Google Pixel 11 Pro Review: Incremental Upgrades and AI Rebalance in a $1,299 Creative Phone

Google has launched the Pixel 11 series, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL, reviewed as a creative photographic tool, starts at $1,299. The phone introduces a new telephoto camera with a larger Type 1/1.95 sensor and 5x optical equivalent zoom, delivering noticeable low-light and detail improvements. It also features the new G6 Tensor processor, which speeds up image processing, and a 6.8-inch display peaking at 3,600 nits. The battery capacity slightly dropped to 5,115 mAh, but power efficiency gains keep longevity similar to the previous model. The camera app now emphasizes manual control with customizable color 'Looks' presets, while generative AI features have been moved out of the camera app into the Gemini assistant via the Nano Banana model, a process the reviewer found convoluted. Magic Capture records video and automatically selects high-quality stills from key moments, offering a practical alternative to shooting simultaneously. Video enhancements include 'Active Stabilization' and a 'Creator' menu with a teleprompter, but these have limitations such as 1080p/30p recording and vertical-only mode. Due to rising memory costs, prices are higher, with the 16GB RAM/512GB storage model costing $1,419. Alternatives include the Samsung S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The reviewer recommends the Pixel for North American buyers seeking a photographer-friendly smartphone.