Pixel 11 vs Pixel 10 series: Are Google’s latest phones worth upgrading to?
The Pixel 11 family from Google has arrived, and it addresses numerous aspects I wished to see enhanced from the Pixel 10 series. The Tensor G6 is expected to provide a significant performance improvement across all four models, while Google has revamped the camera systems, introduced faster charging, and equipped the Pro models with brighter, more durable displays. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also benefits from necessary design updates.
These are commendable advancements for an annual refresh of Google’s flagship line. However, whether they merit upgrading from a Pixel 10 purchased just a year ago is another matter. Having covered numerous yearly smartphone updates over the years, here’s who should really consider upgrading.
### Google Pixel 11 vs Pixel 10
| Specification | Pixel 10 | Pixel 11 |
|---------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| US launch price | $799, 128GB | $899, 256GB |
| 256GB launch price | $899 | $899 |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 60-120Hz | 6.3-inch OLED, 60-120Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
| Processor | Tensor G5 | Tensor G6 |
| Security chip | Titan M2 | Titan M3 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | 4,970mAh | 4,985mAh |
| Wired charging | Up to 55% in about 30 mins | Up to 55% in about 30 mins |
| Wireless charging | Qi2, up to 15W | Qi2.2, up to 25W |
| Main camera | 48MP | New, larger 48MP sensor |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP, 5x optical | 10.8MP, 5x optical |
| Maximum zoom | 20x Super Res Zoom | 30x Super Zoom |
| Weight | 204g | 197g |
### Key Changes
One of the most significant upgrades is the camera. The Pixel 11 features a new, larger 48MP main sensor that Google claims is 56% more sensitive to light. Additionally, the 5x telephoto lens now expands zoom capabilities from 20x to 30x, which should enhance low-light photography and capture subjects beyond the optical zoom range.
There are also reported improvements in web browsing speed by 25%, faster app launches by 15%, and a 50% increase in TPU compute. On-device AI workloads are said to execute up to 3.5 times faster while using up to 3.5 times less power, according to Google’s internal tests.
These figures will require independent verification, but Tensor performance has been an area where Pixel phones need enhancement. Another practical improvement is in charging; wired charging stays largely the same, while Pixelsnap has upgraded from 15W Qi2 to 25W Qi2.2. The Pixel 11 is also seven grams lighter.
### Is An Upgrade Worth It?
If you're coming from a Pixel 10, this upgrade is not compelling. The Pixel 10 is an excellent flagship for $800, striking a strong balance among camera quality, software, battery life, and overall usability. The Pixel 11 doesn’t render the 2025 base model inadequate.
For Pixel 8 owners, there are stronger motivations to consider an upgrade, with enhancements like the Tensor G6 chip, a dedicated 5x telephoto lens on the standard model, Pixelsnap, and additional software refinements.
### Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL vs Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL
| Specification | Pixel 10 Pro | Pixel 11 Pro | Pixel 10 Pro XL | Pixel 11 Pro XL |
|---------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------|
| US launch price | $999, 128GB | $1,099, 256GB | $1,199, 256GB | $1,299, 256GB |
| 256GB launch price | $1,099 | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Display | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz
Other articles
Claude is now able to retrieve data from your browser tabs and continue working on your desktop.
Anthropic has updated Claude in Chrome, allowing conversations, skills, and connectors to now transfer between your browser and other Claude applications.
Anthropic is reportedly negotiating to acquire Decart for $6 billion, marking its largest deal to date.
Anthropic is said to be negotiating to acquire Israeli startup Decart for approximately $6 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date. This move focuses on enhancing efficiency rather than expanding scale as the company prepares for an IPO.
Brazil instructs Discord to halt livestreaming following the death of a 13-year-old.
Brazil's data protection agency has instructed Discord to halt its Go Live feature within three days following the death of a teenager, examining the extent to which a government can exert pressure on a platform regarding child safety.
Taiwan reports that AI agents played a role in hacking its government within a span of four days.
Taiwan reported that it was the victim of an AI-driven hacking operation in July, which utilized tools such as Open Claw to extract passwords and personnel information within a span of approximately four days.
SpaceX's Starlink begins accepting orders in Vietnam, according to the conditions set by Hanoi.
SpaceX's Starlink has started accepting orders in Vietnam, with the first year's cost set at approximately $1,190. The government permits complete ownership but limits the number of subscribers to 600,000.
President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum allowing U.S. agencies to conduct hacking operations against transnational crime organizations overseas.
A recent presidential memo permits U.S. law enforcement to conduct offensive cyber activities against international criminal organizations and to engage private contractors for assistance.
Pixel 11 vs Pixel 10 series: Are Google’s latest phones worth upgrading to?
Google enhanced the cameras, performance, charging, displays, and durability throughout the Pixel 11 series, but the significant upgrade threshold is set further back than the previous year's Pixel 10.