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What I learned after 30 days with the Pixel 11 [Video]
![What I learned after 30 days with the Pixel 11 [Video]](https://9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/09/Pixel-11-design-3.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1600)
It has been almost 30 days since Google officially launched the Pixel 11 lineup, and the 11 might be the most sensible device of the bunch. Here’s what I have learned, having used it for the full month post-launch.
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It’s hard to be annoyed too much about the Pixel 11 design, but I can 100% get a little bored. When you get a new phone, you may subconsciously want at least a few changes to help it feel “different.”
However, if you’ve not used the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10, you probably won’t even care. I know I’m not in the minority in loving the Pixel design, but there’s certainly a feeling of Groundhog Day after a while. What I’ve realized is that, as someone who has used the last three generations, to me, a case has felt more important than ever.
After a month of use, the flatter camera visor is one of the few “big” changes that feels more consequential. My dream would be a boxier shape akin to the Pixel 10a, but with a case on the phone, you can achieve that, or close to it.
A tangible change I hadn’t expected was the NFC chip moving closer to the top edge. In tandem with the smaller camera protrusion, I’m not clashing my phone against terminals or turnstiles, plus wireless payments are a lot faster, or at least feel more accurate.
I’m so glad we have stronger Pixelsnap magnets because you’re confident an accessory will stick, which is especially important because the slippery, glossy finish on the back glass was problematic with the Pixel 10 at times. I do wish that the phone didn’t sound so hollow to the tap, for a $900 phone, it can feel a little cheap, even though it has a great frame and mass. Little nitpicks, but I do care about extra attention in these areas. Maybe next year it’s time to address these admittedly minor build complaints.
As far as the design is concerned, the Pixel 11 builds on what was good; the good news is that there is very little bad. I hoped that we would get display brightness changes, but maybe it’s the endgame for this specific size and shape. I’m very unsure how Google will make major changes next year if we do get a proposed redesign. The only way I can see changes is in the materials used, some dimension shavings, but little else that can really refine the post-Pixel 9 formula.
I mean this in the most positive way possible. The Pixel 11 is more of the same, yet there are a few things that start to feel like they haven’t become game-changing in the ways that Google seems to expect. I’m not actively using many of the new functions that the Pixel 11 shipped with. I say “actively” as the hands-off background automation approach is what Google should excel at and isn’t quite doing so everywhere yet.
Proactive Assistance is on the cusp of being a truly exceptional upgrade for Magic Cue. I’m in the UK, so Google Messages is an app that I love, but don’t use with many contacts. I say this because when I’ve had suggestions for things like my passport number or my flight number on a trip, the instantaneous pop-up suggestions seem so perfectly integrated that it feels like Magic Cue on steroids.