Pixel 11: all the details and first impressions of Google's new generation of smartphones

Google has officially launched its new Pixel smartphone lineup, with the Pixel 11 serving as the base model. The launch took place during a special event on Thursday night (MESZ), following a collaboration with comedian Trevor Noah as host, alongside appearances from celebrities such as basketball star Steph Curry, singer PinkPantheress, and Japanese actress Ayami Nakajo. In addition to the smartphones, Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 5 and a new device called Pixel Tag, which functions as a competitor to Apple’s AirTag. These additional products were covered in a separate article. The Pixel 11 comes in four variants, continuing Google's tradition of offering multiple models within the series. Alongside the standard Pixel 11, the company unveiled the more powerful Pixel 11 Pro, the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. All devices feature a refined design rather than major changes, reflecting Google’s strategy of incremental improvements over radical redesigns. The base model, the Pixel 11, showcases several updates. One noticeable change is the redesigned camera module, featuring a continuous black glass surface instead of the previous metal flash cover. This subtle aesthetic shift is complemented by a thinner camera bump, which protrudes less prominently from the back panel, reducing it by 40 percent compared to the previous generation. The color options for the Pixel 11 include Obsidian, Frost, Hibiscus, and Pistachio, with the latter two standing out for their vibrant hues, particularly the intense red of the Hibiscus variant. While the display size remains unchanged from the Pixel 10, the weight has decreased slightly by seven grams, making the device marginally lighter. The screen specifications, including resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, remain consistent with the previous model. However, the camera system sees notable enhancements. The main camera features a larger sensor capable of capturing 56 percent more light, improving low-light performance. Although the ultra-wide and 5x telephoto lenses remain the same, Google claims an increase in maximum zoom capability from 20x to 30x. All new Pixel models are powered by the Tensor G6 chip, developed by Google. This new processor continues the company’s approach of prioritizing specialized optimizations over raw processing power. While the exact performance metrics have not been fully disclosed, the Tensor G6 is designed to enhance specific tasks related to Google’s ecosystem, such as image processing and AI-driven features. The Pixel 11 series also introduces the return of the “HiLight” feature, a popular tool that allows users to highlight key moments in videos. This feature, previously available on earlier models, adds value to the user experience by providing greater control over video content. Additionally, some models see slight adjustments in RAM configurations and pricing, with certain variants seeing increased costs. As part of the launch, Google emphasized the balance between innovation and familiarity, ensuring that the new devices maintain the core strengths that made the Pixel series successful. With these updates, the Pixel 11 represents another step forward in Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its flagship product line while addressing evolving consumer demands.