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Google’s Pixel 11 continues to set the standard for what you should expect from a base flagship phone with class-leading cameras, long software support, and nearly all the bells and whistles of its most expensive models. The regular Pixel 11 costs £879 (€999/$899/A$1,499), making it £80 or equivalent more expensive than last year’s model due to rising RAM costs. It offers 256GB storage and is £200 cheaper than the Pixel 11 Pro, matching Samsung’s Galaxy S26.
At first glance, the Pixel 11 looks similar to previous models with a glass front and back, flat aluminum sides, and a slimmed-down camera bar. The 6.3-inch OLED screen is crisp, bright, and supports 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The in-screen fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, while the camera-based face recognition works well during the day and is secure for banking apps. The Tensor G6 chip is up to 20% faster than previous models, though it lags behind top-end rivals like Qualcomm and Apple. Battery life lasts around 54 hours of light use, with faster charging at 30W. The phone supports Android 17 with updates until August 2033, featuring Google’s proactive AI tools like Magic Cue (UK) and Gemini Proactive Assistance (US), which provide real-time suggestions and even take actions like booking restaurants.
The Pixel 11’s camera system includes a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera, with digital zoom up to 30x. New features include the ‘Looks’ customization tool for photo processing styles, Magic Capture for automatic event recording, and a Creator Suite for video editing. Sustainability efforts include 33% recycled materials and repairability support. The phone is available in four colors and competes with the Pixel 10a, Pixel 11 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S26, and Apple iPhone 17. Overall, the Pixel 11 delivers a high-quality experience with strong cameras, long software support, and useful AI features, making it a strong contender under £900 despite not being a major upgrade from previous models.
Source: The Guardian
