I thought Google made a mistake with the Pixel 11 Pro XL. 30 days later, I was wrong

I questioned Google’s higher prices for the Pixel 11 series, and I thought it was a mistake. The company isn’t geared up to match phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra spec-for-spec, and when you put yourself in the same price range, buyers have expectations. Google reduced the base model’s RAM, making people feel as though they paid more for less.

I understand all the criticisms, and they are still valid. However, using the Pixel 11 Pro XL gives you a different perspective.

When you start using the phone, the sticker shock melts away, and you start to see why Pixels are still an enjoyable experience. Google’s new Gemini Intelligence features work well (for a change), and the device’s cameras are legitimately improved. It’s not easy to ask people to spend $1,300 on a Pixel in 2026, but Google’s newest flagship offers more than you might expect for the price.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL delivers where it counts

It’s incredibly difficult for a company to make a bad smartphone in 2026 unless it’s really cutting corners to hit an ultra-budget price point. Even $300 phones can be fantastic, and I’ve definitely adjusted my criteria for a good smartphone as a result. Buyers care less about raw horsepower and more about a few features that really make a difference. A premium flagship has to excel in four key areas: display, cameras, battery life, and user experience — and the Pixel 11 Pro XL nails all of them.

Its 6.8-inch Super Actua display is the best Google’s shipped yet. It’s bright and vibrant, and I enjoy looking at it every bit as much as my iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Nothing frustrated me more than the second-rate panels that used to ship with Pixels, and I’m glad to see Google nailing it again with the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Your mileage may vary, but I’ve gotten excellent battery life from the Pixel 11 Pro XL. I can easily get through two days of use on a single charge, and I’ve had at least one occasion in the last couple of weeks where I stretched that into a third day without anxiety creeping in. I get it; it’s not a silicon-carbon battery, and I wish Google did more to increase charging speeds, but once it is topped off, it gets the job done like other similarly priced flagships.

Full Qi2 compatibility is also a wonderful experience, and my Pixelsnap accessories live on my desk. Solid battery life and convenience matter, and Google nailed it with the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Google can still claim the best user experience

For my money, the Material 3 Expressive UI on the Pixel 11 Pro XL is the best software experience you can have on a smartphone right now. It’s an absolute joy to use. There’s a reason so many reviews acknowledge the Pixel 11 Pro’s raw performance shortcomings yet still highlight how enjoyable it is.

Google Gemini is finally producing some tangible results. Rambler is fantastic, and it’s more than just a gimmick. I know countless people who love speech-to-text, and Rambler lets them polish paragraphs into something presentable in a few moments.

I have been more than a little hesitant about Gemini Intelligence, but Google finally seems to have its act together enough that some of these features might actually be helpful in everyday use. Even outside of AI, Android 17 is friendly and intuitive. I love how Google handles settings, and it’s easy to get exactly where I need to be. I still contend that a Pixel is the best place to start if you’re trying Android for the first time.

I’ve noticed an upgrade in my photos this year with the Pixel 11 Pro XL. The larger telephoto sensor is a welcome addition, and I appreciate the sharper images when I zoom in. For whatever reason, I’ve always felt Google handled its telephoto lens the best, and that continues on the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Low-light photography is also improved this year. Night Sight has always been excellent, but processing is faster on the Pixel 11 Pro XL. Its Tensor G6 chipset may not produce the benchmarks enthusiasts want, but it’s moved the ball forward in areas buyers will actually notice more often. Those photos you take of your dinner and drinks at that restaurant with the ambiance you like will look better and be processed faster, and that matters.

It’s all personal preference, but I enjoy that my Pixel 11 Pro XL photos are a bit more saturated by default. I could always edit them after the snap, but I like not having to edit photos to add color back in and make them social-media-ready.

It’s not without its drawbacks

Despite my appreciation for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, I understand all the criticisms. It doesn’t game as well as other similarly priced flagship phones. Booting up titles like Genshin Impact will default you to medium settings if you want a decently playable experience. That stinks, and there’s no explaining that away — especially for $1,300.

Still, it’s a phone you can’t properly explain, and maybe that’s the problem. It’s hard to tell people to take it on faith that they’ll like it — but they will. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is a fantastic device for people who want to enjoy their smartphone, and regardless of price, that has to be good enough.