Pixel 11 Pro Upgrade Not Worth It: New Features Come with Significant Drawbacks

Brandon, a tech journalist and staff writer for MakeUseOf, recently had to reconsider upgrading his Pixel phone from the Pixel 10 Pro to the newer Pixel 11 Pro. With a $100 price hike on the new model, Brandon felt that the benefits of the upgrade weren't worth it.

The main physical change in the Pixel 11 Pro is a feature called HiLight, which replaces the temperature sensor on previous models. This multicolored programmable LED notifies users for calls only and has limitations, such as not working for texts or messages. Brandon also found an app that brings similar notifications to any phone, highlighting Google's missed opportunity.

When comparing specs, the Pixel 11 Pro offers some upgrades, including a slightly brighter screen, more base storage, and faster charging. However, it also has a major downgrade: less RAM by 4GB, which is a 25% reduction.