The Google Pixel 11 series is official
After months of rumours, Google has now officially announced the Pixel 11 series. This brings an end to a long period of speculation and ‘corridor talk’. Today we’re introduced to four devices: the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL and the 11 Pro Fold. Naturally, the smartphones will launch with Android 17 pre-installed. You’ll receive seven years of updates, including both Android OS updates and security updates. There’s support for eSIM and space for one physical SIM card. The Google Pixel 11 models are IP68-certified and therefore dust- and water-resistant.
HiLight and Tensor G6
In terms of design, there are no major changes. The familiar horizontal camera bar remains, but it has become slimmer and is now made of glass from edge to edge. The Pixel 11 even features a telephoto lens, but more on that later. HiLight is a new feature that was previously rumoured under the name ‘Pixel Glow’. All four devices are equipped with this feature. The flash is fitted with coloured lights. When your Pixel is lying face down, HiLight can notify you of events. For example, with HiLight you can assign a colour to a contact, such as when you receive an incoming call. The lights also react to Gemini (such as when Gemini is listening, thinking and replying). HiLight works with Google’s Phone app and with WhatsApp. It is reported that the functionality will be expanded in the future to include broader support.
All four Pixel models will feature Google’s own Tensor G6 chipset. This is the company’s latest-generation processor. According to Google, this chipset includes various improvements. We won’t get too technical, but Google promises 25 per cent faster web browsing and 15 per cent faster app loading. The Titan M3 security chip is also included, which securely stores your personal data and, for example, encryption keys.
There is support for eSIM and space for one physical SIM card. The Pixel 11 supports up to Wi-Fi 6E, whilst the Pro models also support Wi-Fi 7. Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, extensive support for location services and, on the Pro models, Ultra-Wideband are also included. The phones have at least 12GB of RAM, with the Pro models also offering 16GB as an option. Storage capacity is 256GB or 512GB, whilst the Pro models also offer a 1TB option.
The four smartphones feature Pixelsnap, a magnetic ring on the back that is also Qi 2.2-certified for wireless charging at up to 25W.
Gemini
Gemini plays a central role, becoming even smarter with Gemini Intelligence. This includes assistance with routine tasks, writing and speech-to-text. Filler words are automatically removed and your messages can be tailored to your own writing style. People with hearing impairments also gain new capabilities: via the Pixel Camera, sign language gestures can be recognised and translated into text, making conversations with people who do not know sign language easier.
It can also respond even more effectively to conversations, such as instantly retrieving your flight details if someone asks what time you’re landing. If someone mentions a restaurant, it can pop up on your screen straight away. And when several Airbnb links are shared (in the Google Messages app, for example), Gemini Intelligence can compare the listed properties at the touch of a button. You can also use Circle to Search directly from the Pixel Camera app, so you don’t have to switch between apps.
Pixel Camera
Google has also promised a range of improvements for the Google Pixel 11 cameras across all four devices. Work has been done on larger sensors and improved light sensitivity. The new Magic Shot mode helps you automatically capture and optimise moments. This allows you to experiment with different camera looks and styles, whilst adjusting the level of processing. For example, there’s an ‘Original’ mode, but in ‘Shadow’ mode you can add deeper contrast to your photos.
There are also new features for low-light photos and videos. Night Sight captures more detail and natural colours without a flash, whilst Instant Night Sight on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL works up to 4.5 times faster thanks to the Tensor G6 chip. For video, the Pro series offers Professional Video Stabilisation up to 8K with Video Boost. In addition, features such as the new Creator tab, the Teleprompter and improved voice amplification make it easier to edit videos and record footage.
The devices
We’ll briefly summarise the key specifications for each device. If you’d like to review all the specifications at your leisure, use the buttons below to navigate to the device pages.
Google Pixel 11
Google is releasing the Pixel 11 in the colours Frost (ice blue), Hibiscus (pink), Pistachio (green) and Obsidian (black). It features a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2424 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 60–120Hz. The maximum peak brightness is 3000 nits. It has a 4,985 mAh battery that charges to 55 per cent in 30 minutes.
It features a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It also has a 48-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 10.5-megapixel selfie camera.
Google Pixel 11 Pro
The Google Pixel 11 Pro features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display, but has a higher resolution (2856 x 1280 pixels) and a dynamic refresh rate of 1–120 Hz. The maximum peak brightness is 3,600 nits. The 4,850 mAh battery keeps the device running, with 55 per cent charge achievable in 30 minutes. It features a (new) 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The selfie camera is a 42-megapixel sensor.
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Many of the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL’s specifications are the same as those of the ‘standard’ Pro model. For example, the camera specifications are identical. Naturally, the screen is slightly larger: the Pixel 11 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels. The battery capacity is also larger, totalling 5115 mAh and charging to 75 per cent in 30 minutes. The Pro models will be available in the colours Canyon (coral), Olive (green), Fog (mint-like) and a matt black colour called Obsidian.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Then there’s the foldable device in the range: the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. This phone is lighter and thinner than its predecessor. Google is particularly proud of the bezels – the screen edges – which have also become thinner. According to Google, the new foldable is three times more durable, is IP68-certified and is virtually impossible to break. The display is 20 per cent brighter on both the outer and inner screens. The ‘Bubble Everything’ feature from Android 17 has also been optimised for the foldable.
On the front, there is a 6.5-inch OLED screen (2342 x 1080 pixels, 1–120Hz), whilst the inner screen is an 8.0-inch OLED display (2152 x 2076 pixels, 1–120Hz). The foldable phone features a 4,750 mAh battery, which can be charged to 50 per cent in 30 minutes. There are three cameras on the back of the device: a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.5-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. On the front of the cover screen there is a 10-megapixel selfie camera, whilst when unfolded there is also a 10-megapixel front-facing camera. It is available in two colours: the green-coloured Olive and the black Obsidian.
Availability
The Google Pixel 11 series is available for pre-order from today. You can pre-order it from Coolblue, Belsimpel, Mobiel, Bol.com, MediaMarkt and also from the mobile network operators Odido, KPN and Vodafone.
The Pixel 11 256GB costs €999 and the 512GB version €1129. The 256GB Pixel 11 Pro will be delivered to your home for €1,199, the 512GB version for €1,329 and the 1TB version for €1,589. The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 256GB costs €1,399, the 512GB version €1,529 and the P11 Pro XL 1TB €1,789. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold costs €1,999.
We’ve compiled the specifications for all four phones on their respective product pages. You can access these via the buttons below.
