Google Pixel 11 Review: Same Old, Same Old
The Google Pixel 11 has arrived with its predictable and sleek design, but it's largely similar to last year's model. The phone comes in various colors, including Hibiscus (hot pink), Pistachio (warm green), Frost (white), Obsidian (black), and the usual Pro options. Unfortunately, Indigo, a popular color from last year, is no longer available.
The Pixel 11 has a 6.3-inch screen with an excellent OLED display, featuring a 1080 x 2424-pixel resolution and refresh rates of 60 or 120 Hz. However, it's disappointing that Google didn't upgrade to a variable refresh rate (1 to 120 Hz), which can save battery life. The display is plenty bright with a 3,000-nit peak brightness.
The fingerprint unlock on the Pixel 11 is fast and reliable, but Google's Face Unlock still has issues in low light conditions, a problem that will be familiar to iPhone users who have defected to Android. Additionally, US buyers will only be able to use eSIMs, as physical SIM cards are no longer supported.
The new Tensor G6 chip promises 20 percent gains in power efficiency and 25 percent faster browsing speeds. The Pixel 11 comes with 12 GB of RAM and 256 or 512 GB of storage. In everyday use, the phone feels fast and responsive, but it may struggle with demanding games.