Google Pixel 11 Pro review
Design and handling
The Pixel 11 Pro, along with its siblings, is immediately recognizable among other Android phones. The distinctive visor-style camera bump on the back has remained largely unchanged for a few generations now. The only subtle tweak this year is that all of the camera hardware, including the LED flash and laser AF, is now covered by a single piece of glass.
It's a small change, but at least it gives you one way of telling the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 generations apart.
Google has kept the material finish as one of the visual distinctions between the vanilla Pixel 11 and the Pro model. The lower-tier Pixel gets a glossy back paired with a matte metal frame, while the Pro has the opposite combination. The Obsidian colorway is the odd one out, as both its frame and back panel have a frosted finish.
Pixel 11 • Pixel 11 Pro • Pixel 11 Pro XL
In addition to Obsidian, the Pixel 11 Pro comes in Canyon, Fog and Olive. We have the Olive variant on hand, and its subdued shade looks particularly classy in person.
As expected, the Pixel 11 Pro uses high-quality materials, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sheets on the front and back and an aluminum frame holding everything together.
Google claims that both the 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL have a new screen coating that should provide twice the scratch resistance compared to the Pixel 10 Pro series. It's a bold claim for sure, but we haven't been able to put it to the test.
The phone has seen no improvements to its ingress protection. It is still IP68-rated for standard dust and water resistance.
In general, Google approaches the control layout along the frame a little differently than any other phone maker. For starters, the SIM card tray sits at the top, rather than at the bottom. It can hold only one physical Nano-SIM, though eSIM is supported as well, and you can have up to two SIMs active at a time.
Another thing that sets Pixels apart from other phones is the somewhat unorthodox button placement, with the power button positioned above the volume rocker. If you're new to Pixels, it may irk you at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to.
The 11 Pro employs an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, conveniently positioned under the display. It worked quickly and reliably throughout our testing, and we had no issues with it.
As you've probably guessed by now, the Pixel 11 Pro is pretty slippery. It feels great in the hand, though it's also surprisingly hefty for a 6.3-inch device, tipping the scales at 204 grams. The extra weight does give it a reassuringly substantial feel, but those looking for a genuinely lightweight compact flagship won't find one here.
