Google's Pixel range keeps getting sharper, smarter and more capable – but with the Pixel 11 now here, is it worth the upgrade or does last year's Pixel 10 still hold its own? We've broken down what each phone offers, where they differ and who they're really built for.

The Pixel 11 is built around Google's new Tensor G6 chip, paired with a Titan M3 security coprocessor and 12GB RAM. It's a meaningful step up in everyday performance, with Google citing 50% more TPU computing power and up to 30% better power efficiency than the outgoing Tensor G5 – combining smoother multitasking and better battery stamina while keeping its cool.

Storage gets a proper bump too. The Pixel 11 now starts at 256GB, with a 512GB option available for anyone who shoots a lot of 4K video or never deletes a photo. On the camera side, the same 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide and 10.8MP Telephoto setup returns, but Super Res Zoom now stretches to 30x thanks to the new chip's processing power. Charging is quicker where it counts too, with 25W PixelSnap wireless charging – a 25% jump on the Pixel 10 – alongside the usual 30W wired speeds.

Gemini Intelligence is the other headline act, running noticeably faster and handling multi-step tasks like organising plans or tidying your to-do list.

Highlights: More storage as standard, a faster chip and longer zoom range make the Pixel 11 the easy pick for anyone after Google's latest and fastest phone.

The Pixel 10 runs on Google's Tensor G5 chip, also with 12GB of RAM and remains one of the most well-rounded phones in Google's lineup even a year on. The same triple rear camera system as the Pixel 11 is on board – 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide and 10.8MP Telephoto lenses alongside a 10.5MP front camera with autofocus. So photo quality holds up well against the Pixel 11.

Battery life is strong with a 4,970mAh cell that’s great for a full day's use and up to 100 hours via Extreme Battery Saver. Fast charging tops the battery up to 55% in 30 minutes and PixelSnap magnetic wireless charging makes cable-free top-ups simple. Gemini Live is already built in, letting you share your camera feed in real time for help with everything from furniture layouts to recipe ideas, while Camera Coach offers on-screen tips for better shots.

Highlights: A lower starting price, strong all-round camera performance and dependable battery life make the Pixel 10 an easy recommendation for anyone who wants flagship features without paying flagship-latest prices.

Good to know: The base storage is lower than the Pixel 11's and wireless charging tops out at a slower speed, so heavy wireless chargers or storage-hungry users may feel the difference.

On paper the camera looks nearly identical and in many ways it is – but the Pixel 11's jump from 20x to 30x Super Res Zoom is down to processing power rather than new lenses. The Tensor G6's stronger TPU and image signal processor do more of the heavy lifting when you zoom in.

This matters most if you regularly take photos from a distance like wildlife, sports days or gig photos from the back of a crowd. For everyday shots at normal range, both phones perform well.

Both phones run Gemini, but the experience isn't quite the same. The Pixel 10 launches Gemini Live and Magic Cue on Android 16, upgradable to Android 17. The Pixel 11 is pre-installed with Android 17 and a 50% faster AI engine, meaning multi-step requests – like planning an evening out or managing several reminders at once – get handled with less back and forth.

If having the newest AI features from day one matters to you, that's a point in the Pixel 11's favour.

If you're due an upgrade from a Pixel 9 or earlier, want the most storage as standard or care about having the newest chip and AI features first, you’ll feel the jump to the Pixel 11 and it could be the better long-term buy. If you already own a Pixel 10, you’ll have most of the same camera and AI experience for a lower price. But, you’ll be skipping out on upgraded performance and bigger storage.

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