The Pixel 11 series is officially here, but it arrived with remarkably little to show for itself in the hardware department. Early reception has been lukewarm at best, though Google's new handsets may outperform expectations when they go on sale on August 20.
At first glance, though, these aren't phones that give you a burning desire to upgrade. And if current leaks are anything to go by, the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra might trigger the same reaction.
Pixel 11: a confusing value proposition
Not the most promising sales pitch. | Image by Google
Pixel phones usually focus more on software than raw specs. This year, Google did something different. It made the hardware worse.
The temperature sensor was swapped out for HiLight, which doesn't look particularly useful. Base Pro models ship with less RAM, and the Pro models also have smaller batteries.
Granted, it's not all bad news. You get a 25% faster Tensor G6 chip, some camera tweaks, improved durability, and a new Extreme Charging Mode.
AI continues to be the main theme with a beefed-up TPU and a smarter Gemini capable of handling more multi-step tasks across apps.
These changes, or lack thereof, come at a $100 premium. If you are a Pixel enthusiast who values software features, the new flagships might be worth the upgrade. For everyone else, paying more for minor improvements doesn't make sense.
Samsung is poised to make the same mistake.
Buy the Pixel 11 at Amazon at $200 off
$200 off (22%)
The Pixel 11 is finally here, giving users a refined experience and a better camera. The model can already be yours at Amazon. The best part about this phone is that you can now buy it for $200 off!
Google's Pixel 11 Pro has just been announced, giving you a polished Android experience. The device gives you better visuals and improved camera performance. You can currently get this model for $300 off at Amazon.
Prefer a larger display? The Pixel 11 Pro XL is here for you. With its 6.8-inch display, the new model gives you more screen real estate, plus it's already available for purchase at Amazon, with discounts of $350 in all color options.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold: buy at Amazon with a $250 discount
$250 off (13%)
The new Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold gives you a refined foldable experience with the familiar form factor. The device gives you an excellent Android experience. You can now this capable foldable phone with discounts of $250.
Get ready for a triple camera setup. | Image by PhoneArena
Samsung reportedly planned to equip the Galaxy S27 Ultra with a variable aperture system before ditching the idea over cost concerns. The tech allows users to control the amount of light entering the lens, enabling sharper and clearer photos.
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The Galaxy S9 and S10 came with this feature, but Samsung later discontinued it.
Making matters worse, rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will get a variable aperture camera.
Galaxy S27 Ultra — it has a reputation to live up to.
75.00%
Pixel 11 — it has a sales streak to maintain.
15.00%
iPhone 18 Pro — it must make up for lacklustre AI features
10.00%
More trimmed specs
The cost-cutting doesn't stop at the cameras. The Galaxy S27 Ultra was originally expected to pack the latest RAM and storage tech for snappier performance, but a switch to LPDDR6 and UFS 5.0 has been scrapped due to the component crisis.
That decision puts the expected Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro in jeopardy too, as Qualcomm's top-tier silicon reportedly requires LPDDR6 memory to work properly.
Pay more for less
Despite these compromises, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could still cost more than the S26 Ultra. That's not only because of the component crunch, but also because Qualcomm is raising chipset prices.
A higher capacity silicon-carbon battery might offer a silver lining, but that comes with its own risk. It's largely unproven in smartphones and could degrade faster over time.
The Pixel 11 may feel like a letdown, but the Galaxy S27 Ultra is shaping up to be an even bigger one.
Here's why the Galaxy S27 Ultra might still be a winner:
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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