Google Pixel 11 Pro review: AI voice tools shine, but gaming and battery lag

WIRED has published a detailed review of the Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, identifying a new AI-powered voice-to-text feature called Rambler as the standout innovation of the release. The tool, integrated into the Gboard keyboard, strips away vocal fillers such as "ums" and "uhs," corrects restatements, and allows users to format messages with bullet points or emojis via voice commands. The review notes that the feature demonstrated impressive accuracy, including the ability to romanise Malayalam speech into English and translate transcribed sentences back into the original language.

While the software intelligence is praised, the hardware updates are described as incremental rather than revolutionary. The devices feature a new 50-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel telephoto zoom with 30 percent better light sensitivity. The review highlights the 120X "Pro Res Zoom" capability, which uses AI to generate pixels beyond the 30X optical limit, and notes that the "Instant Night Sight" mode is up to 4.5 times faster than previous iterations. However, the assessment points out that a slight shutter pause remains, which can still result in blurry images if the subject is moving.

Significant criticisms are directed at the devices' gaming performance and battery life. The Tensor G6 chip, which powers the new models, struggled with demanding titles such as Genshin Impact, resulting in unplayable graphical errors, while other titles like Zenless Zone Zero ran with difficulty. A Google spokesperson told WIRED that the company is working with HoYoverse to address the optimisation issue in an upcoming update. Additionally, the review found that battery life was unimpressive, with the Pixel 11 Pro XL averaging only four hours of screen-on time under mixed usage conditions.

The new HiLight LED feature, which glows when the phone is face down or when the Gemini assistant is active, was criticised for its limited utility. The feature offers only five selectable colours for contact notifications, a constraint the reviewer described as baffling given the lack of a colour wheel. While Google states that text message notifications will be supported in the future, the current limitations render the feature largely useless for users with more than five key contacts.

Despite these drawbacks, the Pixel 11 Pro models are praised for their camera quality and software utilities. The review notes that the Portrait mode has been significantly improved, better handling hair edges than previous generations, and that the 5X telephoto camera delivers sharp, detailed images even in low light. New features such as Creator Suite, which includes a built-in teleprompter that adjusts to the user's speaking cadence, and Magic Capture, which automatically takes photos and video clips, are highlighted as useful additions for content creators.

The Pixel 11 Pro is priced at $1,099 and the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299. The review questions whether these prices are justified given the performance gaps compared to competitors, particularly in gaming and battery endurance. It notes that while the devices retain built-in Qi2 magnets for magnetic accessories, consumers can achieve a similar experience with the cheaper Pixel 11 or the A-series phones, which offer class-leading cameras and performance for a lower cost.