Google’s Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL Impress: A First Look at the New Smartphones

One is small, the other large. This roughly sums up the differences between the new Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL. These two devices are remarkably similar and both represent the pinnacle of what Google can achieve with smartphones (excluding foldable smartphones, as the Pixel 11 Pro Fold caters to that niche).

The lineup features no major upheavals but offers rather appealing and enticing smartphones.

Two Attractive Smartphones Each With Their Appeal

I had the opportunity to handle both devices. In either case, I was quite taken with how they felt in hand. The matte finishes particularly appeal to me.

Imagine my delight with the completely black version (Volcanic Black) that even extends the matte finish to the aluminum edges. On all other colors (Peach Pink, Olive, and Mist), the chassis is more glossy.

If I had to choose between the two models, I would probably prefer the Pixel 11 Pro XL to the smaller Pixel 11 Pro. With a larger screen and a bigger battery, it better suits my needs (I watch a lot of videos on my smartphone and am very active on it throughout the day).

However, even though the market may not support this trend, a significant number of people desire a relatively compact smartphone to easily store and hold for extended periods without hand fatigue. The Pixel 11 Pro aims to appeal to these users by demonstrating that a small phone can still offer a high-end experience without compromise. At least, that’s the promise.

In terms of build quality, I can confirm there are no compromises, and both smartphones come with the same rounded corners coupled with straight edges that fit comfortably in the hand.

Both devices also feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both front and back, primarily designed to resist scratches, along with an IP68 certification.

New Camera Module and Pixel HiLight

Take a look at the camera bar at the back. It is exactly the same on both smartphones. However, there’s a slight change in this generation compared to previous years: the glass plate now covers the entire module and thus surrounds the LED flash as well. Previously, this part was made of metal.

The difference is subtle but noticeable. However, the real evolution directly involves the LED flash with a feature long teased: the Pixel HiLight.

The LED flash on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL can display various colors and animate in different ways depending on usage. Specifically, Google highlights two functions:

• linking a color to each favorite contact;
• indicating that Gemini is listening during your interactions with AI.

In a dedicated article, I detail the Pixel HiLight demo I attended. Spoilers: I’m still a bit underwhelmed.

Regarding the screen, both models feature OLED with a variable refresh rate (1 to 120 Hz). Importantly, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are 10% brighter than their predecessors, reaching a peak of 3600 nits.

Differences Between the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL

Before we go further, here’s a table summarizing all the differences between the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL for clarity.

Since we’re on the topic of batteries, it’s worth noting that both phones benefit from magnetized wireless charging with Google’s proprietary Pixelsnap solution (similar to MagSafe but by Google). This is certified Qi2.2 to reach up to 25 W of power on both the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

New Chip and Photo Enhancements

Inside the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, you’ll find Google’s in-house Tensor G6 chip (which is expected to be less constrained than on the standard Pixel 11). The brand promises a 20% improvement in energy efficiency compared to the Tensor G5 and smoother performance in daily tasks. Also included is a Titan M3 security chip and up to 16 GB of RAM depending on the configuration chosen.

However, it is primarily the AI capabilities that are highlighted with the Tensor G6, and the photo performance benefits from this. Google specifically mentions an “enhanced image processor, a 50% more powerful TPU, and sophisticated models integrated into the device for faster processing of complex computational photography data.”

The camera setup of the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL relies on a trio of rear sensors. There’s a new generation 50-megapixel wide-angle lens promising better detail reproduction. The other two cameras offer 48-megapixel resolution with an ultra-wide lens and a stabilized telephoto lens offering a 5x optical zoom.

Pushing the software processing, Google goes up to 120x with digital zoom. At the front, there’s a 42-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus. The Magic Capture feature is also part of the package across the entire Pixel 11 series.

A word on the software side: both models come with Android 17 and seven years of updates (Android and security). Gemini is also pervasive, and the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL even boast of being perfectly tailored for Gemini Intelligence, which is a very deep integration of Google’s AI into the Android system.

On paper, Gemini Intelligence does more than just respond to your requests; it anticipates them to display notifications and information relevant to the time of day, your location, or your upcoming appointments. Google still needs to detail which specific functions will be available in France, but the foundation is set.

Price and Release Date

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are now available for pre-orders in France, until August 19th inclusive. Here are the prices to note.