Google's latest Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL feature brighter screens, extended zoom capabilities, and a fresh approach to capture your attention.

      Google has officially launched its latest Pixels, with the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL taking center stage this time. The standard Pixel 11 features a modest upgrade, which includes a faster processor, doubled base storage, and quicker wireless charging. In contrast, the Pro versions offer enhancements such as a brighter and more durable display, improved cameras, and HiLight, a set of LED lights surrounding the flash that illuminate when the phone is placed face down, indicating whether it’s worth picking up or should be left alone.

      An upgraded Tensor G6 chip and enhanced storage for the Pro

      Both Pro models now utilize Google's Tensor G6 processor along with the Titan M3 security chip, a step up from the Tensor G5 and Titan M2 found in last year's devices. Google states that the new chip provides up to 20% improved power efficiency, 25% faster browsing, and 15% quicker app loading than the Tensor G5, in addition to a TPU that is 50% more powerful, enhancing features like faster Instant Night Sight captures. The Titan M3 integrates post-quantum cryptography into the security framework, meeting the same certification standards as SIM and bank cards.

      Google

      Storage has increased for the Pixel 11 Pro, with the base model growing from 128GB to 256GB, while the Pro XL maintains its 256GB base option. Although earlier information suggested a 512GB storage limit this year, a 1TB capacity is still being offered on both phones. However, leaks regarding RAM have proven accurate. All configurations of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL had 16GB of RAM, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL start with 12GB in their base models, reserving 16GB for the 512GB and 1TB variants.

      A slightly smaller battery, but quicker wireless charging

      The battery capacity has seen a minor reduction in both models. The Pixel 11 Pro now includes a 4,850mAh battery, down from 4,870mAh in the Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pro XL decreases from 5,200mAh to 5,115mAh. This is a small change, yet noteworthy as it marks another spec moving in a less favorable direction this generation.

      Google

      Charging specifications remain mostly consistent this year, with just one exception. Wireless charging for the Pro has increased from 15W to 25W, now matching the Pro XL’s unchanged 25W. Google claims a 29% average improvement in wireless charging speed for the Pro and 17% for the Pro XL compared to their predecessors, according to its own Pixelsnap testing. The 17% increase for the Pro XL is particularly notable as its maximum wireless charging output hasn’t changed, suggesting the improvement arises from increased efficiency elsewhere.

      Wired charging power remains unchanged at 30W for the Pro and 45W for the Pro XL, although Google mentions a slight speed enhancement here as well. The Pro XL now charges to 75% in 30 minutes, surpassing the previous claim of 70% in the same timeframe, but since wattage remains the same, this improvement can likely be attributed to the smaller battery filling up more quickly. Both models also introduce a new Extreme Charging Mode, dedicating the phone’s performance solely to charging for a faster boost. Additionally, the Pro models incorporate a vapor chamber to dissipate heat from the processor and battery, ensuring stable performance during charging and prolonged use.

      A brighter display and enhanced zoom capabilities

      While the charging improvements are mixed, the displays on both models are significantly upgraded. Google has raised the peak brightness from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits and has incorporated an anti-scratch shield that reportedly enhances scratch resistance by over two times compared to last year's models, while maintaining Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The display specifications remain unchanged, featuring a 6.3-inch 1280 x 2856 panel on the Pro and a 6.8-inch 1344 x 2992 panel on the Pro XL, both supporting a 1-120Hz refresh rate.

      Google

      The camera setups include a blend of enhancements and unchanged components. The primary camera retains a 50MP resolution with an f/1.68 aperture and a 1/1.3-inch sensor, although Google claims optical quality improvements by 2x compared to the Pixel 10 Pro. The 48MP ultrawide camera features an f/1.7 aperture with a 1/2.51-inch sensor and autofocus. The most notable upgrade is in the telephoto lens, which still boasts 48MP and a 5x optical zoom but now has a larger 1/1.95-inch sensor that, according to Google, captures 32% more light than its predecessor, with Pro Zoom capabilities increasing to 120x, up from 100x on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL