Pixel 11 review: Google sets the bar for standard flagship phones

Pixel 11 review: Google sets the bar for standard flagship phones. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianReviewPixel 11 review: Google sets the bar for standard flagship phonesLonger battery life, faster chip, actually useful AI tools and better cameras keep quality Android ahead of competitionGoogle’s Pixel 11 continues to set the standard for what you should expect from the base model of a flagship phone with class-leading cameras, long software support and almost all the bells and whistles of its most expensive phones.

What happened

Longer battery life, faster chip, actually useful AI tools and better cameras keep quality Android ahead of competitionGoogle’s Pixel 11 continues to set the standard for what you should expect from the base model of a flagship phone with class-leading cameras, long software support and almost all the bells and whistles of its most expensive phones. The regular Pixel 11 costs £879 (€999/$899/A$1,499) making it £80 or equivalent more expensive than last year’s model as the cost of RAMageddon continues to bite. It’s not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it comes with 256GB of storage and is £200 less than the Pixel 11 Pro, matching rival Samsung’s Galaxy S26. Screen: 6. 3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)Processor: Google Tensor G6RAM: 12GBStorage: 256 or 512GBOperating system: Android 17Camera: 48MP+ 13MP UW + 10. 8MP 5x tele; 10. 5MP selfieConnectivity: 5G, eSIM, wifi 6E, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 6 and GNSSWater resistance: IP68 (1. 5m for 30 minutes)Dimensions: 152. 8 x 72. 0 x 8. 6mmWeight: 197g Continue reading. . .

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Skip to main contentSkip to navigation The latest Google phone is most refined yet, offering the best balance of price and features for base-model flagship handsets. At a glance the Pixel 11 looks very similar to the previous two Google phone iterations: glass front and back with flat aluminium sides and large pill-shaped bar at the back, which is much slimmer this time. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianThe Pixel has a new generation of Google’s chip, the Tensor G6, which is up to 20% faster in tests.

As with previous Pixels, it is a showcase for some of Google’s most advanced AI systems, many of which run on-device, making them fast. All these features are in addition to Google’s popular Auto Best Take, Add Me and Camera Coach from last year, which makes the new Pixel camera one of the most feature rich available.

The wider picture

SustainabilityView image in fullscreenThe Pixel 11 is available in a range of colours including the standard mat black (obsidian). PriceThe Google Pixel 11 costs from £879 (€999/$899/A$1,499) in a choice of four colours. VerdictThe Pixel 11 isn’t the most advanced Google phone, nor is it the cheapest. The regular Pixel 11 costs £879 (€999/$899/A$1,499) making it £80 or equivalent more expensive than last year’s model as the cost of RAMageddon continues to bite. It’s not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it comes with 256GB of storage and is £200 less than the Pixel 11 Pro, matching rival Samsung’s Galaxy S26.

View image in fullscreenThe Pixel 11’s camera bar depth has been reduced by 40% compared with previous models for a sleeker look that doesn’t catch on your pocket quite as much. 3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi) Processor: Google Tensor G6 RAM: 12GB Storage: 256 or 512GB Operating system: Android 17 Camera: 48MP+ 13MP UW + 10. 6mm Weight: 197g Faster and more efficient Tensor G6 chipView image in fullscreenThe Pixel 11 takes less than 90 minutes to fully charge using a 30W or greater power adaptor (not included) hitting 53% in half an hour.

What has been reported

Gaming and more demanding use hits the battery harder, but the Pixel should be able to see out even the heaviest of use days. Android 17 with more proactive AIView image in fullscreenGoogle’s proactive AI tools pop up with timely information in chats and other situations to save you manually having to check your calendar, search for a restaurant or schedule an event. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianThe Pixel 11 runs the latest Android 17 out of the box with operating system and security updates provided until August 2033.

The most interesting of the tools remains Google’s proactive AI systems, which vary a bit depending on where you live. In the UK the expanded Magic Cue from last year pops up in messages and a few other apps with information such as your schedule, flight or order details, and suggestions for good local restaurants from Google maps or photos to share in a chat. If you use a supported app, such as Google Messages, the suggestions are low-key great.

Another useful AI feature is built directly into Google’s keyboard called Rambler, which is voice typing on steroids. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianThe Pixel 11 has three cameras on the back and a solid 10.

What happens next

8MP 5x telephoto camera that sets it apart from the competition, capable of meaningfully closing the distance to objects. Entirely new for the Pixel camera this year is the “Looks” feature, which allows you to customise how the phone captures and processes your photos for very different styles far beyond simple filters applied after the fact. If you are a Pixel user who has ever thought its photos look a little too cold, dramatic or overly processed, this is for you.

The Pixel shoots great video at up to 4K at 60 frames a second. Google has also added a “Creator Suite” mode to the video capture, which shoots straight to a folder you can quickly storyboard and trim to create a video. The phone is repairable by Google, third-party shops or self-repair with manuals and parts available. The Pixel 11 is contains 33% recycled materials by weight.

The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across theguardian.com, cnbc.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.