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Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Why I'm considering the upgrade this year

The Google Pixel 11 offers a substantial upgrade in processing efficiency and CPU performance over the Pixel 9, with double the base storage and a new telephoto camera. However, the price increase may not be worth it for some users.

By Maria Diaz, Staff Writer·Aug 16·zdnet.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

The Pixel 11 features a Tensor G6 processor, double the base storage, and a new telephoto camera, but the price increase may not be justified for all users. The upgrade is mainly driven by the improved processing efficiency and CPU performance.

Why it matters

The Google Pixel 11's upgrade offers a compelling reason to consider an upgrade for users who feel their phone is sluggish or has taken a beating over the last two years.

Imagine you have a phone that's getting slower and slower, and you can't take good pictures of things that are far away. The new Google Pixel 11 is like a new, faster car that can take better pictures of far-away things. It's a good upgrade for people who want a faster phone with a better camera.

Analysis

Google Tensor G6 Performance Upgrade

The Google Pixel 11 features a Tensor G6 processor, which represents a considerable upgrade in processing efficiency and CPU performance over the Pixel 9. This improvement could make the phone substantially faster while running cooler and potentially lasting longer. The Tensor G6 processor is a significant upgrade, and it's likely to be a major selling point for users who value performance.

Telephoto Camera Upgrade

The Pixel 11 also features a new telephoto camera, which is a dedicated zoom lens for capturing clear images of distant objects. This is the second time we've seen a telephoto camera on a base-model Pixel, the first being on the Pixel 10. The addition of a telephoto camera could offer a different photo experience, and it's likely to be a major selling point for users who value camera quality.

Price Increase

However, the price increase may not be justified for all users. The 2026 Google Pixel base model will sell for $100 more than the previous generation, now starting at $899 instead of $799. You'll pay more, but you'll also get twice the base storage with the new Google Pixel 11. It starts at 256GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM, compared to the Pixel 9's 128GB of storage for $799. The price increase may be a major consideration for users who are on a budget or who don't value the upgrade enough to justify the additional cost.

Key points

  • The Google Pixel 11 features a Tensor G6 processor, which represents a considerable upgrade in processing efficiency and CPU performance over the Pixel 9.
  • The Pixel 11 also features a new telephoto camera, which is a dedicated zoom lens for capturing clear images of distant objects.
  • The price increase may not be justified for all users, and it could limit the adoption of the new Pixel 11.
  • The upgrade is mainly driven by the improved processing efficiency and CPU performance, as well as the addition of a telephoto camera.
The Upside

If the Google Pixel 11's upgrade is successful, it could lead to a new era of faster and more efficient smartphones. This could have a positive impact on the tech industry as a whole, as it could drive innovation and improve the overall user experience.

The Downside

However, the price increase may be a major barrier for some users, and it could limit the adoption of the new Pixel 11. Additionally, the upgrade may not be worth it for users who don't value the improved performance and camera quality enough to justify the additional cost.

Originally reported at

zdnet.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsgooglepixelsmartphonestechupgradesperformancecamera

Author

Maria Diaz, Staff Writer

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 16, 2026

Source

zdnet.com

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Topics

googlepixelsmartphonestechupgradesperformancecamera

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