Google’s latest smartphone lineup, featuring the Pixel 11 series, brings several advancements over previous models, enhancing both hardware and software capabilities. The new series includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, each priced higher than its predecessors but boasting key upgrades such as enhanced storage, a more powerful chip, and advanced camera functionalities.
Increased Costs with Enhanced Storage
The newly launched Pixel 11 family sees a rise in starting prices. The Pixel 11 begins at $899, an increase of $100 from last year’s model, but with doubled base storage at 256GB and 12GB of RAM. The Pixel 11 Pro similarly starts $100 higher at $1,099, offering up to 1TB of storage with 16GB of RAM. The Pixel 11 Pro XL commands an initial price of $1,299, featuring identical storage and RAM options as the Pro version.
Revamped AI Features with Tensor G6
Central to the Pixel 11 series is Google’s Tensor G6 chip, promising up to 25% improved performance over its predecessor. This new processor powers AI advancements, such as enhanced Gemini Intelligence that better extracts contextual information from apps to provide useful data, and advanced voice-to-text functions that automatically refine language. Live Translate now functions with videos, podcasts, and voice messages, while Circle to Search can utilise the camera to identify objects and translate text without the need to capture a photo.
Upgraded Camera Features
The Pixel 11 series introduces significant camera enhancements, including both hardware and software improvements. The Pixel 11’s sleek camera bar accommodates greater zoom capability, achieving up to 30x for photos. The Pixel 11 Pro iterations feature a 1/1.3-inch 50-megapixel main sensor and a revamped telephoto sensor that enhances light capture by 32%. These models offer up to 120x zoom and house a 42-megapixel front camera. Instant Night Sight is claimed to boost night-time photo capture speeds by up to 4.5 times.
Software updates include the Magic Capture mode for instant photo or video sharing, customisable Camera Looks, and Pro Stable Video for 8K recording. The new Creator Suite adds functionalities like video trimming, teleprompter usage, and clearer speech during recordings, automatically saving clips to project albums.
Differences Compared to Pixel 10 Lineup
Other differences highlight the progression from Pixel 10 models. The new models include an Extreme Charging Mode for expedited charging times and HiLight LEDs on the 11 Pro and Pro XL to alert users when the phone is face down. These advanced features, alongside others, delineate the notable progressions in Google’s latest smartphone offerings over their predecessors.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.