The Google Pixel 11 Pro was unveiled at the Made by Google event on August 12, 2023, starting at $1,099 USD or $1,499 CAD. This model aims to showcase advancements in Android technology, but the ongoing RAM shortage has led to a modest improvement compared to its predecessor.
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The design of the Pixel 11 Pro remains similar to that of the Pixel 10 Pro, featuring spacecraft-grade aluminum and a matte glass back. Available in four colors—Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon—the device is noted for its premium feel. However, it does not come with a charger, requiring users to have their own USB-C charging equipment.
The 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display boasts a peak brightness of 3,600 nits, making it easily readable in direct sunlight. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 enhances durability, and the phone has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The display supports a refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, promising a smooth viewing experience.
In performance, the Pixel 11 Pro runs on Google's Tensor G6 chip paired with a Titan M3 security chip. It starts with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, with upgrades available up to 1 TB, which increases RAM to 16 GB. The phone's overall speed is commendable for daily applications, though gamers may find performance lacking compared to competitors like Apple and flagship Qualcomm devices.
The camera setup includes a 50 MP main lens, a 48 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The new telephoto camera improves light sensitivity by 32%, which enhances the 120x zoom feature. Despite these upgrades, users may find similar or superior photo quality from other smartphones.
Battery life is rated at over 30 hours on a 4,850 mAh cell, but users report it lasting about a day under regular use. Wired charging supports up to 30 watts, while wireless charging improves to 25 watts. However, this is still slower than some competitors.
The Pixel 11 Pro offers notable software features, including advanced AI capabilities. Live Translate provides real-time translations in select apps, while other features like Magic Capture improve photography. Google's commitment to seven years of OS and security updates is a strong positive for long-term users.
Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro serves as a refined version of the previous model but may not appeal to those with the Pixel 10 Pro already. Despite a price increase and a slight decrease in battery capacity, the phone remains a solid choice for users upgrading from much older devices. Potential buyers may want to consider timing their purchase for possible deals.