Pixel 11’s MediaTek modem boosts download speeds but uploads lag, test finds

Android Authority reported on Aug 27, 2026 that it tested the Pixel 11 Pro against last year’s Pixel 10 Pro under similar conditions, using the same SIM card, disconnecting both from Wi-Fi, and running Android 17. The outlet checked real signal strength in three areas and ran three speed tests indoors and outdoors.

In weak and mid-signal indoor locations, the Pixel 11 Pro recorded slightly stronger reception at -99 dBm and -97 dBm, compared with -101 dBm and -100 dBm on the Pixel 10 Pro. The newer phone also held onto 5G at -99 dBm in the weakest area while the older Pixel dropped to 4G. Outdoors, however, the Pixel 10 Pro posted a noticeably stronger signal at -74 dBm versus -82 dBm on the Pixel 11 Pro.

Download speeds favored the Pixel 11 Pro in both settings. Outdoors, it averaged 671 Mbps versus about 593 Mbps on the Pixel 10 Pro, a roughly 13% gain. Indoors, the gap widened to nearly 22%, with the Pixel 11 Pro averaging 493 Mbps and the Pixel 10 Pro about 405 Mbps. Ping was slightly lower and more consistent on the newer phone outdoors.

Upload speeds went the opposite direction. Outdoors, the Pixel 10 Pro averaged about 106 Mbps while the Pixel 11 Pro managed around 99 Mbps. Indoors, the difference was larger: the Pixel 10 Pro averaged about 25 Mbps, compared with just 14 Mbps on the Pixel 11 Pro. The older phone also had slightly better ping indoors.

The results suggest Google’s claim of a more reliable and faster modem holds up for download performance and weak-signal scenarios, but the new modem still lags in upload throughput and outdoor signal strength. Android Authority noted that the improvements address long-standing Pixel complaints like overheating and battery drain, though those aspects were not directly tested.