5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Pixel 11 Pro XL

The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s reveal introduced with it extra questions than solutions. Google’s new flagship is a blended bag, with some wanted enhancements but in addition an unlucky downgrade. It’s a telephone that’s more durable to justify this yr, as Google has raised costs, which can give some consumers the impression they’re paying extra for much less.

It’s not a straightforward resolution, even for hardcore Pixel followers. Smartphones have gotten costlier throughout the board, however Google is now on the identical taking part in discipline as everybody else, and consumers will demand outcomes. For those who’re on the fence about shopping for a brand new Pixel 11 Professional XL, listed below are 5 Android alternate options that may win you over as an alternative.

The bottom Pixel 11 Professional XL now begins at $1,300, inserting it squarely towards the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung isn’t even at a RAM drawback this yr, as Google’s entry Pixel 11 Professional XL variant comes with solely 12GB of RAM — a downgrade from final yr. I’m certain Google will spotlight extra environment friendly Gemini Nano fashions which might be designed to run on 12GB, however the actuality is that the telephone comes with much less.

It’s not an ideal telephone, however there are fewer query marks concerning the Galaxy S26 Extremely. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers excellent efficiency and supplies every little thing you need from a flagship chipset, whereas the Tensor G6 stays an unknown. Gaming is a superb expertise on the Galaxy S26 Extremely, and also you’ll get pleasure from a easy expertise for years to come back. Whereas Samsung is gradual to replace its different fashions, the Galaxy S26 Extremely does have a unbelievable digicam system, headlined by a 200MP main sensor. It’s private choice, however Pixel cameras don’t dominate {the marketplace} like they used to.

The battery life is strong on the S26 Extremely, and it’s not such as you’re getting a silicon-carbon cell on the Pixel, which can have given Google’s gadget a bonus. One UI 8.5 is an excellent person expertise on the S26 Extremely, and I’ve been having fun with One UI 9 on my Galaxy Z Fold 8, so I anticipate the same expertise on Samsung’s different telephones. I should still give the nod to Materials 3 Expressive design on the Pixel 11 Professional XL, however Google’s person expertise benefits gained’t at all times be sufficient to offset different shortcomings. For those who’re on the lookout for a flagship various, the Galaxy S26 Extremely needs to be your first cease.

Not everybody who buys a Pixel essentially wants top-of-the-line efficiency, and chances are you’ll be within the temper for one thing completely different. That’s exactly what Motorola gives with the Razr Ultra (2026). It’s costly, with a beginning value of $1,500. Nevertheless, you get 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and numerous gross sales and provider reductions, so you’ll be able to at all times decide one up for much less.

For those who’ve solely ever used conventional smartphones, the Razr Extremely is a breath of contemporary air. Its 4-inch cowl display is excellent for fast Instagram scrolls and checking messages, and it unfolds to disclose a stunning 7-inch inside show, offering the expertise you’re presently used to. It’s smooth and compact, and I really like that Motorola experiments with completely different textures and colours.

In contrast to the Pixel 11 Professional XL, the Razr Extremely has a full silicon-carbon battery, and it’s held up properly in testing. I can simply get two days on a single cost with blended use. It does characteristic final yr’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, however I by no means felt brief on energy. You additionally gained’t get practically the software program assist and options you do with the Pixel 11 Professional XL, but when that isn’t a promoting level for you, the Razr Extremely is value a glance.

For those who’re coming from an older Pixel 6 or 7, you will not be excited on the prospect of shelling out $1,300, even when you purchase by a provider with a month-to-month fee. For those who love the Pixel expertise, however not the value tag, the Pixel 10a is an honest various. For $500 (for now), you get lots of the identical perks of Pixel possession.

You’ll nonetheless get pleasure from over six years of software program assist, with the identical Materials 3 Expressive design expertise. Android 17 runs properly on my Pixel 10a, and I get phenomenal battery life from its 5,100mAh cell. It might not characteristic a Tremendous Actua show, however the 6.3-inch Actua panel on the Pixel 10a is brilliant and vibrant. The telephone could have the identical Tensor G4 chipset because the Pixel 9a, however the modem has been upgraded, addressing a main grievance for a lot of customers.

Sure, the cameras aren’t as versatile as what you’ll discover on the Pixel 11 Professional XL, however you’re paying a fraction of the value. You sacrifice the telephoto lens, however the Pixel 10a nonetheless supplies sharp, detailed low-light pictures because of Night time Sight. For those who by no means discovered your self pushing your telephone to the restrict, the Pixel 10a is an effective way to avoid wasting money.

The Nothing Phone 3 is a little bit of a wildcard, however it’s arduous to disregard with its $600 price ticket. The compromises are clearly there in comparison with the Pixel 11 Professional XL, however the telephone isn’t a slouch. It encompasses a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM, delivering easy efficiency. Nothing additionally features a 5,150mAh battery and 65W charging, that means you’ll be able to high off in a rush.

I get pleasure from what Nothing does with its software program. NothingOS is clear, and the Cellphone 3 will get 5 years of upgrades and 7 years of safety updates — that means you gained’t be left behind anytime quickly. The telephone’s cameras are succesful, however I absolutely anticipate the Pixel 11 Professional XL to come back out forward — which will matter much less to you once you’re parting with 700 fewer of your hard-earned {dollars}.

As soon as once more, it feels just like the Pixel 11 Professional XL’s stiffest competitors will come from Google’s personal lineup. The Pixel 10 Professional XL remains to be a superb telephone, with six years of software program assist left, strong battery life, and snappy efficiency from the Tensor G5. I haven’t had lots of the issues that plagued earlier Pixels. You gained’t get HiLight or different upgraded options, however that issues much less to me after I’m paying a a lot cheaper price.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL encompasses a premium construct and a very good digicam system, with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto. They will not be the brand new, bigger sensors Google is packing into the Pixel 11 Professional XL, however I benefit from the pictures I get from my Pixel 10 Professional XL, and I’m assured Google’s computational images will hold my pictures wanting sharp for years.

Pre-owned Pixel 10 Professional XL’s are presently promoting for round $875, however I anticipate that value to drop because the Pixel 11 Professional XL begins to roll out. For those who store round, I’m assured you could find a deal that saves you a whole bunch.

Whereas I recognize what Google’s executed with its Pixel gadgets over the previous couple of years, paying up for a Pixel 11 Professional XL is a distinct dialog. I’m not saying the telephone isn’t value it, however it’s undoubtedly a good suggestion to look into different choices and make your best option in your wants.