Google Pixel 11 review

Design, build quality, handling

The Pixel 11 is kind of the same as the Pixel 11 externally. The smallest of differences in the camera island means you can't reuse your old cases, but for all other purposes the two are indistinguishable. By the way, Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro cases are not interchangeable either (this used to actually be a thing for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro).

The total body dimensions are exactly the same as last year - 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm. Though, interestingly, the Pixel 11 has gotten a few grams lighter for some reason and now tips the scale at 197 grams.

While we wouldn't call the Pixel 11 tiny, it is about as compact as things currently get. It is quite comfortable to handle and fits snugly in the hand. Its middle frame is a bit slippery, but at least the back glass does not retain too much grease from fingerprints, which is appreciated.

Unlike the Pro models, which use shiny side rails, the vanilla model uses a plainer anodized aluminum. It is still a premium frame, which is great to see. That frame is sandwiched between two Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sheets on each side. Same build as last year, still just as premium and sturdy with zero flex to the chassis. Surprisingly, there is a bit of hollowness to the back but nothing major that would bother you. We are honestly surprised there is free space left here.

The ingress protection rating is also carried over from last year. It is IP68, which should allow the phone to survive a dip in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

The Pixel 11 is sticking to current trends with perfectly flat front and back. The middle frame is wide and mostly flat, except around the aggressively curved corners. Said curve extends to the display as well, which is missing quite a few pixels in every corner.

The only real distinguishing design element here is the broad camera island that extends almost edge to edge. It is definitely recognizable, though polarizing. At least there is no wobble when you place the phone on a flat surface.

Google has a nice selection of colors, as is the norm. The Pixel 11 can be had in Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus or Obsidian - all soft pastel and very non-obtrusive. We are quite fond of our Pistachio review unit.

The control layout is usual for a Pixel, though quite different compared to how other makers do it. Google keeps insisting that the power button should go above the volume rockers. As reviewers, we handle a lot of devices and Pixels are definitely the odd ones out. It is very hard to retrain years and years of muscle memory. But if you are not switching brands too often you'll get used to it.

Google Pixel 11

The top bezel is also not where most manufacturers position the SIM tray. We don't really mind this placement, though. The left side of the frame is empty. The bottom is a bit weird with its two two symmetrical slits. One is the bottom-firing speaker; the other houses the main microphone.

The earpiece doubles as the second speaker. It is very well hidden above the display. There are no other visible sensors here. Everything is nicely hidden away under the display.

The Pixel 11 uses an under-display fingerprint reader. It is of the fancier ultrasonic variety rather than an optical one. It works quite well and is both snappy and accurate. No complaints.