Google Pixel 11 series review: Is the magic fading?

Key Points:

• Google's Pixel 11 series offers refined designs, excellent OLED displays with higher brightness, and strong camera capabilities, including new software features like Camera Looks and Magic Capture, but hardware changes are minimal compared to previous generations.
• The phones run Android 17 with deep AI integration through Google's Gemini, enhancing voice transcription and app automation, though some AI features like the new HiLight notification LEDs are underwhelming and limited in functionality.
• Performance-wise, the Pixel 11 series uses the Tensor G6 chip, which delivers smooth daily use and good thermal stability but lags behind competitors in gaming and benchmarks; notably, base RAM was reduced to 12GB, a step back from prior models.
• Battery capacities have slightly decreased across the lineup, yet battery life remains roughly consistent with previous models, and charging speeds have improved only on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, now supporting 45W wired charging.
• While the Pixel 11 phones remain solid choices with long-term software support, their incremental upgrades and higher prices make them less compelling for current Pixel owners, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold faces stiff competition from thinner, faster foldables by Samsung and Motorola.