A technology reviewer who initially expected to dislike the Google Pixel 11 Pro changed course after a week of hands‑on testing, describing the device as a modest but meaningful step forward for the brand. The reviewer purchased the phone for under £200 after combining four pre‑order discounts and a trade‑in of a Pixel 10 Pro, a price that prompted a closer look despite earlier plans to wait for a future model.
Modem and Connectivity Improvements
The most noticeable upgrade, according to the reviewer, is the new modem integrated into the Pixel 11 Pro. The predecessor, the Pixel 10 Pro, suffered from an outdated modem that left parts of the reviewer’s town without signal, caused frequent call drops, and contributed to excessive heat and battery drain. In contrast, the 11 Pro delivered reliable 5G data and clear hands‑free calls even in areas where the older device failed. The reviewer deliberately drove to previously dead zones and reported that the new phone “maintained a connection in all of them,” matching the performance of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Thermal performance also improved. While the Pixel 10 Pro regularly became “toasty,” especially when running image‑heavy apps like Instagram, the Pixel 11 Pro stayed cool to the touch, warming only once during wireless Android Auto navigation. The reviewer likened its heat management to that of a Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Battery endurance appeared better as well. Although the reviewer did not conduct formal testing, they noted that the phone lasted from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with roughly 20 % charge remaining, a marked improvement over the older model’s need to charge before bedtime.
Camera and Imaging Upgrades
Camera enhancements were another surprise. The new telephoto sensor can focus on subjects closer than the previous generation, enabling tighter framing without compromising sharpness. Google’s introduction of “Photographic Styles” – the reviewer selected a “Vanilla” preset with darker shadows and added contrast – mirrors a feature first seen on Apple devices and was praised as a long‑awaited addition for Android users.
Night Sight is claimed to be three times faster, and the reviewer corroborated the claim, observing razor‑sharp images of moving subjects that previously appeared blurry. Autofocus speed also improved, benefiting photos of pets, children, and other fast‑moving subjects. The reviewer concluded that the Pixel 11 Pro “may be the best phone camera you can buy” for such use cases.
Remaining Concerns and Value Proposition
Despite the positive impressions, the reviewer highlighted several drawbacks. Competing manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola have adopted silicon‑carbon (Si‑C) battery technology and offer faster charging rates, whereas the Pixel 11 Pro retains a conventional battery and supports only 25 W Qi 2.2 wireless charging. Moreover, the phone does not accept older Qi 1 chargers, rendering many existing wireless chargers ineffective.
The reviewer also questioned the device’s overall value at its price point, noting that “the Tensor G6 feels like a new foundation for future Pixels” but does not make the Pixel 11 Pro a better deal than rivals. While performance and thermal management have improved, the lack of faster wired or wireless charging and the absence of cutting‑edge battery chemistry leave the phone trailing behind competitors in those areas.
In summary, the reviewer’s week‑long experience suggests that Google has addressed critical pain points—modem reliability, overheating, and camera speed—while still falling short on charging convenience and price competitiveness. The reviewer hopes that the forthcoming Pixel 12 will build on this foundation and close the remaining gaps.
Norman Pearlstine is the Executive Editor and Co-Founder at News Raise. With over two decades of experience across financial journalism, corporate governance, and market analysis, Norman leads the editorial direction and ensures strict adherence to journalistic accuracy and ethics.
