'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.
Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 17 Pro: How the new Pixel competes with its biggest rival
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
The Google Pixel 11 Pro and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro are two very different smartphones, but they're each positioned at the top of their respective lineups. They each target power users who want the best on offer but don't need a big 6.9-inch display, and both phones have flagship chipsets, 6.3-inch AMOLED screens, versatile cameras, and multiple AI-powered features. But should you go for iOS or Android?
Also: Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Why I'm considering the upgrade this year
I haven't had a chance to compare their camera performance yet, but here's how Google's new Pixel 11 stacks up against its Apple rival.
Specifications
| Google Pixel 11 Pro | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Display | 6.3-inch AMOLED; 3,600 peak nits | 6.3-inch AMOLED; 3,000 peak nits |
| Battery | 4,850 mAh; 30W charging; 25W wireless | 4,252mAH; 40W charging; 30W wireless |
| Camera system | 50MP Main, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP/5x Telephoto, 42MP Selfie | 48MP Main; 48MP Ultrawide; 48MP/8x Telephoto; 18MP Center Stage Selfie |
| Processor | Tensor G6 | A19 Pro |
| Connectivity | 5G | 5G |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB/16GB, 256GB/512GB/1TB | 12GB/256GB; 512GB; 1TB |
| Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $1,099 |
You should buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro if…
1. You want Gemini over Siri
The Pixel 11 Pro naturally offers a better Gemini experience than the iPhone. Google says it has co-designed the Tensor G6 chip's silicon architecture alongside the latest AI models from Google DeepMind to deliver better quality and lower latency. While the company is again aiming to "offload everyday, routine tasks" by letting you order groceries or book rides through Gemini, it has also introduced a way for the smart assistant to dial businesses to "complete tasks for you." While Gemini communicates, you'll get a live transcript view and the ability to take over the conversation at any point.
Also: Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Buy the old Android smartwatch or opt for the newest?
A smarter AI addition to the Pixel 11 Pro is contextual AI, which can pull relevant information from across your favorite apps more efficiently. Then there's Rambler, a new voice-to-text feature that lets your phone automatically remove filler words like "um" and format your thoughts with greater clarity before you hit send.
The iPhone will have similar Siri capabilities with iOS 27, but we'll have to wait until September to see them. If you buy a Pixel 11 Pro (or Fold), you can also get 6 months of the Google AI Pro plan with expanded usage limits in Gemini, 5 TB of cloud storage, and Google Health Premium at no cost (a $119 value).
2. You want a notification light on your phone
Google is bringing back my favorite long-forgotten, useful feature, the notification light, in a new form. The new Pixel 11 Pro series has HiLight, an array of ambient LED lights built around the camera's flash to "give you light-based communications on the back of the phone." So, when you keep your phone face down and receive a notification, you can know what it's about without turning the phone over.
Also: Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: How the big Android foldables compare
At launch, Google is offering two HiLight functionalities: one for contacts and one for Gemini. You can assign a color to your favorite contacts so you don't miss an incoming call from them. The other use case is to receive a soft visual cue indicating when Gemini is listening, thinking, and responding.
Google said it is looking for ways to expand HiLight in the near future, including expanding its Favorite Contact notification feature to messages. But as of now, it had no comment on when this would become available.
3. You want an Android phone
For those of us who find home in Android's ecosystem, the Pixel 11 Pro is undoubtedly a better buy than the iPhone 17 Pro. It brings all-new Android 17 features, a bigger main camera sensor for better photography and videography chops, a decent battery boost, a brighter screen, and more capabilities with the Tensor G6 chip. Google is also adding Camera Looks, a new feature that lets you create your own set of distinct film styles like iPhone's Photographic Styles. All of this is paired with the much-loved smooth Pixel UI experience.
You should buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro if…
1. You record yourself often
If you are a vlogger or want to start recording yourself more often using your phone's selfie camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the better choice. Apple equipped the iPhone 17 series with a new 18MP Center Stage camera housed in a square sensor. The square sensor lets you shoot landscape selfies and videos without needing to turn your phone.
Also: How to download iOS 27 right now (and which iPhone models support it)
Apple's software in the viewfinder automatically repositions its framing based on the number of people in the photo, and it works surprisingly well. It makes the process of shooting oneself a lot easier than its rivals from Google and Samsung. In comparison, the Google Pixel 11 Pro has a decent selfie camera, but it won't be enough if you need a reliable, flexible front-camera experience.
2. You live in Apple's ecosystem
Google has made it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android on both the software and hardware fronts with products like PixelSnap for MagSafe accessory compatibility and software like Android Switch for device migration. However, if you already own a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone 17 Pro is the better phone to purchase. It will seamlessly integrate into your workflow and pair with all other Apple devices.
Also: 5 underrated iOS 27 features that make my iPhone way better - and none are Siri AI
Going for a Pixel 11 Pro in this regard will cost you more than just replacing your phone; you'll need to replace an entire hardware ecosystem. If you're planning to purchase a Pro-level iPhone for under $1,000, I'd suggest buying the iPhone 17 Pro right now, since the iPhone 18 Pro series is likely to see a price hike when it launches in September.