Pixel 10 part 2
The Pixel 11 will probably take the best parts of the Pixel 10 and improve them, thanks to a new chip, an improved modem, and a new camera.
Benefits
- High base storage
- It is a 2nm chip with high performance
- New MediaTek modem
- With a thin body
- 50MP primary camera
Evil
- High starting price
- Outdated GPU
- Non-LTPO display (60-120Hz)
A new standard
The Pixel 10 is one of the best AI phones you can buy, and with a triple camera setup, you can take great photos, even up close.
Benefits
- Cheap starting price
- 7 years of OS development
- Qi2 magnets are built in
- Fun and useful AI features
Evil
- Low storage
- It’s an old chipset
- US SIM only
- Pro features missing
The Pixel 10 is one of our favorite smartphones of 2025, but now that we’re getting closer to the launch of the Pixel 11, I’m taking a look at the specs on both phones to decide if it’s worth upgrading from the Pixel 10. Or at least which phone you should consider buying.
At the moment, we have no official information on the Pixel 11, other than rumors and leaks. Fortunately, there was plenty of both, allowing us to paint a pretty good picture of what to expect. And after reviewing the Pixel 10 myself, I’m very interested to see what Google develops for its successor.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: Another of the same design with one bright mystery
From the leaks we’ve seen, the Pixel 11 won’t look too different from the Pixel 10. The dimensions are said to be very similar, although the Pixel 11 may be a hair smaller. The Pixel 10 is already quite thick, so we welcome any way Google can reduce that, especially given the battery life.
The most noticeable design changes may come from the rear. The camera visor appears to have removed the aluminum bit that houses the camera flash on the Pixel 10. Instead, the entire housing appears to be covered in glass for a uniform look.
There is also the story of this mysterious Pixel Light. We’re not exactly sure what this is, but based on Google’s Pixel 11 teaser on the Google Store, it appears to be part of the LED flash unit inside the camera bar, which acts as a colorful indicator light (not a light bar as previous rumors suggested). This could be an indication of notifications or AI interactions, similar to what we expect with the upcoming Googlebooks.
There’s also a chance this won’t be available on the base model, but fingers crossed!
On the front, the display won’t change much. It will remain a 6.3-inch OLED panel, and Google may improve the brightness of the display, as companies usually do with each generation. With any luck, Google may include some of the accessibility features introduced with the Pixel 10 Pro, but we’re not holding our breath.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: Rumored details point to significant changes
The biggest changes to the Pixel 11 will mostly be under the hood. The phone is expected to be powered by the Tensor G6, which is likely to be a 2nm chipset developed by TSMC, which should make it perform well. I didn’t have many problems with the Pixel 10’s performance, but any improvement here is welcome.
One advantage of the Tensor G6 would be the new MediaTek built modem. This could mean we’ll see a marked improvement in connectivity, which users often complain about on Pixel phones with Samsung modems.
Interestingly, the Pixel 11 may come with an outdated GPU, so you won’t be able to rely on it for heavy gaming. Fortunately, compatibility should improve, especially after the Pixel 10 initially lacked updated GPU drivers, which made games look a little wonky.
|
Section |
Google Pixel 11 (rumor) |
Google Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
|
Storage options |
256GB, 512GB |
128GB, 256GB |
|
RAM |
12GB |
12GB |
|
Show |
6.3-inch 120Hz AMOLED |
6.3-inch 120Hz AMOLED |
|
The processor |
Google Tensor G6 |
Google Tensor G5 |
|
Battery |
4,985mAh |
4,970mAh (typical) |
|
Communication |
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6, LTE |
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6, LTE |
|
Colors |
Midnight Haze, Bright Sterling, Moss, and Fuchsia |
Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian |
Unfortunately, there probably won’t be much in the way of battery gains, but I haven’t had any issues with battery life on the Pixel 10. I’m hoping Google improves the charging speed from the Pixel 10’s 30W wired and 15W Qi2 wireless, but I’m not holding my breath.
One thing I’m excited to see with the Pixel 11 is the new storage base. These days, 128GB just doesn’t cut it for a flagship, so I’m glad to see that 256GB might be the new standard. Unfortunately, this may come with a higher price tag than the base Pixel 11, with rumors pointing to a $100 increase to $899.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: How will Pixel 11 improve software and AI experience?
One good thing about the Pixels is that the software experience will be very similar across models. The Pixel 10 uses Material 3 Expressive, so it’s more colorful and full of fun shapes. I actually enjoyed the Pixel software experience for the first time with Android 16, thanks to improvements like the customizable quick settings menu and notification organizer.
That extends to the AI experience, which is powered by the Tensor G5 chip. Google introduced new neat AI features, like Camera Coach and automation that allows Gemini to place ride and food delivery orders for you. And with features like Gemini Live, the Pixel 10 is the complete package.
The Pixel 11 will undoubtedly improve in software and AI experience, especially with Gemini Intelligence scheduled to arrive this summer. The Pixel 10 will likely get many of these features as part of an improved AI experience, but the new chipset could bring special capabilities to the Pixel 11.
At the moment, we don’t know what features the Pixel 11 will introduce apart from the possible Pixel Glow light array. It’s expected to launch with Android 17 out of the box, and while we’re still waiting for some previously announced features to arrive, there’s a good chance they’ll come with the Pixel 11.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: Welcome camera upgrade in tow
Last year’s Pixel 10 featured a “downgraded” 48MP primary camera, though it still takes great photos. Thanks to the addition of a third 5x telephoto sensor, zoom photos were excellent. For the Pixel 11, rumors suggest that Google is returning to a 50MP primary sensor, which could improve noise reduction and low-light performance.
Overall, we can see a slight improvement in image quality compared to the Pixel 10. However, I would like to see the Pixel 11 get the same camera features as the Pro models, as the Pixel 10 missed a few.
Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: So should you upgrade?
If you already have a Pixel 10, I expect there will be little reason to upgrade to the Pixel 11. The Tensor G5 is a very capable chipset and will likely support many of the new features coming to the Pixel 11. And even so, I doubt any of the new features will be enough to convince many to switch their device.
And, with seven years of OS improvements and security patches, the Pixel 10 still has plenty of life left in it.
Still, the Pixel 11 might be a good phone to consider for anyone who doesn’t own a Pixel 10. That is, if you can stomach the rumored price hike (which could include double the storage, mind you). Perhaps if you’re coming from a Pixel 9 or earlier, the Pixel 11 might be worth the upgrade, especially if it means you get a third camera lens.