Google Pixel 11 Pro Review

The Pixel 11 Pro is the middle model in Google's latest Pixel phone lineup, boasting smaller dimensions but additional features and cameras compared to the base Pixel 11. Priced at $1,099, it marks a price increase from the previous year's model. Despite offering less memory, the phone compensates with higher base storage.

Design-wise, the Pixel 11 Pro maintains a similar compact and comfortable form factor to its predecessor, the Pixel 10 Pro. The incremental physical changes are barely noticeable, with only a slight increase in weight due to the camera bar protrusion. The phone comes in a few color options, including the vibrant Canyon salmon-orange-pink with a copper aluminum frame, as well as more subdued options like Olive green and matte black Obsidian.

The phone's durability features include Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides and an aluminum frame. A new coating on the display aims to improve scratch resistance, though it may not be entirely effective. The phone continues to have IP68 dust and water protection, which is adequate for most users.

The Pixel 11 Pro's flagship feature, HiLight, is essentially a camera flash that replaces the temperature sensor. This functionality seems outdated compared to earlier models. Despite offering a five-color option for contact identification, the feature's limitation in customization could become an issue with many favorited contacts.

Display-wise, the Pixel 11 Pro features a 6.3-inch OLED screen with variable refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 3,600 nits. While an improvement over last year's model, the high brightness levels may not be practical for everyday use. The stereo speakers are subpar, with the earpiece being much weaker. However, the fingerprint sensor and facial recognition are quick and reliable.

The phone exclusively uses eSIM for connectivity, which while convenient, can be limiting. Supporting 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0, the phone is up-to-date with current standards. It also offers satellite connectivity for remote areas. The USB-C port handles charging and data transfer to connect to displays for desktop mode. However, the phone lacks an automatic trackpad for navigating the desktop environment.

Software-wise, the Pixel 11 Pro runs on Android 17 and will receive 7 years of software and security updates. While this is a promise Google has made for several generations, the performance of Pixel phones has often lagged behind competitors.