Google Pixel 11 series review: Is the magic fading?

Google’s new Pixel phones ship with Android 17, not that you would know from listening to Google. It doesn’t talk about Android much anymore, let alone Android version numbers. Regardless, Google has the best version of Android on its phones. While you do get the full suite of Google apps that you may not use, there’s no superfluous filler, sponsored placements, or duplicative apps. If you use Google’s products, the Pixel 11 series is ready to go out of the box. Google’s apps, widgets, system UI, and home screen have a unified aesthetic that even Apple would envy. However, Google has oversimplified some things in recent updates, like surfacing suggested widgets instead of showing you the full list by default and using a larger, less dense home screen grid. Still, the Pixel build of Android has great vibes. Gemini is also a key part of the experience even more so now that Google has announced Assistant will begin shutting down in the coming weeks. Like Samsung’s latest phones, the Pixel 11 series includes expanded AI automation in more than 40 apps, like Airbnb, Best Buy, DoorDash, eBay, Delta, and more. It’s basically a robot that helps you buy things. The story here is the same as it was on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Gemini is capable of navigating these apps with some difficulty. It usually gets where it needs to go, adding items to your cart or pre-booking a reservation. However, it takes much longer than it would if you did it yourself, and its decisions are sometimes suspect. You have to carefully evaluate what Gemini does in these apps, which makes the feature much less useful. Additions like Camera Looks and stronger displays are nice, but they’re probably not worth an upgrade for current Pixel users. And HiLight doesn’t even figure in. If you have a Pixel 10, Pixel 9, or even something older, you don’t need to run out and buy a Pixel 11. These phones are still more than serviceable, and they have years of support left. With such minor updates in 2026, Google is essentially competing against its older phones.