Pixel 11 Pro XL Costs More with Less Memory Due to RAM Shortage
Google's largest phone offers top-tier cameras and battery life, but the price hike reflects rising component costs that reduce base storage options.
Key points
- The Pixel 11 Pro XL is priced at £1,279, which is £80 more than last year's model due to RAM costs.
- The device features the longest battery life in the current Pixel lineup, lasting just under two days.
- It includes a triple rear camera system with a faster Night Sight mode and up to 120x AI-assisted zoom.
Google has released the Pixel 11 Pro XL, its largest smartphone, at a price that is £80 higher than its predecessor despite offering less base memory. The increase is attributed to the global shortage of RAM, a trend The Guardian notes has affected the industry's pricing structures. At £1,279, the device positions itself directly against Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max, aiming to compete in the high-end segment of the European and US markets.
The phone retains the familiar design language of recent Pixels, featuring a 6.8-inch OLED display and a distinctive horizontal camera bar. While it is slightly lighter and thinner than last year's model, the physical changes are subtle. The core hardware remains the Tensor G6 chip, paired with 12 or 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth daily performance, though it does not match the raw processing power of competing flagship processors.
Battery life leads the current lineup
One of the standout features is the battery life, which is the longest among current Pixel models. Users can expect the device to last just under two days on a single charge, supporting over six hours of active screen usage across 5G and Wi-Fi. This duration is a few hours better than the standard 11 Pro, although it falls slightly short of the previous generation's XL model. For most users, this translates to charging only every other night, even under heavy usage conditions.
The device runs Android 17 with software support guaranteed until August 2033. It includes a six-month subscription to Google AI Pro, which provides access to advanced tools like the Gemini Omni video generator and 5TB of cloud storage. The company also emphasizes sustainability, noting that the battery retains at least 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles and that the phone contains 33% recycled materials by weight.
Camera system offers significant low-light improvements
The camera hardware is identical to the regular 11 Pro, featuring a 50MP wide sensor, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP 5x telephoto lens. A major upgrade this year is the Night Sight mode, which captures low-light photos three to four times faster with improved detail. The new Magic Capture mode allows for simultaneous video and photo recording with a single press, while the telephoto lens supports digital zoom up to 30x before generative AI processing extends the range to 120x.
Trade-offs in price and performance
The primary drawback for buyers is the cost-to-spec ratio. Due to the RAM shortage, the base storage configuration has been reduced, yet the price has increased. While the Tensor G6 chip handles mid-level gaming and daily tasks snappily, it trails behind rivals in raw performance metrics. Those seeking the highest frame rates in demanding games or the absolute peak of processing speed may find the competition more suitable despite the higher price tag.
