Google Pixel 11 series review: Is the magic fading?

In every day use, the Pixel 11 telephones really feel nice. Animations are fluid, contact response is on the spot, and apps open rapidly. Google’s telephones can really feel quicker than even the Galaxy S26, which is typically inconsistent regardless of being the quickest on paper. Google’s chip can be extra thermally secure than high-end Qualcomm chips, shedding beneath 25 % of its efficiency throughout prolonged use.

Gaming is extra of an issue for Google, although. The corporate continues to be utilizing the identical PowerVR GPU within the new Tensor chip, which is markedly slower than what you get in high-end chips from Qualcomm or Apple. Consequently, in case you’re enjoying graphically intensive video games like Genshin Affect or the cell port of Pink Useless Redemption, you’re going to get decrease body charges with the Pixel. For the less complicated, free-to-play video games most individuals play, the Pixel is a lot highly effective.

It’s notable that Google has backtracked on RAM within the Pixel 11. Beforehand, Google cited the necessity for operating larger on-device AI fashions as a motive to improve base SKU Pixel telephones to 16GB of RAM. Nevertheless, the 2026 Google telephones begin at 12GB, and it’s important to improve to get 16GB. Meaning you’re a minimal of $1,219 for the Pixel 11 Professional with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM.

Heavier apps and video games might shut extra rapidly on the 12GB variations of the Pixel 11, however the distinction has been minimal in my testing. Nevertheless, ought to it’s important to make that type of compromise with a cellphone that prices $100 greater than its predecessor? In all probability not. That stated, Google’s telephones are usually higher at preserving apps in reminiscence than, say, Samsung, which solely has 12GB of RAM in its $2,100 foldable.

Battery life can be sophisticated with the Pixel 11 sequence. All of the batteries are barely smaller throughout the board this yr. The flat telephones are lower than 100 mAh smaller, however the Pixel 11 Professional Fold dropped greater than 200 mAh in comparison with final yr’s foldable. But Google is claiming related battery life this yr, someplace between 24 and 30 hours, relying on the mannequin.

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