The Pixel 11 They arrive at a difficult time for the sector due to the memory crisis that is making much of consumer electronics disproportionately expensive. Manufacturers like Samsung and Apple They have already passed on the increase in costs to the end user and now they do it Google with its new generation of Pixel phones. Not only that, but also has cut RAM on base Pro modelsin addition to eliminating versions with 128GB storage.
Generally speaking, we have a Pixel generation more refined but that also cuts back on the key aspect of memory, which compromises its longevity. If you like 16 GB of RAM in a Pro, as has been customary since the Pixel 9you have to buy the variant with at least 512GB. If not, you will have a Pro with 12 GB, something we have not seen since the Pixel 8 Pro.
We know this since the presentation of the range on August 12. During the last few days, LA RAZÓN has been able to test the highest model in the range, a Pixel 11 Pro XL 512 GB and finished in a beautiful sandstone color that, although it improves several sections, It is not a significant jump for those who come from a Pixel 10 or 9.
Design and screen
The small exterior changes maintain the identity of the range and refine finishes that were already good. Google has covered the camera module with a piece of glass end to enddiscarding the metal part, and retaining the matte back. The obsidian model also adopts a matte frame, while the others maintain shiny edges. The result It conveys the quality and feel of a premium smartphone, something characteristic of the Pixels since the 9th.
The screen Super Actua of 6.8 inches maintains the variable refresh rate between 1 and 120 Hz, but increases the maximum brightness up to 3,600 nits. They are 300 nits more than its predecessor and Google claims that the new coating doubles the resistance against scratches, something that we have obviously not verified. The improvement improves visibility in the sun, but the difference is small in normal use.
G6 tensioner
The SoC G6 tensioner It concentrates a good part of the promises of this generation. Google talks about 25% more speed when browsing, 15% when opening applications, 20% more efficiency and a 50% more powerful TPU. Everything moves fluidly, as expected, but The jump compared to the Tensor G5 is not evident in simple tasks.
A test as basic as turning on both phones helps put those numbers into perspective. Both the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro XL take about 12 seconds until they request the SIM card PIN. There are no major differences when performing daily tasks, but yes there is in the temperature. Under similar conditions, CPU-Z shows readings between five and six degrees lower in the new model. It is not a laboratory measurement, but it points to better heat management in a mobile phone that has traditionally been warm.
Camera improvements
The cameras provide more obvious improvements with a main sensor of 50 megapixels that grows until 1/1.3 inch and improves the detail between one and three times. The telephoto lens of 48 megapixels catch a 32% more light. Google raises the maximum zoom up to 120x magnificationalthough the only real optical increase is provided by the five-times telephoto lens. Between 5x and 30x, the phone crops and enlarges the central area of the image captured by that sensor, and uses computational photography to try to preserve detail and reduce noise. From 30x onwards, a generative model integrated into the device also interveneswhich reconstructs some of the lost information to produce a sharper image. The result may be striking, but it no longer represents only what the camera has captured optically. The rear camera system is completed with an ultra wide angle 48MP and 123 degreespractically identical to that of the previous generation.
The most practical photographic improvement is probably Instant Night Visionwhich reduces the time you have to keep the Pixel still. Magic Capture It is designed for scenes with a lot of movement, such as with children, pets or sports. With a single press, record a video and automatically extract several quality photos, already set for sharing. Camera Styles It allows you to apply different aesthetics and the tools for creators add teleprompter and framing guides, elements that matter little to the average user.
HiLightlocated in the camera module, is the most visible hardware novelty, but it is hardly going to be decisive in the purchase of a Pixel. The flash now has a series of LED that display a color, selectable from five, when a contact calls by phone and also light up when interacting with Geminiwhich is quite limited functionality. Google says that it will expand it in the future, but having an always-on screen on the one hand and on the other not being able to notify, for example, messages from WhatsApp or another app, its inclusion is anecdotal.
AI and software
The software innovations combine some practical ideas with a considerable dependence on Gemini. rambler converts an informal dictation into structured text and eliminates fillers. Instant Translation can dub videos and podcasts, Circle to Search It works on what the camera focuses on, which avoids having to photograph something first and then use the function, and Quick Share you can exchange files with AirDrop.
On the other hand, the new Gemini Proactive Supportcapable of displaying personalized suggestions based on what appears on the screen, notifications, location and connected applications, It is not initially available in Spain.
Ram increase and cutback
The main problem appears when looking at the price of the basic version. The 256GB Pixel 11 Pro XL costs 1,399 euros and reduces memory from 16 to 12 GB, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL arrived for 1,299 euros with the same 256 GB and 16 GB of RAM. To recover the 16 GB you have to choose the 512 GB model, which goes up to 1,529 euros.
The purchase of the Pixel 11 Pro XL is only clear for those who want improved cameras, a slightly brighter screen and superior thermal management. For the rest, the Pixel 10 Pro XL becomes more attractive as long as it maintains its price or appears reduced. Google has made a better mobile phone, yes, but it has worsened the relationship between price and basic configuration.