I misjudged the Pixel 11, and now I’m regretting my previous opinion.

      It has only been a week since Google introduced the Pixel 11 series worldwide, and I have already been thoroughly testing the Pixel 11. This model is the standard version of the lineup, and at first glance, Google hasn't altered the design significantly or attempted to reinvent what was already successful last year. And you know what? I'm perfectly fine with that.

      I have always believed in the saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and the Pixel 11 seems to reflect that philosophy. Much of what made the Pixel 10 successful is still present, but with a few minor updates. While that may not sound extraordinarily exciting, after using the phone for the past few days, I’ve found that I enjoy it more than I anticipated. Instead of dismissing it for seeming a bit too familiar, I decided to give it a fair chance. While I'm still testing many aspects, there are already several features of the Pixel 11 that I genuinely appreciate.

      The camera visor has received a notable upgrade

      Before I dive into the features, I have to acknowledge one design change: the camera visor. This year, Google has made it approximately 40% slimmer, and this is not a subtle improvement. I noticed the difference almost instantly. The Pixel 11 still weighs nearly 200 grams, and it hasn't significantly thinned out, but the reduced camera bar makes the back appear noticeably cleaner and a bit more premium.

      However, one aspect is detracting from the overall appearance for me: the glossy finish. I'm currently using the Obsidian variant, and it seems that just looking at the phone causes fingerprints and smudges to appear. Dirt also collects quite easily, which is disappointing because I like the way this phone looks when it is clean. Google gives the Pro models a nicer matte finish, so why can't the standard Pixel receive the same treatment?

      Ramble away, nobody has to know

      How much rambling is too much? Because in my opinion, Rambler might be one of the most valuable features I've experienced on a Pixel. I tend to insert a lot of "uhs," "umms," awkward pauses, and incomplete thoughts while speaking, especially when trying to articulate an idea quickly. Rambler essentially eliminates all that. It's a feature powered by Gemini that’s built right into Gboard. Instead of simply transcribing everything I say word for word, it refines my speech in the process. On days when I don’t feel like typing out a long message, I can speak naturally without pre-planning every sentence. Rambler discards filler words and polishes everything up, so the end result reads as though I delivered it perfectly the first time.

      What makes it even more advantageous for me is that I can mix languages while speaking. Rambler accommodates multiple languages in the same voice input session, allowing me to switch languages mid-sentence and continue speaking. Once I start dictating longer messages, notes, or random thoughts this way, going back to painstakingly typing everything feels incredibly tedious.

      See it, Circle it, Google it

      Circle to Search is a feature I've grown quite accustomed to. See a pair of sneakers in an Instagram post? Just hold the bottom of the screen, circle them, and Google will search for them. Spot a lamp you like on Pinterest? Same thing. It saves me from attempting to describe something to Google with a vague search like “round orange lamp with tiny legs.” However, with the Pixel 11, Circle to Search extends beyond whatever is on my screen. I can use it through the camera itself, allowing me to search for real-world items I’m observing. I aim the camera at whatever has caught my attention, activate Circle to Search, circle it, and let Google take care of the rest.

      That might seem like a straightforward addition, but it significantly enhances the feature's practicality in daily life. If I see a pair of headphones in a café and want to identify the model, discover a plant I can’t name, or come across a chair in a store that I want to find online, I don’t need to take a photo first or awkwardly describe it in a search box. I can simply point, circle, and search. In a way, the Pixel 11’s camera has become like the phone’s eyes. If I can see something, there’s a good chance my Pixel can help me identify it without needing any further explanation.

      Why fix it later when you can do it now?

      The Pixel 11’s camera features don’t stop there. I’ve also been experimenting with Camera Looks, which is quickly becoming my favorite way to add some character to photos before I even press the shutter button. I can now point the camera at what I want to shoot, head to the Looks section, and choose between Original, Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla. Each option alters the overall tone of the image, allowing me to decide if I want something that closely resembles what I see or a shot with