The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: A smarter phone for getting things done
The new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL doesn’t dramatically reinvent the company’s flagship smartphone formula. From a hardware perspective, this year’s model represents an incremental update. But after spending time with Google’s latest full-featured Pixel, I’ve found that some of its most meaningful improvements for business users aren’t necessarily the things that stand out on a spec sheet or…
The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is not a radically new flagship smartphone, but an incremental improvement on Google's existing design. Priced starting at $1,299 for 256GB storage, the device features a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display, Google's Tensor G6 processor, a 5115mAh battery and an upgraded triple-camera system. Google promises seven years of operating system, Android security and Pixel Drop updates.
While the hardware is solid, it is Google's software integration and features that truly make this device stand out.
Google's new Tensor G6 processor delivers improved performance, with benchmark scores of 2,736 single-core and 7,399 multi-core in Geekbench 6, showing a healthy improvement over previous models. However, the Pixel 11 Pro XL still lags behind current flagship devices like Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra in raw performance. In real-world use, the Pixel 11 feels responsive and speedy, with faster web browsing and application launches thanks to Google's claims of 25% and 15% improvements respectively. The Tensor G6 also offers 50% more compute and up to 3.5X faster on-device AI processing.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 11 Pro XL is Google's Rambler AI, which offers a more natural and efficient way to transcribe voice input. Unlike traditional speech-to-text methods, Rambler understands natural speech patterns, including pauses and filler words, resulting in cleaner and more accurate written text. This AI-powered feature is particularly useful for business professionals who need to quickly and accurately transcribe meetings or notes.
Google's Gemini Intelligence extends contextual assistance across over 40 apps, providing real-time translation, suggestion of calendar events or locations, and integration with Google Wallet. These features make the Pixel 11 Pro XL a more capable and efficient device for both business and personal use.
The Pixel 11 Pro XL boasts an excellent display, with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED Super Actua screen that reaches peak brightness of 3,600 nits. The camera system is also impressive, featuring a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5X telephoto lens, all of which deliver crisp images with excellent low-light performance and telephoto capabilities. The Creator Suite software offers new tools like Camera Looks, Magic Capture, and a teleprompter, making it a more practical option for professionals.
While the HiLight feature offers potential for visual feedback when Gemini is active, Google has yet to provide enough configurability options. Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is an excellent device with a great display, powerful camera system, and improved software features that make it an attractive option for business users looking for a smarter phone to help them get things done.
Written by urgent.news from Computerworld's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
