Google’s Pixel 11 series goes on-sale today, and after less than a week with the Pixel 11 Pro XL, I haven’t had a chance to put it through its full paces, but thought I’d put down my first impressions.
Specs and Performance
The hardware for the Pixel 11 Pro XL sees an update to the Tensor G6, a faster more capable processor, says Google which is 20% more power efficient, and loads apps and browses the web faster than ever before
Google has done away with the 128GB model, with the Pixel 11 Pro XL starting at 256GB of on-board storage, with 512GB and 1TB models also available.
The RAM/Storage price increases have hit the phones, with the 256GB Pixel 11 Pro XL only getting 12GB RAM, while the 512GB and 1TB models get 16GB.
I have the 512GB/16GB model for review and it feels faster in the hand than the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 Pro XL, a phone I’ve been using daily for the past year.
It doesn’t seem to get as hot as the Pixel 10 Pro XL. There has been some talk around thermal throttling on the Tensor G5, however the Tensor G6 doesn’t seem to suffer here.
The Pixel 11 also introduces a new Titan M3 security chip, which Google says can ‘provide proactive security using post-quantum cryptography in secure boot to help your Pixel stay protected from emerging advanced threats’. I can’t say I’ve actively thought of the Titan M2 in previous Pixel phones, but good to know it’s gotten a kick.
The battery in the Pixel 11 Pro XL is the only model in the range which gets less battery than last years model, dropping from 5,200mAh to 5,115 mAh.
That said, it does seem to last longer, with the Tensor G6 power savings (up to 20%) over the last generation doing its work. It’s only initial tests, but this seems good so far.
| Category | Specification |
| Display | 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED (1344 x 2992, 1–120 Hz, up to 3,600 nits peak brightness) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G6 with Titan M3 security coprocessor |
| RAM | 12 GB (256 GB model) / 16 GB (512 GB & 1 TB models) |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB (UFS 4.0 / Zoned UFS) |
| Rear Cameras | • Wide: 50 MP, ƒ/1.68, OIS • Ultrawide: 48 MP, ƒ/1.7, 123° FOV, Macro Focus • Telephoto: 48 MP, ƒ/2.8, 5x optical zoom, up to 120x Pro Zoom |
| Front Camera | 42 MP Dual PD, ƒ/2.2, autofocus, 103° ultrawide FOV |
| Battery | 5,115 mAh (typical) |
| Charging | 45W wired fast charging, 25W wireless (Pixelsnap / Qi2.2 certified) |
| Build & Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front & back), aluminum frame, IP68 water/dust resistance |
| Dimensions & Weight | 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm; 226 g |
| OS & Support | Android 17 (7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates) |
| Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 / mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, UWB, Thread, Satellite SOS |
Design
The design of the Pixel 11 Pro XL hasn’t changed a lot since the last gen. The Pixel 11 Pro XL retains the flat premium glass-and-metal sandwich with an aluminum frame and a matte feel glass back panel. The Pixel 11 Pro XL does introduce an upgraded anti-scratch shield over the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering the display.
The major design change is the camera visor, with the glass now extending from edge to edge. It’s a nice refinement to the Pixel design, giving it a more premium look.
That camera visor also hosts one of the major changes on the Pixel 11 Pro models: HiLight.
Replacing the temperature sensor that was introduced on the Pixel 8 series, Highlight brings a notification LED to the camera visor on the Pixel 11 series – almost.
My initial use for HiLight, can only do what Google lets you, and at this stage, all HiLight can do is let you know when Gemini is in use – or one of your favourite contacts calls.
Initial thoughts are it’s too limited to be of real use, but we’ll see where Google takes it.
The Pixel 11 Pro series will also get new colour options. You’ll still get get a Black (Obsidian) model, and it’s joined by a ‘white’ coloured model (which Google has sent for review) that is called ‘Fog’ this year. It’s a little more green tinged than pure white, but it gives a decent ‘inoffensive’ light coloured option.
On the more colourful front, Google has also brought new colours: Canyon and Olive.
Camera
As usual, the Pro series cameras get a few additional features over the standard Pixel 11. That said, there’s not a lot of difference between the generations on the camera sensor front.
The Pixel 11 Pro XL includes a ‘Pro Triple System’ which includes a 50 MP Main sensor with a 48 MP Ultrawide with 123° field of view and a 48 MP Telephoto with 5x Optical zoom. There’s also a 42MP selfie camera in the front.
The Tensor G6 will bring faster image processing to the Pixel 11 Pro camera. This includes Instant Night Sight, improved 120x Pro Zoom on the Pixel 11 Pro. There’s also Magic Capture, a feature that harkens back to Google’s AI powered ‘Clips’ camera which captures video, automatically pulling out high-quality (nice smile or a fun moment with pets) photos in HDR+ quality.
Software
The Pixel 11 series arrives with Android 17, which Google showcased earlier this year, before releasing the final version in June. The phone arrives ready to download an Over-The-Air update out of the box, but bumps you up to the current August 2026 security patch.
The Pixel 11 series will receive seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates from launch – and the security patches and Pixel Drops are monthly, so look forward to those as they include features like Quick Share/AirDrop compatibility.
Some of the biggest features to launch on the Pixel 11 series with Android 17 include Gemini Intelligence, an expansion of Magic Cue – Google’s more helpful, proactive AI. Gemini Intelligence is an opt-in feature that leverages information in your Gmail, Calendar and more to find information you need.
There’s also Rambler – a new voice input model that’s more forgiving. You can simply talk to the voice chat, and it ignores all your “umms” and “ahhs” and interprets what you said – and it actually works!
My only feedback is that it doesn’t quite show you what’s being taken down before you hit the ‘tick’ at which point it must parse what you said and deliver a final version. That said – it works so good.
Initial ‘final’ thoughts
The Pixel 11 Pro XL offers incremental refinements across the board to hardware, while on the software side, Gemini has more power to do more.
The camera still stands out as one of the best available on Android, and improvements to the battery seem to be able to make the phone last even longer, easily getting through a day.
There’s a lot to unpack still in Google’s feature list for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but its looking good.
Is it worth jumping into from a Pixel 10 series? Probably not, but if you’re on a Pixel 8 series device, it’s definitely worth a look.
Daniel has been talking about, learning about and using tech since he was able to toggle switches and push buttons. If it flashes, turns on or off or connects he wants to use it, talk about it and learn more about it. Like this article? Buy me a coffee!
