This 2026 version of Google Pixel combines a sage green with a light gold trim that looks every inch premium

It’s been almost ten years since my first brush with the Google Pixel, which debuted in India in 2016. It became one of my ‘go to’ smartphone cameras as I journeyed with the Pixel over the last decade. Google was an early mover in the computational photography space even before AI became a buzzword.

The Pixel camera began to peak with devices like the Pixel 7 Pro (2022) and the 8 Pro (2023). There was one problem though: you needed to opt for the heavier Pro version for the best camera experience. Fortunately, that changed with the Pixel 9 series in 2024 when Google launched the first Pro device with an XL suffix. It gave consumers a choice of two form factors: the Pro and the Pro XL. I am clearly in the Pro camp. I’ve always preferred compact flagships that are easier for one-handed navigation and don’t feel clunky in the hand. The last two years have seen more brands unveil compact flagships (with display sizes ranging from 6.1 to 6.4 inches) that deliver top-of-the-line camera experiences and a dependable batteries. The Google Pixel 11 Pro certainly has multiple rivals to contend with. Is this the compact flagship to beat in 2026?

Design

It’s easy to fall for the Google Pixel’s minimalist design aesthetic. The Pixel 11 Pro refines it further with a thinner design. The trademark camera visor morphs into a unified block of black glass, with a new LED notification dot joining the rear camera module. Google has crafted the 11 Pro with a polished aluminium frame. We checked out the Olive colour way that reminded me of the Hazel colour variant in the Pixel 7 Pro. The 2026 version combines a sage green with a light gold trim that looks every inch premium. While the orange colour (that Google calls Canyon) might be getting all the attention, I prefer the subtle appeal of the Olive. The 11 Pro also comes in a black trim (Obsidian) with a matte finish.

At 204 g, this device feels good in your hand, it’s comfortable to reach all ends of the screen. It comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. You can buy the official Google Pixelsnap case that allows you to easily snap it on to compatible wireless chargers. It worked really well with one of my iPhone MagSafe chargers.

Display

The Pixel 11 Pro shares the same display specs as its predecessor (the 10 Pixel 10 Pro) but there’s one ‘visible’ difference. The Pixel 11 Pro sports a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED (1280 x 2856 pixels / 497 PPI) display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Google has increased the peak brightness to 3600 nits, it makes it one of the most vibrant displays on any compact flagship. Colours are punchy and blacks are truly deep. I watched an entire session of play of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley (on Sony LIV), the Pixel 11 Pro captured the vibrant colours on a bright summer’s day. If your smartphone is your primary screen, you might be tempted to opt for the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch display. It’s also the Pixel I’d recommend for serious gamers.

Camera

It all boils down to this. If there’s one reason Google Pixel has developed a cult following, it’s the Pixel Camera. Google’s seamless blend of hardware prowess and computational photography has kept Pixel cameras in the mix. But it’s no longer a USP for Google. From Vivo to Xiaomi, there are multiple brands that are leveraging their partnerships with imaging brands to craft unique camera experiences in smaller flagship phones. The rear camera makes subtle improvements. It combines a 50MP primary sensor, 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP 5x telephoto camera. The Pixel 11 Pro comes with an f/1.68 aperture on the main sensor for more light. If you’re using a 10 Pro, you will notice improvements in lowlight images. The larger 5x telephoto sensor impacts zoom photography.

From early morning light on a gloomy day in Coorg to Chennai’s bright sunshine and a dimly lit restaurant, I put tested this camera in multiple lighting scenarios. The one visible difference was the reduced shutter lag thanks to the improved Tensor G6 chip and what Google calls Instant Night Sight. If you’re one of those who waited an extra second for Pixel phones to snap lowlight images, this new feature is your fix.

The Pixel 11 Pro comes with a whole bunch of new features and an improved 120x zoom. I tried this extended zoom while snapping a Asian Fairy-bluebird in Coorg and the camera leaned on AI to generate an image that looked very close to the actual bird. The bigger question is whether you should be relying on these AI images or be content with a blurry image that is still the real thing. The 11 Pro comes with a new set of tools for creators including a teleprompter that I found particularly useful. I’m sure this is a feature some public figures might find handy too. The other cool tool is Magic Capture that captures action moments in short bursts and picks out the perfect freeze frame. It’s also fun for bird photography or catching your kids in action.

Performance

Rising RAM prices and input costs have forced most smartphone brands to cut corners but it’s disappointing to see Google scale down the RAM on the base variant from 16GB (in 2025) to 12GB. It didn’t have an impact on performance though. I put the 12GB/256GB variant to test and it didn’t stutter. The all-new Tensor G6 chip makes improvements across the board including everyday camera usage. Google’s Pixel phones are not likely to win any benchmark tests but they are ready for everything from intense gaming to multi-tasking. You get the best of Google UI experience with the latest Android updates (seven years of OS updates). Battery performance (there’s a 4850 mAh battery under the hood) is one of the improvements over the 10 Pro, thanks largely to the more power efficient G6 chip. It’s certainly not a battery champion but should last a day for most average users. It supports 30W charging that is not as fast as most of its Android rivals.

Verdict

If there are three reasons that make the Google Pixel 11 Pro easy to recommend, it’s the compact form factor, rear camera and the overall Google user interface and experience. You get a whole bunch of Google smarts and the latest software updates. It’s not perfect though.

We would like faster charging speeds, while the much publicised HiLight feature built around the camera island is still quite basic. If you’re using a Pixel 9 Pro or 10 Pro, this is an upgrade you can skip. It’s certainly a significant upgrade if you’re moving from an older Pixel device. The Google Pixel 11 Pro makes a strong case for a compact smartphone with very few compromises.

Price: ₹1,19,999 onwards

Pros: Compact form, stellar camera, vibrant display, best of Google

Cons: HiLight is quite basic, battery charging speed

Published on August 26, 2026