Choosing a Pixel phone isn’t getting any simpler. For the third-year running, Google is offering four models: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Unless folding phones are your thing, the Pro Fold is easy to rule out. But here’s the surprise: out of the remaining lineup, it’s the standard Pixel 11 that I keep coming back to.
Here are the three reasons it stands out as the pick of the bunch.
Not a HiLight
Let’s kick things off with a controversial one.
When Pixel 11 leaks first surfaced, excitement built fast around the so-called “Pixel Glow” lights rumored for the back of the phone. Was Google really about to deliver a customizable, glowing LED ring around the camera module, as Gemini imagined?
Turns out, no — and it’s not even called Pixel Glow. The actual name, “HiLight,” feels underwhelming for what looks like an underwhelming feature. In practice, it’s a scaled-back take on the “Glyph” lighting system from Nothing phones, lighting up in different patterns depending on who’s calling, or whether Gemini is listening, responding, or working on a task.
That’s the whole feature set, for now at least. Google says more HiLight capabilities will roll out “over time,” but at launch, it feels seriously half-baked.
Personally, I’m not sold on the appeal of a light on the back of your phone. Custom ringtones already let you identify a caller without even looking at the screen. And isn’t flipping your phone face-down supposed to help you disconnect? That’s the entire premise behind the excellent “Flip to Shhh” feature.
When I tested Nothing’s Glyph lights for review, I switched them off almost immediately. I’d expect HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro to leave me feeling the same way — so I’d rather skip the feature altogether than deal with it.
Pistachio Is the Pixel 11 Color I Can’t Stop Thinking About
As with previous generations, Pixel 11 color options differ quite a bit depending on which model you pick. Aside from “Obsidian” (black), the standard Pixel 11 and the Pro get completely separate color lineups.
Among the exclusive shades, the eye-catching “Hibiscus” is bound to turn the most heads. For me, though, it’s the softer “Pistachio” (below) that’s winning me over.
These rich, earthy green tones feel right at home in nature — though I’ll admit, green being my favorite color probably has something to do with the appeal.
By comparison, the Pixel 11 Pro’s equivalent shade, “Olive” (on the right below), comes across as dull and washed-out. The lighter tone on the aluminum rails adds to that jarring shift.
For years, phone color barely registered with me — I knew I’d end up with the black model regardless. But between the improved durability of modern phones and standout finishes like Pistachio, I’m tempted to run the Pixel 11 case-free for the first time.
Pixel 11 Pricing: Nearly Perfect
Like nearly every 2026 phone, the Pixel 11 series is seeing a price bump across the board.
That said, the increase is partly offset by a jump to 256GB of base storage, which means the standard Pixel 11 actually costs less than the equivalent Pixel 10 configuration, at £879/$899.
Would I prefer it stayed at £799/$799? Absolutely. But the new Tensor G6 chipset and updated cameras — even with the same megapixel counts as last year — help take the sting out of the price hike.
By contrast, the Pixel 11 Pro models are more unaffordable than ever. You’ll pay at least £1,079/$1,099 for the Pro and £1,279/$1,299 for the Pro XL. In a cost of living crisis, who’s got that sort of money lying around?
Compromises in the right places
To hit that lower price point, the lack of HiLight isn’t the only trade-off.
The cameras fall slightly short of the Pro’s (though still more than capable for most people), and the 6.3-inch display has a marginally lower resolution. Beyond that, though, it’s essentially the same phone.
Honestly, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t want to save at least £200/$200 while still getting a highly capable handset. That’s exactly why I’m looking forward to testing the regular Pixel 11 and finding out if it lives up to that promise.
