Google's new Pixel 11 lineup features super-bright OLED displays and spatial audio support

A pink and gold Google Pixel 11 Pro on a white/pink gradiant background with a piece of coral
(Image credit: Google)

Google has unveiled its latest quartet of Android smartphones, and they're all getting upgraded OLED displays that are brighter than ever before.

The new Pixel 11 range includes four new handsets in total: the standard Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. All versions are powered by Google's new Tensor G6 processor, which will deliver 20 per cent better power efficiency, 25 per cent faster browsing and 15 per cent faster app loading, according to Google.

All four devices will launch with Google's latest Android 17 operating system, and it should come as no surprise that they come packed to the brim with Gemini AI functionality, including Circle to Search, auto-translation, improved voice-to-text capabilities, AI photo editing tools, and many, many more software-related features.

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However, it's the new OLED displays featured across the range that have our attention, as their blisteringly high brightness claims could make them ideal for watching movies on the go. So without further ado, let's take a deep dive into the new Pixel 11 range...

Google Pixel 11

Google Pixel 11 in black, green, light blue and pink on a white background

(Image credit: Google)

The Pixel 11 sports a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 2424 x 1080, a pixel density of 442ppi, a variable refresh rate of 60-120Hz, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. HDR support is included, though Google hasn't confirmed if that extends to Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

While all of that remains mostly consistent with last year's Pixel 10, the 11 sports an upgraded peak brightness of 3000 nits; that's higher than the flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The display is also covered by Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which should ward off scratches, and the phone sports an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Google has also upgraded the Pixel 11's camera, with a new 48MP main sensor that is touted to improve light sensitivity by 56 per cent, which should improve low-light photography. A 13MP ultrawide sensor and a 10.8MP telephoto camera support this.

Battery life appears to be the same as the Pixel 10, with a very slightly larger 4985mAh cell that can reportedly deliver over 30 hours of usage. It supports 30W wired USB-C fast charging too, which can top the battery up to 55 per cent in just 30 minutes, and wireless Pixel Snap (which is Google's answer to Apple's MagSafe feature) fast charging up to 25W.

The Pixel 11 comes in two storage options – 256GB or 512GB – with 12GB of RAM. Four colour options are available: Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio and Obsidian. Pricing is yet to be revealed, but we'll update this as soon as we find out.

Google Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL in black, green, light blue and pink on a white background

(Image credit: Google)

Taking a step up in the range, Google is once again offering its Pro smartphones in two sizes. The Pixel 11 Pro sports a 6.3-inch Actua LTPO OLED display with 2856 x 1280 resolution and 495ppi. Above it, the 11 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display with 2992 x 1344 resolution and a slightly lower pixel density of 486ppi.

Peak brightness jumps up to a whopping 3600 nits on both handsets, and the Pro models also get an anti-scratch shield on top of the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display for even greater durability.

HDR support remains, and Google also references Spatial Audio, which is available on all Pixel 11 devices.

Battery life stays at 30+ hours, despite the 11 Pro having a slightly smaller 4850mAh battery, and the 11 Pro XL's larger 5115mAh cell sticks with the same battery life claims too. The Pixel 11 Pro XL specifically gets a major charging boost, as it can reportedly reach 75 per cent in around 30 minutes with a compatible 45W USB-C charger.

The 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL have identical camera setups, both coming with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens with a Pro Zoom feature. This can reportedly reach 120x zoom at optical quality.

There's also an all-new feature related to the camera, which is exclusive to this duo of Pro devices. Google is introducing HiLight with the Pixel 11 Pro series, which involves an array of ambient LED lights on the rear of the devices designed to convey information without having to look at your phone's screen.

At launch, HiLight can be customised to show coloured lights assigned to favourite contacts or to indicate when Gemini is listening for hands-free interactions.

The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL come in three storage configurations – 256GB, 512GB and 1TB – with 12GB or 16GB RAM. They're available in four finishes too: Canyon, Fog, Olive and Matte Obsidian.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold open on a white background

(Image credit: Google)

Last, but by no means least, is the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. As the name suggests, this is Google's latest foldable phone, and it's launching hot on the heels of Samsung's new Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The 11 Pro Fold sports two displays. There is an external 6.5-inch Super Actua OLED display with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, a 2342 x 1080 resolution and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Unfolded, it features an 8-inch Super Actua Flex internal display with a 2151 x 2076 resolution and a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate.

Google claims that both displays can reach a peak brightness of 3600 nits. Both are also confirmed to feature HDR support.

Despite being the largest phone in the lineup by surface area, it sports the smallest battery at 4750mAh. That bigger display is, understandably, more power-hungry, which means you can expect a battery life of 24+ hours according to Google.

Thankfully, 30W USB-C fast charging ensures that you can juice the phone up to 50 per cent in roughly 30 minutes, according to Google. PixelSnap is also supported for magnetic wireless charging and accessory support.

HiLight also makes an appearance on the Pro Fold, and the camera cluster on the rear of the phone includes a 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB configurations, all of which include 16GB of RAM, and there are two finishes to choose from: Obsidian and Olive.

MORE:

Read our Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

As well as our Apple iPhone 17 review

And check out our picks for the best smartphones for movies and music

Senior Staff Writer

Lewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips.

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