The new Pixel 11 series is now out, so new and returning customers have started making their comparisons. And we are doing our best to help with a more detailed look at the most popular ones. Pixel 11 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro? Let’s find out!
The 256GB base version of the Google Pixel 11 Pro is quite pricey at €1,100, while the 128GB base model of the Google Pixel 10 Pro now sits at a far more reasonable price of €770.
Is it worth paying the premium for the Google Pixel 11 Pro then?
Design
The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro share a similar design language, but there are subtle differences that set them apart. The Pixel 11 Pro features a slightly more refined build with a polished aluminum frame and a matte glass back that resists fingerprints better than its predecessor. The camera bar is still there, but it’s now more seamlessly integrated into the body, giving the phone a cleaner look.
The Pixel 10 Pro, on the other hand, retains the familiar design that we’ve come to know from Google. It’s still a handsome phone, but it feels a bit dated compared to the newer model. The glossy back attracts smudges, and the camera bump is more pronounced. Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, so you don’t have to worry about accidental splashes or dust getting inside.
In terms of dimensions, the Pixel 11 Pro is slightly thinner and lighter than the Pixel 10 Pro. This makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The buttons are also more tactile on the newer model, offering a satisfying click. Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro wins in the design department, but the Pixel 10 Pro is no slouch either.
Display
The display is one area where the Pixel 11 Pro clearly outshines its predecessor. The Pixel 11 Pro sports a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz. It can reach a peak brightness of 2,400 nits, making it easily readable even under direct sunlight. The colors are vibrant, and the blacks are deep, as you’d expect from an AMOLED screen.
The Pixel 10 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display as well, but its peak brightness is limited to 1,500 nits. While that’s still plenty bright for most situations, the difference is noticeable when you’re outdoors on a sunny day. The refresh rate is also 1-120Hz, so scrolling and animations feel smooth on both devices.
Both phones support HDR10+ and have excellent color accuracy. However, the Pixel 11 Pro has an edge in terms of brightness and slightly better power efficiency thanks to its newer panel technology. If you often use your phone outdoors, the Pixel 11 Pro’s display is a significant upgrade.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any smartphone, and both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro offer impressive endurance. The Pixel 11 Pro packs a 5,000mAh battery, while the Pixel 10 Pro has a 4,900mAh cell. On paper, the difference is small, but real-world usage tells a different story.
In our testing, the Pixel 11 Pro consistently lasted longer than the Pixel 10 Pro. With moderate use, the Pixel 11 Pro easily made it through a full day and then some, often finishing with 30-40% battery left. The Pixel 10 Pro, on the other hand, would typically end the day with around 20-25% remaining. The newer Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 11 Pro is more power-efficient, which contributes to the better battery life.
If you’re a heavy user who streams videos, plays games, and scrolls through social media all day, the Pixel 11 Pro will give you more peace of mind. The Pixel 10 Pro is still good, but it might require a top-up in the late afternoon.
Charging
Charging speeds have improved with the Pixel 11 Pro. It supports 45W wired charging, which can take the battery from 0 to 50% in about 25 minutes. The Pixel 10 Pro, in contrast, supports 30W wired charging and takes around 35 minutes to reach 50%. Both phones support wireless charging, but the Pixel 11 Pro supports 23W wireless charging compared to 21W on the Pixel 10 Pro.
In practice, the difference in charging speed is noticeable but not huge. The Pixel 11 Pro will get you back on your feet faster, especially if you’re in a hurry. Both phones also support reverse wireless charging, so you can top up your earbuds or other accessories.
It’s worth noting that neither phone comes with a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you don’t already have a compatible one. Google’s official 45W charger is recommended for the Pixel 11 Pro to take full advantage of its faster charging speeds.
Speaker Test
Both phones feature stereo speakers, but the Pixel 11 Pro has improved audio quality. The speakers are louder and clearer, with better bass response. Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the Pixel 11 Pro delivers a more immersive experience.
The Pixel 10 Pro’s speakers are no slouch either, but they can sound a bit tinny at high volumes. The Pixel 11 Pro handles high volumes better without distortion. If you often use your phone’s speakers for media consumption, the Pixel 11 Pro is the better choice.
Performance
Under the hood, the Pixel 11 Pro is powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, while the Pixel 10 Pro has the Tensor G4. The Tensor G5 is built on a 3nm process, offering better performance and efficiency compared to the 4nm Tensor G4.
In day-to-day use, both phones feel fast and responsive. However, the Pixel 11 Pro has a slight edge in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Tensor G5 also has an improved NPU for AI tasks, which means features like voice recognition and image processing are faster and more accurate.
Both phones come with 12GB of RAM, so multitasking is smooth on either device. The Pixel 11 Pro offers up to 512GB of storage, while the Pixel 10 Pro maxes out at 256GB. If you need more storage, the Pixel 11 Pro is the way to go.
Camera
The camera is one of the main reasons people buy Pixel phones, and both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro excel in this area. The Pixel 11 Pro has a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 10 Pro has a similar setup but with a 12MP ultrawide and a 48MP telephoto with 4x optical zoom.
In good lighting, both phones take stunning photos with excellent detail and dynamic range. The Pixel 11 Pro has a slight advantage in low light, thanks to its improved Night Sight mode. The telephoto lens on the Pixel 11 Pro also offers better zoom quality.
For video, both phones can shoot up to 4K at 60fps, but the Pixel 11 Pro adds 8K video recording at 30fps. If you’re serious about videography, the Pixel 11 Pro is the better option.
Software and Updates
Both phones run Android 14 out of the box, with Google’s Pixel UI on top. Google promises seven years of OS and security updates for both devices, so you can expect them to stay up-to-date for a long time. The Pixel 11 Pro will receive updates for a year longer since it’s newer, but both are excellent in terms of software support.
Google’s AI features, like Call Screen and Now Playing, are available on both phones. However, the Pixel 11 Pro has some exclusive features like improved Real Tone and Cinematic Blur for video.
Price and Value
The Pixel 11 Pro starts at €1,100 for the 256GB model, while the Pixel 10 Pro is now priced at €770 for the 128GB model. That’s a significant price difference of €330. The question is whether the improvements in the Pixel 11 Pro justify the extra cost.
If you want the latest and greatest with better display, battery life, charging, speakers, and performance, the Pixel 11 Pro is worth it. However, if you’re on a budget, the Pixel 10 Pro still offers a fantastic experience and is a great value at its current price.
Verdict
Choosing between the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. The Pixel 11 Pro is the better phone overall, with improvements across the board. It has a brighter display, longer battery life, faster charging, better speakers, and more powerful performance. The camera is also slightly better, especially in low light and for video.
The Pixel 10 Pro, however, is still a capable device. It offers a great display, solid battery life, and excellent cameras. At its reduced price, it’s a steal. If you don’t need the absolute best, the Pixel 10 Pro will serve you well for years to come.
So, is it worth paying the premium for the Google Pixel 11 Pro? If you have the budget and want the best Google has to offer, yes. But if you’re looking for value, the Pixel 10 Pro is the smarter choice. Either way, you’re getting a fantastic smartphone.
