Google's latest Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL feature brighter screens, extended zoom capabilities, and an innovative method to capture your interest.

      Google has officially launched its latest Pixels, with the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL taking center stage this time. The regular Pixel 11 features only a modest upgrade, including a faster chip, double the base storage, and quicker wireless charging. In contrast, the two Pro models offer enhancements such as a brighter and sturdier display, improved cameras, and HiLight, which consists of LED lights encircling the flash. These lights illuminate when the phone is placed face down, indicating whether it is advisable to pick it up or leave it be.

      A more powerful Tensor G6 chip and increased storage for the Pro models

      Both Pro variants feature Google's new Tensor G6 processor along with the Titan M3 security chip, an upgrade from last year's Tensor G5 and Titan M2. Google claims the new chip improves power efficiency by up to 20%, browsing speed by 25%, and app loading time by 15% compared to its predecessor, in addition to having a 50% stronger TPU that enhances features like the quicker Instant Night Sight captures. We'll delve into that later. The Titan M3 introduces post-quantum cryptography, aligning with the certification standards used for SIM and bank cards.

      Storage has also been upgraded in the Pixel 11 Pro, where the base storage has doubled from 128GB to 256GB, while the Pro XL maintains its base at 256GB. Earlier speculations suggested a storage limit of 512GB for this year, but a 1TB option remains available for both devices. Leaks regarding RAM have proven accurate; all Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL configurations came with 16GB of RAM, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL begin at 12GB in their base models, with 16GB reserved for the 512GB and 1TB versions.

      A reduced battery, but quicker wireless charging

      Battery capacity has seen a slight decrease in both models. The Pixel 11 Pro houses a 4,850mAh battery, down from the 4,870mAh of the Pixel 10 Pro, while the Pro XL decreases from 5,200mAh to 5,115mAh. Although the change is minor, it’s worth noting as it reflects the second specification this generation to decline.

      Charging specifications remain mostly the same this year, with one notable exception. The Pro's wireless charging has increased from 15W to 25W, matching the unchanged 25W of the Pro XL. Google asserts that average wireless charging speed has improved by 29% on the Pro and 17% on the Pro XL compared to their predecessors, based on their Pixelsnap charger evaluations. The 17% increase on the Pro XL is particularly notable, given that its peak wireless charging wattage has not changed, indicating that the improvement likely stems from increases in overall efficiency.

      Wired charging wattage remains constant at 30W for the Pro and 45W for the Pro XL, but Google claims minor speed enhancements here too. The Pro XL is now said to reach 75% battery in 30 minutes, compared to last year’s 70%, but since the wattage remains unchanged, this improvement is likely attributed to the smaller battery charging faster. Additionally, both phones now feature an Extreme Charging Mode that dedicates the phone's performance solely to charging for an expedited boost. They also come equipped with a vapor chamber designed to dissipate heat from the processor and battery, ensuring stable performance during charging and prolonged usage.

      Enhanced display and improved zoom capabilities

      While the updates for charging are mixed, the display on both versions marks a significant upgrade. Google has increased the peak brightness from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits and retained Gorilla Glass Victus 2, adding a new anti-scratch shield that reportedly enhances scratch resistance by over double in comparison to last year's models. The display specifications largely remain the same, 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 maintaining a 1-120Hz refresh rate.

      The camera setup includes a blend of new enhancements and unchanged components. The primary camera maintains its 50MP with an f/1.68 aperture and a 1/1.3-inch sensor, though Google claims to have achieved 2x optical quality improvements over the Pixel 10 Pro. The 48MP ultrawide camera integrates an f/1.7 aperture with a 1/2.51-inch sensor and autofocus. The telephoto lens exhibits the most substantial updates; while it remains at 48MP with a 5x optical zoom, it now incorporates a larger 1/1.95-inch sensor that captures 32% more light than its predecessor, and Pro Zoom capability extends to 120x, an increase from 100x on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL.