Google is gearing up to launch the new Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. While there are still plenty of big differences between the standard Pixel and its Pro-grade counterparts, this year's offering share a lot when it comes to specs, features, and design elements.
If you're having trouble telling Google's new phones apart, you probably aren't the only one. While all three devices certainly fall into the premium segment when it comes to price and specs, there's a lot to unpick and unpack when it comes to their various differences and similarities.
If you're on the fence, we're here to help run through everything you need to know about Google's new Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL before you decide which is going to be the better fit for your needs and budget.
To start, let’s compare the specifications of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL:
| Google Pixel 11 | Google Pixel 11 Pro | Google Pixel 11 Pro XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch 120Hz | 6.3-inch 120Hz | 6.7-inch 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP + 10.8MP + 13MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 42MP | 42MP |
| Processor | Google Tensor G6 | Google Tensor G6 | Google Tensor G6 |
| Storage | 256GB - 512GB | 256GB - 1TB | 256GB - 1TB |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB - 16GB | 12GB - 16GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 4,985mAh | 4,850mAh | 5,115mAh |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 7 | WiFi 7 |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Frame | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Durability | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Price | $1,499 | $1,849 | $2,099 |
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Price
The Google Pixel 11 and Google Pixel 11 Pro are both premium devices, and priced accordingly. Naturally, the entry-level Pixel 11 is the cheaper of the two. In Australia, it starts at $1,499 with 256GB of on-board storage.
The Pixel 11 Pro starts at a higher $1,849 with 256GB of onboard storage. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro XL starts at an even pricier $2,099 with 256GB of storage.
When it comes to affordability, the standard Pixel 11 is the obvious winner.
Here’s how much 256GB Pixel 11 variants cost on a 36-month plan through Vodafone, Telstra and Optus. Note that Vodafone is not ranging the Pixel 11 Pro.
Google Pixel 11 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$66.72/mth
Min. cost $1,537.32
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$68.57/mth
Min. cost $1,543.68
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$107.29/mth
Min. cost $1,572.68
Link not supplied
|
Google Pixel 11 Pro 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$76.46/mth
Min. cost $1,887.96
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$125.36/mth
Min. cost $1,922.96
Link not supplied
|
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$97.30/mth
Min. cost $2,137.80
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$103.30/mth
Min. cost $2,143.80
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$132.30/mth
Min. cost $2,172.80
Link not supplied
|
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Camera
While a quick glance might tell you that the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL all feature triple-lens rear cameras, the similarity in that setup is only half the story.
The back of the Pixel 11 is host to a 48MP wide lens, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens. Meanwhile, the back of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL feature a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL also have the advantage when it comes to selfies with a 42MP front-facing camera that easily outpaces the 10.8MP one on the Pixel 11.
While the Pro models have more megapixels, all three devices benefit from larger sensors when compared to last year's Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro. This tweak to the formula promises to prime Google's latest devices to deliver brighter and more detailed images. All three devices also come with improvements to Night Sight and Super Res zoom, courtesy of the Tensor G6 processor.
While we haven't had the chance to properly pit these camera setups against one another just yet, the math here adds up in a way that suggests that those who care about their smartphone photography are likely to be better served by the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL than they are the entry-level Pixel 11.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Connectivity
Both the Google Pixel 11, Google Pixel 11 Pro, and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL have 5G connectivity. They support a single physical nano SIM as well as eSIM and WiFi 7.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Design
When it comes to design, the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL have a lot in common. All three devices feature a new all-glass camera bar design, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and PixelSnap connectivity.
However, the new HiLight status indicator found on the back of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL is missing from the cheaper Pixel 11.
Similar to the “Glyph Matrix” found on the back of the latest Nothing Phone, this notification light can be customised in a number of ways but, broadly speaking, promises to keep you in the loop even when your device is face-down on a surface.
If anything, the most visible difference between the two comes in the form of the colour options. The Pixel 11 comes in four colour variants: Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, Obsidian.
The pallete for the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL overlaps a little but not entirely. Google's new Pro-grade Pixel phones are available in Canyon, Fog, Olive, and Obsidian.
Dodo's NBN 500 Unlimited plan is our pick for the best NBN 500 plan for September.
|
Dodo
FTTP, HFC
Editor's Pick
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Display
At a glance, most consumers are going to struggle to tell the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro apart. Both devices feature a 6.3-inch display clocked at a refresh rate of 120Hz with HDR 10+ colour.
The key difference between two devices and the screens on them is that only the Pixel 11 Pro has an LTPO OLED display. The Pixel 11 just has a more mundane OLED one. While these two devices share the same numbers of pixels per inch, the more advanced display tech found on the Pro endow it with superior power efficiency and the ability to dynamically change the refresh rate when needed. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is slightly larger at 6.7-inches, but comes with those same advantages.
The displays (and backs) on all three phones are protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which promises to offer additional protection against scratches and drops of up to one metre over rough surfaces.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Performance
When it comes to under-the-hood performance and specs, the Google Pixel 11, Google Pixel 11 Pro, and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL have more in common than you might think.
All three devices are powered by the Tensor G6 processor. The Pixel 11 complements that with 12GB of RAM. That's just as much memory as you'll find in the baseline model of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, but more expensive variants of those devices are kitted out with 16GB instead.
All three devices also come with seven years of major operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Battery
While the Pixel 11's 4,895mAh battery is slightly larger than the 4,850mAh one found inside the Pixel 11 Pro, there shouldn't be a huge difference in battery performance between the two. If anything, the slim gains to battery life that difference might make are likely to be balanced out by the superior power efficiency of the LTPO display on the Pro mode.
When it comes to charging, though, there is more of a difference between the two devices. A 30-minute charge will take the Pixel 11 from flat to 55%, while a 30-minute charge will take the Pixel 11 Pro to 75%.
Naturally, the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a little more to work with. It comes with a larger 5,115mAh battery and, when paired with a charger that supports faster charging speeds, can go from zero to 55% charge in just half an hour.
Should you get the Google Pixel 11 or Google Pixel 11 Pro?
While those who prefer top-of-the-line performance when it comes to photography or gaming are going to be better served by the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, this year's standard model will still get you pretty far. You might be short a few GB of RAM, but the Pixel 11 offers most of what makes Google's new Pixel phones exciting at a much more competitive price.
Fergus Halliday
Digital Content Editor
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