'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
After testing the Pixel 11, I feel fine about skipping the Pro models - here's why
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Pixel 11 base model is nearly identical to the Pixel 10, with a few incremental upgrades.
- It starts with 256GB of storage, has a slightly bigger battery, and better camera sensor.
- The Pixel 11 base model doesn't support HiLight, but it's not a huge miss.
Google has announced its upcoming Pixel 11 series, and per usual, much of the attention will be given to the higher-end models like the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro Fold. But don't overlook the Pixel 11 base model, as it's still one of the more affordable flagship Android phones on the market right now.
Also: I replaced my Samsung with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold - a week later, I'm going back
At first glance, the Pixel 11 looks identical to its predecessor, the Pixel 10 with the same 6.3-inch OLED display, and weighs a mere 0.3 ounces lighter. The changes start with the camera bar though -- it's slightly slimmer, and the flash bulb is now directly integrated with the rest of the bar. With a case on it, it lies completely flat on a surface.
The fact is, the Pixel 11 offers a very similar experience compared to the Pro, and it's $200 cheaper. The biggest differences lie in the display (it has a slightly higher resolution and is brighter on the Pro) and the camera tech.
An improved camera
The camera improvements are supported by the new Tensor G6 chipset, which Google delivers better performance along with an improved ISP (image signal processor) to generate high resolution images faster, as well as a TPU (tensor processing unit) to power AI features.
The Pixel 11 retains a triple-camera setup, combining a 48MP main camera with a 13MP ultrawide lens and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto option. While that system is identical to what you find on the Pixel 10, the primary sensor is larger and 56% more light-sensitive, allowing the camera to take in more light for brighter, cleaner photos.
Google is also expanding the Pixel's photography software toolkit. Features like Camera Coach and Best Take are returning, and joined by a few new additions, primarily Magic Capture and Camera Looks.
Magic Capture allows users to simultaneously record video and capture high-quality still photographs that are automatically cropped and ready to share. Camera Looks, meanwhile, lets users apply custom filters to shots while preserving Google's Real Tone software, helping skin tones remains accurate even when a filter is applied.
Also: Pixel 11 XL Pro: Google's big flagship is more Pro than ever, but the camera is no big thing
Low-light photography is also getting some attention. Night Sight will benefit from the Tensor G6 platform, enabling clearer low-light images. But I wish the Pixel 11 got Instant Night Sight -- a feature exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro models that processes nighttime photos up to 4.5 times faster.
More starting storage
The Pixel 11 now starts with 256GB of storage, eliminating the 128GB base storage entirely. Buyers who need more space can opt for the 512GB configuration. The battery also received a modest bump, now featuring 4,985 mAh (up from 4,970) battery that Google claims can last over 30 hours on a single charge with support for fast charging.
When it's time to top off, the Pixel 11 can reportedly reach up to a 55% charge in about 30 minutes with a compatible charger. Following in the footsteps of the Pixel 10, the new phones support the Qi2.2-compatible Pixelsnap accessories.
No HiLight, but that's okay
The Pixel 11 base model doesn't come with the much-talked-about HiLight feature, which is limited to the Pro models. In my opinion, it's not a huge deal, as it's still rather niche and limited in what it can do, at least as of now. For example, it only has five color options to choose from, and only lights up from calls (not texts) and when you're talking to Gemini.
Also: Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: How the big Android foldables compare
Even though Google might call HiLight a standout feature that differentiates the Pixel 11 Pro from the base model, it's simply not developed enough yet to be all that impactful. The base model has a lot more going for it.
The base model Pixel 11 starts at $899, and is available on preorder today, with devices officially available on August 20th.