Pixel 11 reviews mixed as prices rise before IFA
Engadget’s latest review roundup assesses Google’s new Pixel 11 devices alongside a range of laptops, wearables, cameras and gaming hardware ahead of IFA. The overall verdict is mixed: Google’s phones remain among the strongest Android options, but price rises, limited design changes and an expanding use of AI temper the enthusiasm.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold gains a new chip, faster charging and camera upgrades, though reviewers felt it may not persuade buyers outside Google’s existing ecosystem. The Pixel 11 Pro costs $100 more while offering less RAM, whereas the standard Pixel 11 also rises by $100 but is still recommended for most users upgrading from older Pixels or moving from an iPhone. The Pixel Watch 5 is regarded as good but incomplete for now, while HP’s Omnibook X was praised as a near-ideal Windows ultraportable; the roundup also covers Pebble’s Time 2, an Alienware monitor, cameras, Pokémon Champions and niche accessories.
- Pixel 11 remains Engadget’s recommended Google phone for most buyers.
- Price rises and heavy AI use weaken enthusiasm for the Pixel range.
- HP’s Omnibook X earns strong praise as a dependable ultraportable.
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Google’s Pixel phones are made by Google and use Android, the operating system found on many non-Apple smartphones. The Pixel range includes standard, Pro and foldable models, with higher-priced versions usually offering larger screens, more cameras or more powerful parts.
Google has increasingly used its phones to showcase artificial intelligence features, such as tools for photography, writing and voice assistance. These features are becoming a major point of competition among phone makers, though some buyers place more value on price, battery life, design and camera quality.
IFA is a large annual consumer technology trade show in Berlin, where companies often announce or promote new devices before the autumn shopping season. Reviews published around the event can influence buyers deciding whether to upgrade, particularly as prices for premium phones and other electronics continue to rise.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that the Pixel 11 range remains a compelling choice because Google continues to offer strong Android software, capable cameras and meaningful practical improvements such as faster charging and updated chips. They would say modest design continuity can be a virtue when the underlying experience is already mature, and that the standard model still represents a sensible recommendation for people coming from older phones or switching from iPhone.
The case against
Critics argue that higher prices require clearer advances than those delivered here, particularly when the Pro model reportedly costs more while reducing RAM. They would contend that limited design change, a greater emphasis on AI and the Fold’s uncertain appeal beyond Google loyalists make the range feel less persuasive in an increasingly competitive premium market.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Engadget review recap: Google’s Pixel 11 series and more”.