This 2026 version of Google Pixel combines a sage green with a light gold trim that looks every inch premium
It’s been almost ten years since my first brush with the Google Pixel, which debuted in India in 2016. It became one of my ‘go to’ smartphone cameras as I journeyed with the Pixel over the last decade. Google was an early mover in the computational photography space even before AI became a buzzword.The Pixel camera began to peak with devices like the Pixel 7 Pro (2022) and the 8 Pro (2023). There was one problem though: you needed to opt for the heavier Pro version for the best camera experience. Fortunately, that changed with the Pixel 9 series in 2024 when Google launched the first Pro device with an XL suffix. It gave consumers a choice of two form factors: the Pro and the Pro XL. I am clearly in the Pro camp. I’ve always preferred compact flagships that are easier for one-handed navigation and don’t feel clunky in the hand. The last two years have seen more brands unveil compact flagships (with display sizes ranging from 6.1 to 6.4 inches) that deliver top-of-the-line camera experiences and a dependable batteries. The Google Pixel 11 Pro certainly has multiple rivals to contend with. Is this the compact flagship to beat in 2026?DesignIt’s easy to fall for the Google Pixel’s minimalist design aesthetic. The Pixel 11 Pro refines it further with a thinner design. The trademark camera visor morphs into a unified block of black glass, with a new LED notification dot joining the rear camera module. Google has crafted the 11 Pro with a polished aluminium frame. We checked out the Olive colour way that reminded me of the Hazel colour variant in the Pixel 7 Pro. The 2026 version combines a sage green with a light gold trim that looks every inch premium. While the orange colour (that Google calls Canyon) might be getting all the attention, I prefer the subtle appeal of the Olive. The 11 Pro also comes in a black trim (Obsidian) with a matte finish.At 204 g, this device feels good in your hand, it’s comfortable to reach all ends of the screen. It comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. You can buy the official Google Pixelsnap case that allows you to easily snap it on to compatible wireless chargers. It worked really well with one of my iPhone MagSafe chargers.DisplayThe Pixel 11 Pro shares the same display specs as its predecessor (the 10 Pixel 10 Pro) but there’s one ‘visible’ difference. The Pixel 11 Pro sports a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED (1280 x 2856 pixels / 497 PPI) display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Google has increased the peak brightness to 3600 nits, it makes it one of the most vibrant displays on any compact flagship. Colours are punchy and blacks are truly deep. I watched an entire session of play of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley (on Sony LIV), the Pixel 11 Pro captured the vibrant colours on a bright summer’s day. If your smartphone is your primary screen, you might be tempted to opt for the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch display. It’s also the Pixel I’d recommend for serious gamers.
