TECH

Five serious flaws Google needs to fix in the Pixel 11

Leaks are unforgiving, and the first digital mockups of the Pixel 11 series are already circulating online. If you've looked at the images of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL, you've probably noticed that the aesthetics remain virtually unchanged since the ninth generation. And, to be honest, that's not a problem. The brand's visual language is mature and easily recognizable.

The real challenge for the search giant isn't the external appearance, but the chronic flaws that continue to overshadow the experience of those who use these devices daily.

The eternal problem of raw performance...Since Google abandoned Qualcomm processors to create its own Tensor line, the journey has been turbulent. For years, we dealt with phones that overheated when recording a simple high-resolution video or navigating with GPS. The Tensor G5, present in the Pixel 10 series, finally solved this thermal problem, delivering a device that stays cool. However, now that the heat is under control, the lack of power has become evident.

When we compare Google's current processor with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the performance gap is undeniable. It's true that the brand never tried to sell these phones as machines for intensive video games, focusing instead on artificial intelligence. But when a user invests in a top-of-the-line device, they expect impeccable longevity and speed in any task.

Rumors indicate that the future Tensor G6 will be manufactured by TSMC with 2-nanometer (2nm) lithography. This extreme reduction in transistor size allows for more processing power in the same physical space, consuming less energy. It's a golden opportunity for Google to close the performance gap with the competition.

Next-generation batteries and decent recharges...If your current phone lasts a full day of use, you might think that's enough. But the industry has already moved far beyond that goal. Currently, several competing brands offer two to three days of battery life, and Google needs to catch up urgently. The technical solution already exists and goes by the name of silicon-carbon batteries. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use graphite in the anode, this new technology allows for a much higher energy density without increasing the physical volume of the cell. It is thanks to this advanced chemistry that brands like OnePlus have managed to put 7300 mAh in their latest model, or that Honor has integrated 6660 mAh into a foldable phone. In contrast, the Pixel 10 Pro XL offered a modest 5200 mAh. The transition to silicon-carbon in the Pixel 11 is not a luxury, it is an absolute necessity to ensure that you don't run out of battery in the middle of a demanding day.

The urgency of consistent charging...Having a larger battery necessarily requires a faster way to charge it. Currently, Google's charging speeds are frustrating, to say the least. The basic Pixel 10 and the Pro model are limited to 30W via cable, while the Pro XL version only reaches 45W. Worse than the numbers on paper is the consistency: the system reduces the power input speed very aggressively to protect the cell, resulting in long wait times.

When Samsung already offers 65W in its Galaxy S26 Ultra and other brands easily surpass the 80W barrier, waiting more than an hour to have your phone ready for use is unacceptable in a high-end device.

Useful software and storage for today...The big selling point of any Pixel has always been its exclusive software. Photo editing tools and real-time translation are features we use every day. However, the latest releases have left much to be desired. Features like Magic Cue have proven impractical in the real world, and Daily Hub was such a failure that the company removed it from the system just a week after launch. The Pixel 11 series needs to go back to basics and offer software tools that truly make your routine easier, instead of mere marketing gimmicks.

Finally, we have to talk about the space where you store your photos and apps...In 2026, with cameras capturing images with tens of megapixels and videos in ultra-high resolution, basic storage needs to keep up with this evolution. The pricing and capacity policy needs an urgent review, as you can see from this direct comparison with the main competition:

-The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro line arrived on the market with only 128GB of base storage, charging top-tier prices.

-Apple's iPhone 17 family established 256GB as the new minimum standard for all models, without inflating the price list.

As one of the most valuable companies in the world, Google has the financial leeway to absorb the cost of these memory chips. If direct competitors can offer twice the storage space for the same price, there's no excuse for your next Android phone of choice not to do exactly the same.

by mundophone