Google unveils Pixel 11 and 11 Pro: more camera, more durability, more Gemini

On an aesthetic level, the company worked above all on the camera bar, which has always been a distinctive element of the Pixel line. In the basic model the thickness has been reduced by 40% compared to the previous generation, an intervention which, combined with the new Made by Google covers, significantly reduces protrusions and improves the stability of the device when placed on a flat surface. Pixel 11 adopts a satin metal structure with a shiny glass back and Actua display, and is available in four colors: pistachio green, hibiscus pink, wisteria purple and obsidian black.

The Pro models raise the bar even further. Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL feature the brightest Super Actua display ever created by Google, up to 3600 nits, protected by a new coating with more than double the scratch resistance compared to the previous generation. The drop-resistant design introduced with the Pixel 9 series is retained and refined, making these the most durable Pixel Pros ever produced. The colors available are misty grey, olive green, matte pink and completely matte obsidian black. The entire range starts from 256 GB of storage, with cuts up to 1 TB for the Pro models, and supports the fastest charging ever seen on a Pixel, thanks also to integration with Pixelsnap accessories and Qi2.2 compatibility at 25 W.

One of the most original innovations concerns HiLight, an exclusive function of the Pro models which uses the colored LEDs integrated around the flash to communicate information without having to turn on the screen. The system lights up in different patterns to signal, for example, that Gemini is listening to, processing or responding to a request, and allows you to assign custom colors to incoming calls from specific contacts. It’s an attempt to reduce constant smartphone-related interruptions while still keeping the user informed about the things that really matter.

On the photographic front, Pixel 11 introduces a new 48-megapixel main sensor with a 56% higher light sensitivity, particularly useful in low light conditions, while the 5x telephoto lens gains, thanks to Tensor G6, a digital zoom of up to 30x. The Pro models receive a completely new main sensor, described by Google as the best ever fitted to a Pixel, and a redesigned 48-megapixel telephoto lens, with 30% higher light sensitivity and Portrait mode available with up to 5x optical zoom. The Zoom Pro instead reaches 120x. Night Photo mode also benefits from hardware and software improvements, shooting up to four and a half times faster than the previous generation, without losing quality.

However, the real distinctive element of the range remains Tensor G6, defined by Google as the fastest and most powerful chip ever made for a Pixel. The new CPU delivers 25% faster web browsing and 15% faster app launch, while 50% more TPU computing power, paired with the latest Gemini Nano, allows it to process on-device AI tasks up to 3.5 times faster, with power consumption reduced by the same proportion. On the security front, the new dedicated Titan M3 chip works in synergy with Tensor G6 to introduce post-quantum cryptography already at the start-up phase of the device, a measure designed to anticipate future threats as well as current ones.

All models in the range will receive seven years of operating system, security and Pixel Drop feature updates. Those who purchase a Pro model also get six months of Google AI Pro, which includes expanded use of Gemini, 5TB of cloud storage, and access to Google Health Premium. Alongside the new smartphones, Google also launches new accessories, including a transparent cover and new colors for the Pixelsnap ring support.

In Italy, distribution will take place through the Google Store, as well as the main retailers Amazon, MediaWorld, Unieuro and Euronics. Pre-orders for the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and the new Pixel Watch 5 are open from Wednesday 12 August, with availability in physical stores and online starting from 20 August.