The upcoming Pixel 11 has me worried. I've been a loyal Pixel user for years, and while I appreciate Google's focus on software and AI features, the hardware compromises have been a persistent issue. The Pixel 11 series seems to be sticking to the same formula, which is concerning.
One of my main concerns is the battery life and charging speed. Fast charging is essential in 2026, and while Google might increase its power, it's unlikely to match the 60W charging speed of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. A larger battery capacity is also needed to improve the day-to-day experience, but rumors suggest the Pixel 11 series will retain similar battery capacities as the current generation.
The Tensor G6 processor, which is expected to be faster, still falls behind competitors in terms of peak performance and sustained graphics performance. This is a significant issue, especially for mobile gaming and on-device AI processing.
Camera hardware is another area that needs improvement. While Google's Pixel series has excellent cameras, rivals are now offering more exquisite details and long-range shots with new hardware. The Pixel 11's camera upgrades will be incremental, and the introduction of decorative RGB lighting seems like an odd priority when rivals are experimenting with periscope sensors.
The Pixel 11 series also risks feeling like a software-focused device, with only incremental hardware improvements. This is a disappointment for Pixel fans who have been waiting for substantial hardware upgrades. The smaller RAM options on the baseline Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold are also concerning, especially given Google's push towards larger on-device AI models.
In conclusion, the Pixel 11 series may be another very good smartphone, but it's becoming harder to ignore the hardware gap between Google and its competitors. Google's strategy of prioritizing software and AI features is valid, but it's time for some meaningful hardware upgrades to keep up with the competition.
