Android Authority reviewer upgrades to Pixel 11 Pro after modem and camera fixes

The reviewer, who had been happy with the Pixel 10 Pro but frustrated by its outdated modem, said they originally wanted to wait for the Pixel 12. However, after combining four pre-order discounts and a trade-in, the Pixel 11 Pro cost less than £200, making the upgrade irresistible.

According to the review, the new modem in the Pixel 11 Pro has resolved nearly all the major problems the reviewer had with the Pixel line. The phone now maintains signal in areas where the Pixel 10 Pro did not, keeps calls clear over car hands-free, and does not overheat when searching for a connection. In remote areas, it matched the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Performance and battery life also improved. The phone stayed cool throughout the review week, except once while using wireless Android Auto with GPS navigation, a task that made previous Pixels 'unbearably hot.' The reviewer reported going from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with 20% battery remaining, better than the Pixel 10 Pro's endurance, especially at idle. The reviewer cautioned that these results are from early use.

The camera upgrades were also notable. A new telephoto sensor focuses on subjects closer than before, and the new 'Camera Looks' feature, similar to Apple's Photographic Styles, allowed the reviewer to set a 'Vanilla' default with adjusted shadows and contrast. Night Sight is claimed to be three times faster, and moving subjects are now captured sharply, with faster focusing on a dark-furred dog.

The reviewer acknowledged that long-term performance is uncertain and that the fixed modem should have arrived years ago, but concluded that Google had done enough this year to justify an upgrade. The article's author said they are glad they upgraded.