The Pixel 11 may not be the top Pixel of 2026, but it offers the best value.

It’s easy to overlook the Pixel 11 in Google’s lineup. If you’re after top-tier cameras, the Pixel 11 Pro is the way to go. Looking for a budget-friendly option? The Pixel 10A still offers great value. However, the Pixel 11 might just hit the sweet spot this year. With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it matches the performance of the base Pixel 11 Pro for $899—$200 less. While it’s $400 more than the Pixel 10A, it boasts a faster processor, additional RAM and storage, Qi2 charging, and a telephoto lens.

The Pixel 11 is also the most affordable way to experience the new features of the Pixel 11 series. The hardware remains largely unchanged from the Pixel 10, aside from new colors and a sleeker camera bar. This year, the focus has shifted to software enhancements that leverage what Pixel fans love most: the cameras and unique features that enhance usability.

Last year, we noted that the Pixel 10 was fairly priced at $799, and it would be unreasonable to expect more from it. Fast forward to now, and with rising prices across the board, the new Pixel 11 starts at $899 with similar specs. It introduces a few exclusive software features that help justify the price increase and doubles the base storage. It seems unreasonable to expect much more from this model as well.

The Pixel 11 shares a similar look, feel, and performance with the $1,099 11 Pro. While the Pro features a brighter, higher-resolution display and superior ultrawide and telephoto cameras, the 11 holds its own in nearly every other aspect. It runs on the same Tensor G6 processor and has the same RAM as the base Pro model (though the pricier Pro versions offer 16GB). In everyday use, I didn’t encounter any performance issues due to the lower RAM on the 11, likely thanks to the newer processor balancing things out.

Google hasn’t skimped on software features for this model either. As someone who typically holds off on upgrading their phone (I’m still quite satisfied with my Pixel 9 Pro), I was initially skeptical about whether the new camera features—Camera Looks and Magic Capture—would entice me. Unfortunately for those of us trying to delay an upgrade, both features are fantastic.

Like its predecessor, the 11 features a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens, all of which are smaller and lower resolution than those on the Pro models. My Pixel 9 Pro’s wide and ultrawide lenses are comparable to the 11 Pro’s and significantly more capable than the Pixel 11’s. However, after a week of testing, I found I didn’t miss them as much as I expected. Camera Looks, in particular, made shooting with a Pixel more enjoyable than it has been in years. It’s fun to quickly switch between different sensor-level presets, which can significantly influence the outcome of a photo.

I’ve been a Pixel user since 2017, moving from the 2 to the 3 to the 6 to the 9 Pro, primarily for the camera capabilities. I trust them to capture great shots quickly and effortlessly. I even took the Pixel 2 on my honeymoon instead of a DSLR, and I have no regrets. If you’re a serious phone photographer who meticulously composes every shot, you might prefer the Pro. But for casual photographers like me, the quality difference isn’t as pronounced, especially with Camera Looks applied. This feature has even encouraged me to slow down and put more thought into my compositions.

Camera Looks seems to reflect Google’s understanding that the Pixel’s default vibrant HDR look isn’t ideal for every photo. Now, it’s easy to switch to the bold, slightly muted “Digi” or the black-and-white “Black Tie” styles for more impactful shots. If you find a Look you love, you can set it as your default. Plus, making adjustments on the fly is simpler with the new quick access dials you can pin to the viewfinder, allowing you to tweak exposure, color temperature, and shadows.

Magic Capture, another exclusive feature of the 11 series, is genuinely handy. This hybrid camera mode records video while intelligently extracting high-resolution photos and clips. I used it to capture spontaneous moments with my two-year-old at the beach and parks. It’s convenient to have a setting that captures the unexpected seamlessly. You can also take photos manually while recording, but the photos are the standout feature, as the resulting video can appear choppy and lacks stabilization. I prefer capturing individual photos, but the AI does a commendable job of seizing fleeting moments.

Another new software feature exclusive to the Pixel 11 lineup is Gemini’s Proactive Assistance. It’s designed to handle various tasks like managing calendars, making reservations, and grocery shopping. To use it effectively, you need to grant the AI permission to make changes across various apps, from Google’s productivity suite to services like OpenTable and Instacart. While it can be helpful, it sometimes feels like an intern who gets just enough wrong that you’d rather do it yourself.

In my discussions with a reviewer of the 11 Pro, Proactive Assistance was more miss than hit. One advertised feature is the OpenTable integration, which prompts a Gemini chip to book a restaurant reservation if it detects a relevant message. We only got it to work by being overly specific, including the restaurant’s full name and exact date and time—definitely not how most people communicate.

I managed to order groceries through my Google Keep list, but only after figuring out some unspoken rules. After enabling access to both Google Keep and Instacart in Gemini’s settings, I had to rename my Google Keep list to include “Instacart” (so much for natural language). Once I did that, the feature quickly connected me with nearby retailers to fulfill my order, similar to how it works in the Instacart app. Proactive Assistance is intriguing, but I hope it improves over time.

When I purchased the Pixel 9 Pro two years ago, I chose it for its superior features: a telephoto camera, more RAM, and additional special features, all for under $1,000. This year, the standard Pixel 11 includes a telephoto lens and matches the Pro’s RAM, while also receiving all the same software features, now at a price below four digits.

For serious phone photographers, the 11 Pro may be worth the investment for its larger camera sensors. However, as someone who bought the Pixel 9 Pro two years ago, the Pixel 11’s combination of solid hardware and compelling software feels more than adequate.