I spent two hours with the Pixel 11 series. Here’s what blew me away — and what went wrong

Google has finally released the Pixel 11 series after months of leaks, and I got the chance to spend a couple of hours with all four models. After using the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, I have a few takeaways to share. The good news is that Google kept the telephoto camera in the base model Pixel 11, and there's a new 48MP primary camera with 56% better light sensitivity.

The redesigned camera bar on the Pixel 11 features an all-glass design that is 40% thinner than the Pixel 10, making it much sleeker and more comfortable to hold. Unfortunately, this thinner camera bar doesn't apply to the Pro models, but the base Pixel 11 still boasts a beautifully matte black finish on the Obsidian version. While I'm not a fan of Google's Obsidian colorway on other models, it looks fantastic on the Pixel 11 Pro/11 Pro XL.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a welcome improvement over its predecessor, with a thinner and lighter design. It features a more subtle camera bump and a glass-fiber composite back that feels soft and virtually unscratchable. While there's still a lot to prove about the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's performance, the first impression is certainly a positive one.

The Pixel 11 series also introduces HiLight, a notification light that doesn't quite meet expectations. It offers only five color options, pulses only in response to Google's Gemini AI, and is limited in its functionality. Despite this, the new Camera Looks feature is a significant step forward. This allows users to customize the look of their photos with four different styles: Original, Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla.

While the selection may be limited, it's a welcome addition for those looking to add a bit of creativity to their photography.