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Google’s Pixel smartphones have by no means been the strongest by way of uncooked energy or customization, however they signify one thing of a consumer-friendly, accessible choice for many who need a simple Android expertise. The Pixel 11 is the most recent illustration of Google’s software program and {hardware} coming collectively to showcase how far Android has come and the way helpful AI could be, even when we like to hate it.
I’ve been utilizing the Pixel 11 for just a few weeks now, and it looks like Google is navigating an fascinating intersection between AI and social media, one which firms like Samsung are additionally beginning to hone in on. The result’s a telephone that feels recent, enjoyable, and useful whereas remaining top-of-the-line flagship choices in your pockets.
It’s the small issues
At first look, the Pixel 11 seems and feels as small and pocketable because the Pixel 10. Sadly, the Pixel 11 continues to be fairly thick at 8.6mm, making it chonkier than even the Galaxy S26 Extremely. It’s additionally fairly hefty, weighing nearer to the S26 Extremely than the base S26.
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On the plus facet, Google made some small however welcome adjustments to each the design and among the internals, which I feel type of make up for its hefty design.
For instance, the digital camera housing doesn’t protrude almost as a lot because the Pixel 10, so it lies flatter on a desk than its predecessor, regardless of having roughly the identical digital camera sensors. The battery can also be barely bigger, though Google most likely ought to have opted for denser silicon-carbon batteries, which doubtless might have helped shave off some thickness. Nonetheless, battery life hasn’t been an issue for me, and I typically get a full day of use earlier than needing to plug in.
Fortuitously, charging received a little bit of a lift. The Pixel 11 nonetheless options 30W wired charging, which isn’t the quickest on the block, and I undoubtedly discover myself ready longer than I’d like for it to cost.
Excessive Charging might help with this, though solely considerably. The hidden characteristic pauses apps within the background to maintain the telephone cooler for longer and permits for greater sustained charging speeds. Thus, I did see a ten% enhance after half-hour of charging, bringing the telephone from 0 to 50%.
Wi-fi charging can also be a lot better, with seemingly stronger Qi2 magnets and quicker 25W speeds, making it almost as helpful as wired charging.
The Pixel 11 will get social
AI has been Google’s fundamental focus with the Pixel lineup, however social media can also be turning into extra vital, as seen within the newest Android 17 options just like the built-in Creator Suite and Display screen Reactions. In reality, two of my favourite new Pixel 11 options are at reverse ends of social media, with one which goals to offer me the right images to submit whereas one other prompts me to step again from scrolling.
Magic Seize is a brand new built-in Digital camera characteristic that sits simply to the left of Photograph mode. With it, you faucet the shutter button and begin recording a video, whereas AI works within the background to mechanically discover the most effective moments and save pictures. This primarily automates the guide still-capture characteristic already out there in Video mode, letting you concentrate on capturing the second.
I used the characteristic at a celebration, and regardless of the difficult lighting, Magic Seize highlighted some nice social media-worthy moments of my mates. I used to be additionally in a position to seize some cute pictures of harbor seals swimming in a waterway.
However, I do know that Instagram is my largest weak spot and the principle supply of my procrastination. That’s why I truly admire what Pause Level is doing. This Digital Wellbeing characteristic prompts after I open apps I discover distracting, giving me a second to breathe and mirror on whether or not I really want to open that app proper now.
(Picture credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
I enabled it particularly for Instagram, so that every time I attempt to open the app, it cycles by way of a number of choices, prompting me to take a second to breathe, take into consideration what actually issues to me, set a timer for the app, state how I really feel whereas opening the app, or strive one other much less distracting app as an alternative.
When it’s accomplished, I can proceed to the app, however I usually discover myself not opening Instagram, largely due to the friction of getting to finish a job first. It’s surprisingly efficient.
There’s AI too
You could find Gemini in all places on the Pixel 11 if that’s what you need, and it truly feels extra useful than something. After I get up, Day by day Temporary pulls from my related accounts and apps like Calendar and Gmail, conserving me abreast of upcoming occasions and issues I would like to recollect.
Gemini Intelligence additionally makes it straightforward to do issues like order Uber Eats simply by utilizing my voice, and it helps after I least anticipate it. For instance, a pal of mine texted me to ask if I used to be busy this weekend. Earlier than I might reply, Gemini prompted me to test my calendar, which revealed I used to be planning to go to a competition.
In one other message, a pal requested what my group identify is for an upcoming 5K I am planning to run. Gemini recommended a earlier group identify I used throughout my final 5K, which simply so occurs to be the identify I am utilizing for this new run.
All of it occurred with out leaving Google Messages, which is the sort of frictionless AI interplay that I can admire.
(Picture credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Rambler can also be surprisingly helpful, and it picks up the nuances of speech fairly properly, including the suitable punctuation and even citation marks when it detects that I am quoting one thing. It additionally separates my textual content into paragraphs on the proper moments, and I have never needed to appropriate it as soon as.
That is all powered by the Tensor G6, which prioritizes AI efficiency over anything. Day-to-day use is okay, though don’t anticipate the Pixel 11 to be a gaming powerhouse. It additionally doesn’t sport the identical vapor chamber because the Pixel 11 Professional, so it does get fairly heat when gaming.
What in regards to the cameras?
The Pixel 11 has the identical digital camera format as its predecessor, so there’s not a lot distinction right here. In comparison with the Pixel 10, pictures from the Pixel 11 are largely the identical however are likely to lean towards the nice and cozy facet, leading to considerably extra vibrant pictures.
That is additionally the case when in comparison with the Pixel 11 Professional, which takes cooler images. Nonetheless, the Professional additionally advantages from barely higher imaging capabilities, and pictures at any zoom stage are likely to have extra element than on the Pixel 11.
Must you purchase the Pixel 11?
The Pixel 11 prices $100 greater than its predecessor, and whereas $899 isn’t low-cost, you’re now getting double the bottom storage, quicker charging, and the most recent Tensor chip. Positive, it misses out on issues like HiLight, which might have been actually nice to have, and there are nonetheless no Professional Digital camera options. Nonetheless, you get many of the AI options, the identical base 12GB of RAM because the Pixel 11 Professional, and the identical charging specs, however for a lot much less.
In case you can go with out these Professional options, the Pixel 11 feels just like the one to purchase.
