Google Pixel 11 series review: Is the magic fading?

11 Pro and 11 Pro XL photos:

Google also says the Pro phones have a new Instant Night Sight feature, but calling it “instant” may be overselling it a little. You’ll still get a timer telling you to hold the phone still, but the captures are noticeably faster. That could be the difference between a blurry photo and something usable. So while it’s not as fast as a regular photo (and certainly not instant), it’s still a nice upgrade.

However you’re taking photos with the Pixels, the results will be impressively sharp. With quick captures and powerful processing, even moving subjects are clear. Even the most expensive phones from Samsung and Apple struggle here. Google’s dynamic range is also better than you’ll see on other devices, resolving details in light and shadow very well.

Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold photos:

However, Pixel photos have a specific look, and it might not be ideal for every situation. With the Pixel 11, Google has debuted Camera Looks to address the situation, but it’s a little confusing. There are new default styles, like natural and shadows, that are retained each time you open the camera. Then there are the more dramatic filter-like looks you access by swiping in the viewfinder. This includes options like velvet, digi, and editorial. You can imagine this like something akin to film simulations on Fujifilm cameras. You can also edit any of the looks to your liking, changing sliders for highlights, tint, grain, and more.

Camera Looks:

While they’re a bit clunky to access, Camera Looks give you a ton of new shooting options on Pixel phones. They’re perfect if you’ve gotten tired of the super-sharp processed look of smartphone photos.

A rebuilding year?

The Pixel 11 phones are good devices. The regression on RAM is a bummer, but the 12GB phones still feel very fast and keep apps in memory well enough for all but the most picky buyers. Likewise, the slightly smaller batteries are less than ideal, but the battery life doesn’t seem to have taken a dive.

Originally published on Ars Technica

Google Pixel 11 series review: Is the magic fading?

A rebuilding year?

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