Two days before their official unveiling, PlanHub was invited to Google’s Montreal office. We handled the new phones and watched several live demonstrations. This short hands-on session cannot replace a complete review. However, it provided an early look at the design and new features.
An Early Preview at Google’s Montreal Office
Google welcomed us in a relaxed setting, with a few drinks and snacks. We had enough time to handle the different Pixel 11 models. In addition, Google representatives demonstrated several new features.
We also saw the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and the latest Pixel watches. However, those products will receive their own articles. For this first look, we focused on the three traditional smartphones.
A few minutes cannot reveal much about battery life or performance. Still, they allowed us to examine the materials and handling. We also took our own pictures of the devices. They will complement Google’s official images and give this article a more personal perspective.
A Phone That Could Only Come from Google
At first glance, the Pixel 11 phones have an immediately recognizable style. The camera bar remains the centrepiece of the design. However, it is now slimmer and better integrated into the metal frame.
The Pixel 11 has a glossier finish. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL use a more subdued matte texture. As a result, the Pro models look more understated and slightly more premium. The colours displayed during the event were also relatively neutral.
Despite these differences, all three devices felt comfortable in the hand. More importantly, they retain the clean “Google look” that separates them from other Android phones.
The Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro feature 6.3-inch displays. Meanwhile, the Pro XL increases the screen size to 6.8 inches. Finally, all three models carry an IP68 rating. They will also receive seven years of Android, security and Pixel Drop updates.
HiLight Adds a Subtle Touch to the Pro Models
HiLight is one of the more charming additions to this generation. The feature is exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL. It uses a small set of LED lights located near the flash.
When the phone rests face down, the lights can signal a call from a favourite contact. During our demonstration, users could select from five colours. Therefore, the alerts can be personalized to match different contacts or preferences.
HiLight can also indicate when Gemini is listening, thinking or preparing a response. As a result, users do not need to look at the screen.
This feature probably will not sell the phone by itself. However, it fits naturally into the design. It also adds some personality to devices that might otherwise feel overly serious.
Magic Capture Was the Feature That Impressed Us Most
Magic Capture was the most convincing feature shown during the presentation. Its basic concept is simple. The user records a short sequence while the subject moves or changes poses.
The Pixel then analyzes the scene with artificial intelligence. It automatically selects key moments and turns them into individual photos. Cropping and blur reduction are also handled without additional work.
During our demonstration, a five- or six-second sequence produced nearly ten pictures. The different poses were isolated correctly. Moreover, the photos were immediately ready to view and share.
This feature could be especially helpful for children, pets and other moving subjects. Most importantly, it appears simple enough for regular use. Magic Capture gives Google a more practical advantage than another vague promise about AI.
Familiar Cameras with More Ambitious Hardware
The Camera app remains easy to understand. Anyone familiar with a Pixel phone should quickly find their way around. The new features are also accessible without completely changing the interface.
The Pixel 11 now receives a proper 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It joins a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide. Super Zoom can therefore reach up to 30x.
The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL use a more ambitious camera system. They feature a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide. A 48MP telephoto camera also provides 5x optical zoom. Their Pro Zoom feature can reach up to 120x.
In addition, the Pro models feature 42MP front cameras. The standard Pixel 11 uses a 10.5MP selfie camera. Finally, both Pro models can record 8K video with Video Boost. They also benefit from the new Pro Stable Video mode.
A Positive First Impression Before the Full Review
All three phones use Google’s new Tensor G6 processor. It works alongside the Titan M3 security coprocessor. According to Google, this generation improves both performance and power efficiency.
Gemini also plays a larger role in the overall experience. It assists with translation, voice transcription and contextual suggestions. However, some features will depend on the language, country and supported applications.
Google claims more than 30 hours of battery life across the range. In addition, all three devices support Pixelsnap magnetic charging at up to 25W. The Pixel 11 Pro XL stands out with faster wired charging. Google says it can recover up to 75% of its battery in about 30 minutes.
Our early impression is positive. Magic Capture was particularly convincing, while HiLight feels simple and well executed. The design also remains faithful to Google’s visual identity.
The next step is to use a Pixel 11 for several days. We can then properly evaluate the cameras, zoom, Gemini features, battery life and everyday performance.
