17 with six years of updates until August 2033, supported by Google’s AI Pro subscription for six months, including access to Gemini Omni and enhanced AI tools.
The camera system includes a 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP 5x telephoto lens, with improvements in low-light performance via Instant Night Sight. The 5x telephoto camera supports 10x digital zoom and 120x AI zoom. Camera Looks allows extensive photo customisation, from subtle adjustments to film-like effects. Video recording benefits from stabilisation and Creator Suite for editing.
The Pixel 11 Pro offers sustainability features, including 31% recycled materials, repairability, and free recycling. Battery life is rated for over 1,000 full-charge cycles with 80% capacity retention. It supports 30W wired charging and 25W wireless charging via Qi2.2.
In summary, the Pixel 11 Pro is a refined Pro model with top-tier hardware, camera capabilities, and AI features, though it is not a revolutionary upgrade. It excels in photography, customisation, and software longevity but remains expensive and lacks a physical SIM slot in the US. Pros include a great camera, extensive AI tools, long software support, and good battery life. Cons include high cost, limited RAM on the base model, and minor security concerns with face unlock.
Source: The Guardian
