Pixel 11 specs might disappoint, but Google got one crucial detail right

There have been complaints from Pixel followers that the Google Pixel 11 collection is missing in updates. That could be an issue with the cameras or the battery capability, however I, for one, am glad to see continuity in a single explicit space: Google’s deal with its magnetic Pixelsnap equipment.

Pixelsnap debuted on the Pixel 10 household final 12 months, and marked Google as the primary main cellphone model apart from Apple to faucet into the complete potential of Qi2 wireless charging. As somebody who’s already deeply concerned within the MagSafe ecosystem for my iPhone, I discovered it pleasant to see this on an Android cellphone. I used to be involved that this might find yourself being a one-year effort, the place even when Pixel 11 fashions have been nonetheless magnetic, Google wouldn’t do a lot else. Fortunately, Google proved that worry fallacious.

Whereas they didn’t get a lot consideration throughout the Made by Google showcase, Google’s lineup of Pixelsnap equipment stays — and, importantly, has been up to date. There are new circumstances to suit Google’s 4 new telephones, with choices from each Google itself and in style unbiased case makers like dbrand, Spigen, Mous, Case-Mate and Bellroy all obtainable from launch in quite a lot of colours. The identical goes for the Ring Stand accent from final 12 months, which is now offered in hues that match the cellphone’s colour choices.

That stated, the truth that Google’s Pixelsnap Charger Stand, which is only a body that the usual Pixelsnap puck sits in, now not color-matches is bizarre. I like the brand new Fog colour that Google is providing on a few of its new telephones and peripherals, however I don’t just like the two-tone impact it produces with the white stand.

Pixelsnap depends on the Qi2 magnetic wi-fi charging normal, which has been round since April 2023. Regardless of the underlying tech being over three years outdated now, Google stays the one main cellphone model aside from Apple to correctly sort out magnetic equipment.

There’s nonetheless HMD, in fact, whose 2024 Skyline mannequin was the primary Android handset to supply full Qi2 compatibility. Sadly, HMD is a small participant in most markets. And whereas some manufacturers like Samsung have made overtures, it’s nonetheless not placing in its full effort.

Take the lately launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for instance, or the Galaxy S26 collection from earlier within the 12 months — each main rivals for the brand new Pixels. Samsung sells magnetic equipment, however they’re solely talked about close to the underside of the telephones’ retailer pages, quite than highlighted close to the highest as with the Pixel 11 collection. And if you wish to use a Qi2 charger with considered one of these new Samsung handsets, it’s essential purchase a case first, since there aren’t any magnets within the cellphone — nowhere close to as handy because the built-in magnets within the Pixel 11.

Whereas I’m a fan of Pixelsnap, MagSafe, and co., I do know there are a selection of customers who aren’t thinking about it or are actively against its inclusion on telephones. There are good causes for this too — the alignment magnets intrude with reverse wi-fi charging and can add to the cellphone’s value, even when solely barely. Plus there will likely be a small however vocal group of cellphone geeks who will shout about copying Apple.

However there’s no disgrace in copying good concepts (supplied you’re not infringing patents or something), and Google understands that. I hope that in a 12 months’s time, once we presumably see the Pixel 12 collection, Pixelsnap stays current, if not improved with new and up to date equipment. Though given the disappearance of the thermal sensor on the back of Pixel Pro models this year, I wouldn’t put it previous Google to dump Pixelsnap in favor of some new gimmick within the hope of grabbing a brand new set of headlines.

Let’s hope that doesn’t occur.