Pixel 11 Pro XL Review: A Modest Upgrade With Some Surprising Downgrades

The latest Pixel phone from Google is the Pixel 11 Pro XL, which starts at $1,299. While this is only a $100 increase from last year's model, there are some notable downgrades in terms of specifications. The base configuration now comes with 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB, and the battery has been reduced to 5,115 mAh from 5,200 mAh.

However, the new phone does come with a number of upgrades, including a new 50 MP main camera sensor, a redesigned 48 MP telephoto lens with a larger sensor, and an AI-enhanced Pro Zoom that can reach up to 120x zoom. The display is also improved, with a 6.8-inch Super Actua panel rated for up to 3,600 nits of peak brightness in direct sunlight.

The Tensor G6 chipset built on a 2nm process powers the phone and provides efficiency and on-device AI processing. In terms of performance, the phone is generally smooth and responsive, but it can struggle when pushed to its limits, such as during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.