The Pixel 11 provides me with three compelling reasons to switch from my iPhone 17, and I'm worried they might convince me.
As a professional smartphone reviewer, upgrading each year is essential to my job. Being an iPhone user makes this decision straightforward. This year, I anticipated transitioning from my base iPhone 17 to Apple’s upcoming base model, the iPhone 18. However, there are indications that Apple may not release it this September.
During an earnings call on August 12, Pegatron, one of Apple’s suppliers, suggested that the standard iPhone 18 won't be available next month (via Deccan Chronicle). Only the Pro, Pro Max, and the rumored foldable "Ultra" models are expected, while the base model is now postponed until early 2027. This news alone changes my plans, but it's just one aspect of a larger scenario involving Apple and the Pixel 11.
**Pixel 11 in its Pistachio finish**
**Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends**
**Pixel 11 vs. iPhone 17: It doesn’t feel like a tie anymore**
| Feature | iPhone 17 | Pixel 11 |
|--------------------|----------------------|--------------------|
| Price | $799 | $899 |
| Display | 6.3" OLED, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.3" OLED |
| Chip | A19 | Tensor G6 (2nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Base storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Battery | 3,692 mAh | 4,985 mAh |
| Rear cameras | Dual 48MP (main + ultrawide)| Triple: 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto |
The surprising twist is that the Pixel 11 is no longer the more affordable option. Google has raised the starting price to $899 (up from $799), making it a more challenging choice.
I'm quietly rooting for the Pixel 11 this year, especially now that the iPhone 18's delay gives me one less reason to hesitate. My other considerations revolve around what Google is offering with its entry-level flagship, particularly in terms of camera capabilities.
**iPhone 17 (left) and iPhone 16 (right)**
**Shikhar Mehrotra / Digital Trends**
**This is where the Pixel 11 pulls me away**
The iPhone 17 features a dual 48MP camera setup on the back. While it produces excellent photos, even in low light, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens is noticeable. The Pixel 9 also lacked one, but Google changed that with the Pixel 10, and the Pixel 11 continues with a solid triple-camera system.
It boasts a 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Admittedly, I'd sacrifice some quality on the selfie camera, as Apple's Center Stage feature remains unmatched, but given that I only take one selfie for every 100 or 150 photos with the rear camera, the choice is clear.
**Rear camera visor on the Pixel 11 Pro**
**Vikhyaat Vivek / Digital Trends**
Using the base Galaxy S26 earlier this year changed my expectations for my daily driver. A dedicated telephoto camera enhances the focus on subjects, revealing skin textures, intricate details of flower petals, architectural features, or people across the street. It feels much more deliberate.
| Camera Feature | iPhone 17 | Pixel 11 |
|-------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Main | 48MP, f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS | 48MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 48MP, f/2.2, 120° FOV | 13MP, f/2.2, 120° FOV |
| Telephoto | None – 2x “optical-quality” zoom is a digital crop from the main sensor | 10.8MP, true 5x optical zoom, OIS |
| Selfie | 18MP Center Stage | 10.5MP, 95° FOV |
| Max zoom | 10x digital | 5x optical, up to 30x Super Res Zoom |
| Video | 4K Dolby Vision | 4K, including new 4K portrait video |
**Google’s software pitch is harder to ignore**
The software side also surprised me. Android 17 didn't pursue an elaborate redesign; instead, Google focused on reducing friction, exemplified by the revamped Android Switch tool. It's now wireless, integrated directly into both iOS and Android without needing a separate app
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The Pixel 11 provides me with three compelling reasons to switch from my iPhone 17, and I'm worried they might convince me.
The Pixel 11 features a specialized telephoto lens, enhanced AI capabilities, and a significantly larger battery, providing it with an interesting advantage over the iPhone 17.