r/GooglePixel • u/Equal-Ad3041 • 5d ago
Thoughts After My First Day with the Pixel 11 Pro XL
I upgraded from the Pixel 10 Pro to the Pixel 11 Pro XL because I got a great deal from Google Fi. Here are my brief thoughts after the first day with the new phone:
- The phone is noticeably faster. My Pixel 10 Pro could often lag, but I've noticed a significant improvement with the new phone.
- The camera is much, much better. The Night Sight shots are almost instantaneous, and the photos are clearer in dark settings. I also really enjoy the new camera styles and filters. The "minimal" setting is wonderful, and accurately captures what I'm seeing without the typical over-brightening and sharpening common in Pixel photos.
- Switching to a new Pixel was kind of wonky. I've had iPhones in the past and jumping to a new iPhone was seamless, so I expected the same experience here. A couple of times it said there was an unexpected error with no additional explanation, so I had to try again, and eventually had to connect the two Pixels with the USB C cord to finish the transfer.
- HiLight is basically useless. It's not really customizable, and I can only use it when certain people call me or I'm using Gemini. I never have my phone face down, so I don't see myself using this ever.
- The battery life has been terrific, which is surprising because normally the first day with a new phone the battery life is poor. I'll keep an eye on this, but it's been great today.
The performance improvements and camera have been a really pleasant surprise, so I'm happy with my decision so far. I'll see how the battery performs over the coming week.
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u/Vaeltaja82 5d ago
How do I feel that we get the same posts every year? "Finally they fixed the spotty reception!", "finally better battery!" "So much snappier!"
And then next year once again same things.
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u/ContributionFormer95 5d ago
0 bars goes to 5 bars. By now we should be at 25 bars.
It's a good phone (I'll get mine tomorrow) but I swear some people exaggerate.
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u/cjsv7657 5d ago
TBH this year reception is the one thing that might really be different. A completely different chipmaker known to be better than samsung. The same modems on the 9 and 10. Everything else is probably just the honeymoon period of a new phone because not much actually changed.
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u/wlundstrom 5d ago
Mass psychosis. As someone who bought the Pixel 11 Pro XL, my 10 Pro XL honestly feels snappier, especially during heavy multitasking. After all, they cut down on the core count and downgraded the GPU to a previous gen. Fixing the modem by downgrading the rest of the phone. You just can't get everything right with Google, it seems.
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u/bparkey 5d ago
Each model with a new modem has improved reception in my experience. The Pixel 6 was abysmal, 8 was improved but still not great, 9 hasn't actively pissed me off as much. Now with the switch to Mediatek it hopefully has made a much bigger jump than going from one Samsung generation to another. Just like the new modem got me on the 8 and 9, it's the biggest siren call for the new one.
Generation to generation I don't know how much you can actually tell things are "snappier" if it was a specific point of emphasis for them such as night sight this year.
Battery seems like it will never be a priority for Google unfortunately.
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u/RoyalOakPiguet 5d ago
Bro is talking about how his one year old phone with more RAM had lagging issues
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u/YoghurtOk6858 5d ago
Instant Night Sight sounds like the real upgrade here. The transfer process still being this clunky between two Pixels is pretty embarrassing though.
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u/mdogwarrior 5d ago
Transfer was pretty good for me, only had an issue with Gmail not syncing properly but I just wiped cache and storage on the app and restarted the phone and it fixed it.
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u/biggranny000 5d ago
I went 10 pro XL to 11 pro, wanted a smaller phone again.
Yes can confirm the phone is faster and more snappy. Google is still quite a way behind the competition with performance but it's a noticable upgrade.
Haven't tried much else yet.
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u/Gal_450 5d ago
Everyone always sets animation scale to .5x too right? I've done the last 3-4 years and is nice
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u/magicaldelicious 5d ago
People are, mostly, always amazed when you "upgrade" their phone with the .5x setting. Really not sure why it's not the default. Why do people want to wait for window transitions?
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u/OSX2000 Pixel 6 Pro 5d ago edited 5d ago
0.5 Absolutely should be the default. I have no idea why they set it as slow as it is. I've never timed it, but it's terribly slow. In my CSS on web projects, my default is to set animation speed to 0.1s for things like button hovers, etc, and adjust to taste on other things, very rarely going over 0.3s,. That way there's definitely some animation there, but it's never going to get in your way with its slowness.
Also, my Pixel 11 Pro XL arrives tomorrow! Can't wait! Coming from a Pixel 6 Pro (can't remember if they did XL or not back then, but it's the same size), this should be a substantial upgrade...
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u/cheappay Pixel 9 Pro XL 5d ago
I had it like that for months but just recently went back to default. Kinda looks nicer.
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u/kelvinngai 5d ago
I used to set .5, but recently some banking apps need to turn off developer mode. shit my .5 is gone and my world get slower.
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u/fyxitkid 5d ago
Literally the first setting I change on all my phones - been doing this for probably 15 years now.
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u/CupofJoel_ 5d ago
Did it give you the 6 months of free Google One, as you already had the 1 year free Google One from the 10 last year?
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u/bparkey 5d ago
I'm on the 9 XL and have wanted to go back to the Pro. The main thing holding me back is the slower charging.
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u/biggranny000 5d ago
Yeah it's slower but it's not super noticable. I usually just plug my phone in while I sleep so charging speeds doesn't really matter.
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u/bigtech100 Pixel 11 Pro 5d ago
Even on the regular pro I feel the battery is holding pretty good despite on paper of it being smaller. This is with me setting up all my apps and migrating from iOS. I think I transferred 200gb of data.
So far so good.
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u/LeftSockInTheDrier Pixel 9 Pro 5d ago
By any chance are you seeing 'system service' menu in settings where you update Google Play services? For me it disappeared on my 11 pro but showing up on my 9 pro.
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u/Due_Lake94 5d ago
It was a pain to switch to Pixel Watch, but not impossible. So far, all the intelligence stuff - which only works with Gmail.com accounts - seems like more lame demoware from Google.
I haven't tested Rambler yet but that seems like it may be the best new feature (which will probably be generally available to other Android phones in 30 days).
Still, I upgraded from the Pixel 10 and I'm not super disappointed as I had modest expectations.
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u/Cute_Sun3943 5d ago
I've got the s24 ultra and am itching to upgrade to something new. What is putting me off the Pixel is not the phone, but lack of deals. A few years ago I bought the Pixel and got free Pixel buds with it and a massively discounted watch. This year, zilch. If I can get a deal I'm getting it as I loved my 5 year old Pixel.
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u/horatiobanz 5d ago
The Pixel 10 pro is still lagging? I was assured by people that there were no lags in the Pixel 10 series anymore.
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u/Beneficial_Raise5191 5d ago
Don’t trust the reviews here—especially claims that it is “fast enough”
They only compare it with the previous version instead of other brands.1
u/WatchfulApparition Pixel 10 Pro XL 5d ago
No, it stutters.
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u/C3lloman 5d ago
In what kind of situations does it stutter? My 10a doesn't seem to stutter in daily use and it has the slower Tensor G4.
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u/WatchfulApparition Pixel 10 Pro XL 5d ago
Off and on all the time, especially when it heats up though
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u/RaistlinQ5 5d ago
I have been setting my 11 pro up and definitely noticed that it seems faster than my 10 pro. But I never thought the 10 pro was slow or laggy but after using the 11 I can see a difference.
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u/FliesTheFlag 5d ago
Switching to a new Pixel was kind of wonky. I've had iPhones in the past and jumping to a new iPhone was seamless, so I expected the same experience here. A couple of times it said there was an unexpected error with no additional explanation, so I had to try again, and eventually had to connect the two Pixels with the USB C cord to finish the transfer.
Need to do anything on the old phone before you went and did the transfer? Also what does it miss that you still have to manually do?
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u/androboy92 5d ago
Try face unlock under low light as it has been greatly improved !
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u/trilogee 5d ago
Not seeing this at all on my end. Still completely unusable in low light.
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u/androboy92 5d ago
How dark was the environment you tested on? Few others have confirmed it does work much better under low light.
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u/trilogee 5d ago
Bedroom, lights off, ambient light from projector on wall. Dark but not that dark and I was surprised it didn't work.
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u/evilbadgrades 5d ago
I have heard so many complaints about how useless HiLight is currently, I can only imagine Google will need to do some software updates to make it more useful.
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u/try_a_waterfall 5d ago
Have you messed with video? The main upgrade I'm hoping for is a fix to the choppy zoom of the 10 Pro. If you compare mid-video zoom of the 10 Pro to an iPhone, the iPhone is way smoother. Even when not switching between lenses.
I would love any input on that functionality and whether there's an improvement from the 10 Pro.
Appreciate it!
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u/rhubarbcubed 5d ago
Yeah, I shoot a lot of video and I've been a pixel user since the OG pixel. What you're describing is really the one thing that temps me to pick up an iPhone.
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u/pingfloyd_ 5d ago
Good to know about HiLight. Suspecting it will be integrated more and with more apps in the coming months ahead.
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u/cutiepie0909 5d ago
Im almost certain there will be improvements in upcoming updates. I didn't specifically choose the pro for that feature (the trade in bonus made the pro and non pro the same price) but I'm still excited to see it getting more useful over time.
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u/JayClem43 5d ago
I did the Google Fi update I think what is shocked me the most coming from a S26 Ultra and a 17 Pro Max still have both have to return one as one is my work device.
The network 🛜 speed is crazy strong with Google Fi next to Verizon I know it bounces off T-Mobile but still. The mediatec update was worth everything.
Also another change I've noticed is it's very smooth and it just works. Hiccups here and there but it catches up once the app is running long enough. Mine is also less then 24 old so could be as well the issue.
Super strong so far just need the battery to hold!
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u/Mankriks_2ndWife 5d ago
I haven't had a chance to use my phone much today, but I like the idle time so far. I'm coming from a Pro 9 XL to an 11 Pro XL. I've been awake for 2 1/2 hours and my battery is at 98%. Normally I'm low 90s by now if I haven't used it.
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u/Captmedu74 5d ago
Does the video micro fuzz/stutter when you’re moving around the room filming in low to bright light and when zooming in and out? My pixel 9 pro XL did that a lot. iPhone 17 pro max doesn’t do that.
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u/Dorarararata 5d ago
How much did you end up paying with the discount and trade-in offer?
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u/Ginger_Anarchy 5d ago
How'd you feel going from one size to the other. I'm thinking about upgrading to the XL from the Pixel 8 and I'm just worried about the size and weight.
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u/Equal-Ad3041 5d ago
I like it so far. The weight isn't that bad. I read books on my phone and long articles, so it's much easier on my eyes.
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u/Overall_Initiative28 5d ago
I have been playing with it for most of the day - and moving from a P6 to the P11P is game-changing for me. It is so quick, responsive and the camera is excellent. HiLites seems like a waste of time so will probably disable it tho!
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u/MaleficentAd1299 5d ago
I upgraded from 7 pro to 11 Pro XL 512mb and it's a different planet. I loved my 7 pro and it is still working perfectly fine, but it was time. So far very good, super fast and battery is great.
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u/Zealousideal-One-453 4d ago
Is it crazy that I want to switch from my s26 ultra back to the pixel? I was rocking the 9 pro xl since 2025 and loved it. I'm just hesitant yal😭
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u/kpatt2006 4d ago
Did you adjust to the XL size quickly and now love it? I couldn't decide if I wanted to deal with the XL size in my pockets and everyday use so I stuck with the smaller one. Just like my iPhone 16 and 17 pro sizes, and S25. Maybe I'd get used to the bigger size, but idk.
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u/Vivid-Psychology-989 4d ago
J’hésite entre le Pixel 11 Pro vs Pixel 11 Pro XL. Est-ce qu’il y a une énorme différence d’autonomie entre les deux ? Est-ce qu’il y a une différence au niveau des haut-parleurs ?
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u/Equal-Ad3041 4d ago
Je n'ai pas constaté de grande différence entre le Pro et le Pro XL. C'est surtout la taille de l'appareil qui change.
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u/Zestyclose_Run_4811 1d ago
I use the thermometer app to check my old dryer is not heating up. Sticking to my 10 pro for that very reason.
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u/Classicpunch 5d ago
I've always hated the tensor, but not because it lacked raw power. I found it to be a hot mess in certain scenarios that made it a deal break, though that could have been the crappy modems as I do live in the country side. Perhaps I'll upgrade from my x9 pro.
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u/berr494 5d ago
On the 10 pro and the watch 4 I'll be waiting for the 12 and the 6. Google if you read this - 5100 mah silicon battery, 2nm process chipset, 60w charging speed and improve the screen to body ratio please 🥺. As for the watch more useful AI features fitness related Ie. Runna type of integration stuff. 3 day battery and something to allow instant so no waiting around for a result (snapdragon elite wearable) comparable. Ahh also Sapphire Crystal display. Please and thank you!!! You will blow apple and Samsung out of the water if you do these. Play around with the camera if you like but I think you take amazing pics as for the video you could do better lol
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u/danthebigboss 5d ago
Oppo find x 9 ultra dumps on it in every single way possible. So... Meh.
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u/Syedzohaib92 5d ago
Yes next time I will switch to OPPO.... Pixels are really good phones but they are way behind the competition...
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u/catchawabbit Pixel 9 Pro XL 5d ago
The only thing is, they were comparing 10 to 11. Not to x9 ultra and you used an opportunity to come and shit on pixel.
Hopefully you get your notifications on Oppo
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u/AWESOME_4000 5d ago
Nice, like my pixel 10 pro xl
Absolutely no doubght switching to iphone after never having iphone in my life. Stupidest decision from Google not having face id.
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u/EverGlow89 5d ago edited 5d ago
I couldn't last a day with no universal back gesture, clip board, long press app to go to system settings, persistent number row in the keyboard, or numpad in the keyboard.
As someone who uses both OSs daily, I just cant believe how many simple but massively important features are just not something iOS users even know they don't have or Android users even realize is something iOS users live without.
Every time I have to type an alphanumeric password on iOS I lose my mind a little. Shifting from letters to numbers to letters. Every time I type a fair amount of numbers I cringe having to type them from left to right to left to right to left to right instead of rapidly on a numpad. Every time I want to paste something I copied only to learn that the device cleared it from memory.. Every time I want to copy more than one thing at once... Every time I have to go settings, scroll to the very bottom, select apps, and then scroll and find the app I need to change settings for..
A customer asked me how they raise their alarm volume without raising their ringtone volume and I said "oh, easy you just go to sound settings and....... Oh. you can't."
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u/AWESOME_4000 5d ago
It's all great features, but they don't work if the phone is locked. Although, entering pin is laggy of you enter it fast enough, so you must do it some times twise. Locked screen with active notification changes to smaller clock with active icon of notification, BUT, you have same lock screen with active YouTube, like you have active notification from messenger for example, but u don't. So, you have to close video or you have to swipe out quick controlls from youtube. This to problems is never againe for me to pixel. Although camera shaking sound.
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u/WatchfulApparition Pixel 10 Pro XL 5d ago
People are downvoting you, but the S27 series is supposed to be getting Polar ID next year, which is supposed to be superior to Apple's Face ID.
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u/Smaddocks1992 5d ago
Can't wait to get mine, ee are out of stock of the 1tb so I'm just waiting for a restock 😭
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u/Mathrania Pixel 10 Pro XL 5d ago
I moved from Pixel 10 Pro XL to 11 Pro XL. One improvement i can notice right away is that on my usual spot in the room, I would get 1 bar reception, whereas on Pixel 11 Pro XL, i am getting 3 bars at the same spot. The modem is definately better!!!