A Comparison of Google’s New Pixel 11 Phones and Their Predecessors
Google has just expanded the Pixel lineup with four new models: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. While these devices come with a slightly higher price tag than their predecessors, they also bring significant enhancements, including upgraded cameras and the new Tensor G6 chip, which promises faster performance. New photography features like Magic Capture, along with enhancements to Gemini Intelligence, expanded Live Translate capabilities, and the ability to use Circle to Search directly through the camera, make these phones stand out.
To help you decide whether to upgrade or stick with your current device, we’re comparing the specs of the 6.3-inch Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 models, as well as the 6.8-inch Pro XL models. If you’re interested in how the Pixel 11 Pro Fold stacks up against its predecessor and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, we’ve got a detailed spec comparison available.
Before diving into the specs, let’s highlight what’s new.
Higher Prices, More Storage
The most noticeable change is the price increase, which is a trend we’re seeing across the board. The Pixel 11 starts at $899, which is $100 more than the previous model, but it now comes with double the base storage at 256GB and 12GB of RAM. The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, also $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro’s launch price, offering the same 256GB storage and 12GB RAM, with options for up to 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. The larger 6.8-inch Pixel 11 Pro XL starts at $1,299 and shares the same storage and RAM configurations as the Pro.
Tensor G6 Enhances AI Features
Both the Pixel 11 and Pro models are powered by Google’s new Tensor G6 chip, which is said to boost performance by up to 25% compared to the previous generation. This chip also enables a range of AI enhancements, including upgrades to Gemini Intelligence, which can now extract more context from supported apps to provide useful information proactively. New voice-to-text features eliminate filler words and improve formatting, while writing assistance can leverage on-screen content to help draft, rewrite, and refine messages. Live Translate is now available for videos, podcasts, and voice messages, and Circle to Search allows you to identify objects, translate text, or search your environment directly through the camera without needing to take a photo first.
Camera Upgrades Inside and Out
The camera systems have received several upgrades, both in hardware and software. The Pixel 11 features a sleeker camera bar that sits flush with Google’s phone cases and can zoom in further than its predecessor, reaching up to 30x for photos. The Pixel 11 Pro series boasts an updated 1/1.3-inch 50-megapixel main camera sensor and a redesigned telephoto sensor that captures 32% more light. The Pro can zoom up to 120x and includes a 42-megapixel selfie camera. Additionally, the Pro is designed for faster low-light photography, with Google claiming its Instant Night Sight can capture images up to 4.5 times quicker.
Software improvements are also significant. The new Magic Capture mode in the camera app automatically takes photos and videos, making them ready to share with just a tap. Camera Looks allows for custom photo styles, while the Pixel 11 Pro series can record stabilized video at up to 8K using Pro Stable Video with Video Boost. A new Creator Suite includes tools for trimming and rearranging clips, using a teleprompter while recording, and enhancing speech clarity, automatically saving clips to a designated project album.
Comparing Pixel 10 and Pixel 11
These are just some of the key changes, but there are many other differences between the two generations. For instance, both the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro feature an Extreme Charging Mode that prioritizes charging for a quicker boost when you’re pressed for time. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL also include HiLight, which uses colored LEDs around the camera flash to alert you to notifications, like calls when your phone is face down or when Gemini is activated.
For a detailed look at these changes and everything else that distinguishes the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro from their predecessors, we’ve laid out the specs side by side below.
[Table: Pixel 11 specs comparison]