5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Pixel 11 Pro XL

The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s reveal brought with it more questions than answers. Google’s new flagship is a mixed bag, with some needed enhancements but also an unfortunate downgrade. It’s a phone that is harder to justify this year, as Google has raised prices, which will give some buyers the impression they are paying more for less.

It’s not an easy decision, even for hardcore Pixel fans. Smartphones have gotten more expensive across the board, but Google is now on the same playing field as everyone else, and buyers will demand results. If you’re on the fence about buying a new Pixel 11 Pro XL, here are five Android alternatives that can win you over instead.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The base Pixel 11 Pro XL now starts at $1,300, placing it squarely against the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung isn’t even at a RAM disadvantage this year, as Google’s entry Pixel 11 Pro XL variant comes with only 12GB of RAM — a downgrade from last year. I am sure Google will highlight more efficient Gemini Nano models that are designed to run on 12GB, but the reality is that the phone comes with less.

It’s not a perfect phone, but there are fewer question marks about the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers outstanding performance and provides everything you want from a flagship chipset, while the Tensor G6 remains an unknown. Gaming is an excellent experience on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and you’ll enjoy a smooth experience for years to come. While Samsung is slow to update its other models, the Galaxy S26 Ultra does have a fantastic camera system, headlined by a 200MP primary sensor. It’s personal preference, but Pixel cameras don’t dominate the marketplace like they used to.

The battery life is solid on the S26 Ultra, and it’s not like you’re getting a silicon-carbon cell on the Pixel, which may have given Google’s device an advantage. One UI 8.5 is a wonderful user experience on the S26 Ultra, and I’ve been enjoying One UI 9 on my Galaxy Z Fold 8, so I expect a similar experience on Samsung’s other phones. I may still give the nod to Material 3 Expressive design on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but Google’s user experience advantages won’t always be enough to offset other shortcomings. If you’re looking for a flagship alternative, the Galaxy S26 Ultra should be your first stop.

Motorola Razr Ultra (2026)

Not everyone who buys a Pixel necessarily needs top-of-the-line performance, and you may be in the mood for something different. That’s precisely what Motorola offers with the Razr Ultra (2026). It’s expensive, with a starting price of $1,500. However, you get 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and various sales and carrier discounts, so you can always pick one up for less.

If you’ve only ever used traditional smartphones, the Razr Ultra is a breath of fresh air. Its 4-inch cover screen is outstanding for quick Instagram scrolls and checking messages, and it unfolds to reveal a gorgeous 7-inch internal display, providing the experience you’re currently used to. It’s sleek and compact, and I love that Motorola experiments with different textures and colors.

Unlike the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the Razr Ultra has a full silicon-carbon battery, and it’s held up well in testing. I can easily get two days on a single charge with mixed use. It does feature last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but I never felt short on power. You also won’t get nearly the software support and features you do with the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but if that isn’t a selling point for you, the Razr Ultra is worth a look.

Google Pixel 10a

If you’re coming from an older Pixel 6 or 7, you may not be excited at the prospect of shelling out $1,300, even if you buy through a carrier with a monthly payment. If you love the Pixel experience, but not the price tag, the Pixel 10a is a decent alternative. For $500 (for now), you get many of the same perks of Pixel ownership.

You’ll still enjoy over six years of software support, with the same Material 3 Expressive design experience. Android 17 runs well on my Pixel 10a, and I get phenomenal battery life from its 5,100mAh cell. It may not feature a Super Actua display, but the 6.3-inch Actua panel on the Pixel 10a is bright and vibrant. The phone may have the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9a, but the modem has been upgraded, addressing a primary complaint for many users.

Yes, the cameras aren’t as versatile as what you’ll find on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but you’re paying a fraction of the price. You sacrifice the telephoto lens, but the Pixel 10a still provides sharp, detailed low-light images thanks to Night Sight. If you never found yourself pushing your phone to the limit, the Pixel 10a is a great way to save some cash.

Nothing Phone 3

The Nothing Phone 3 is a bit of a wildcard, but it’s hard to ignore with its $600 price tag. The compromises are clearly there compared to the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but the phone isn’t a slouch. It features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM, delivering smooth performance. Nothing also includes a 5,150mAh battery and 65W charging, meaning you can top off in a hurry.

I enjoy what Nothing does with its software. NothingOS is clean, and the Phone 3 will get five years of upgrades and seven years of security updates — meaning you won’t be left behind anytime soon. The phone’s cameras are capable, but I fully expect the Pixel 11 Pro XL to come out ahead — that may matter less to you when you’re parting with 700 fewer of your hard-earned dollars.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Once again, it feels like the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s stiffest competition will come from Google’s own lineup. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is still an excellent phone, with six years of software support left, solid battery life, and snappy performance from the Tensor G5. I haven’t had many of the problems that plagued previous Pixels. You won’t get HiLight or other upgraded features, but that matters less to me when I’m paying a much lower price.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a premium build and an excellent camera system, with a 50MP primary sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto. They may not be the new, larger sensors Google is packing into the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but I enjoy the photos I get from my Pixel 10 Pro XL, and I’m confident Google’s computational photography will keep my images looking sharp for years.

Pre-owned Pixel 10 Pro XL’s are currently selling for around $875, but I expect that price to drop as the Pixel 11 Pro XL starts to roll out. If you shop around, I’m confident you can find a deal that saves you hundreds.

While I appreciate what Google’s done with its Pixel devices over the last few years, paying up for a Pixel 11 Pro XL is a different conversation. I’m not saying the phone isn’t worth it, but it’s definitely a good idea to look into other options and make the best choice for your needs.