The Pixel 11 Pro’s 120x zoom is ridiculous, but is it actually useful?

Google has long been known for pushing smartphone cameras to their limits, often using software to eke out maximum performance. With the Pixel 11 Pro, the company is taking this a step further with its 120x Pro Res zoom, which outpaces the 100x found on the Pixel 10 Pro. While this represents a significant jump in magnification for a phone, Google claims its brighter telephoto camera can capture more detail from farther away, thanks to its integration with generative AI.

However, just because a phone can zoom in so far doesn't guarantee the results will be impressive. To test the Pixel 11 Pro's zoom capabilities, I spent a week putting it through its paces in various situations, from reading distant signboards to photographing historic monuments and capturing wildlife in a park. The results were mixed.

While the camera does manage some impressive feats, it's not without its quirks. The Pixel 11 Pro can produce some downright odd images, with a fair share of caveats that limit its usefulness. So, does Google's zoom capability live up to the hype? It works in certain scenarios, but some serious limitations exist that prevent it from being a practical solution in all cases.