A Familiar Flagship
Google has released the Pixel 11 Pro XL, a device that feels remarkably similar to its predecessors. Despite the internal hardware shift to the Tensor G6 chipset, the phone bears a strong aesthetic resemblance to the Pixel 10 Pro and 9 Pro models released in 2024. After a week of testing, it is clear that owners of the previous two generations have little reason to upgrade. The 11 Pro XL arrives with a starting price of £1,279 or $1,299, marking the highest entry point for a non-folding Pixel to date.
This price increase arrives alongside a reduction in memory. The base model now includes 12GB of RAM, down from the 16GB provided in last year’s 256GB storage configuration. While the phone features a new 50MP main camera sensor and an updated 5x telephoto lens, these adjustments are incremental rather than transformative. The design retains the familiar rear camera bar, though the temperature sensor found on previous Pro models is gone. In its place is a notification light system called HiLight, which remains limited to incoming calls from specific contacts.
Performance and Software Trade-offs
Google has oriented the Tensor G6 chipset toward artificial intelligence tasks rather than graphical fidelity. The device runs Gemini-integrated software smoothly, showing no lag during daily tasks like app switching or web browsing. However, the graphical processing unit is surprisingly weak for a premium device. In Geekbench 6 testing, the 11 Pro XL scored 7,912, a figure that falls significantly behind the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s score of 24,611.
Mobile gamers should avoid this handset. While it handles standard productivity apps without issue, the chip struggles to maintain performance in graphically demanding titles. The software experience remains the primary highlight, characterized by a clean interface and the promise of seven years of security updates. One standout feature is Rambler, a voice-to-text tool that intelligently filters filler words and corrects phrasing in real time. It is a rare example of AI integration that improves utility rather than just adding bulk to the interface.
Camera Capabilities and Long-Term Value
Photography on the 11 Pro XL relies heavily on computational processing. The camera performs well with moving subjects, making it a reliable choice for photographing children or pets. Still, it lacks the hardware scale found in competing Chinese flagships like the Vivo X300 Ultra or Oppo Find X9 Ultra. Google’s reliance on software to bridge the hardware gap results in images with boosted contrast that occasionally stray from natural color reproduction. The inclusion of new manual shooting modes under Camera Looks provides users more control, though the default settings will likely remain the preference for most owners.
Battery performance is strong, with the 5,115mAh cell lasting through a full day of heavy use. Charging speeds are limited to 45W wired and 25W wireless, falling behind market leaders. The inclusion of Pixelsnap magnets allows for convenient use of wireless chargers, mirroring the utility of Apple’s ecosystem. Potential buyers should consider if these features justify the high cost. Given the performance limitations and the availability of more powerful alternatives like the Galaxy S26 series, the 11 Pro XL is best suited for those who prioritize software longevity over raw power.