This is where things get interesting. Alongside the existing 48-megapixel sensor for its ultra-wide camera, the Pixel 11 Pro comes with a new 50-megapixel main sensor and a new 48 MP sensor for its 5x zoom lens. This alone should lead to a considerable improvement in image quality, with Google’s new ISP already showing dividends when I took photos that captured much sharper detail than I expected, especially on things like people’s hair.
However, the biggest new feature is called Magic Capture, accessible using a brand new button in the camera app. Instead of pressing the shutter button every time you want to take a photo or video, you just press Magic Capture and then let the Pixel 11’s AI take the wheel. The idea is that by saving yourself from having to tap something at the perfect moment, you can focus more on being present and on the action happening in front of you. When the scene is over or you reach Magic Capture’s two-minute limit for videos, the phone automatically selects a handful of the most dynamic and engaging shots, along with a single clip that best highlights what just happened. One of the main advantages is that you don’t have to worry about missing the photo, because the AI analyzes around 400 images before choosing the best ones. From what I’ve seen, it’s pretty good at creating interesting poses or expressions like the ones I recorded from some dancers on the Google demo station.
Alternatively, for those who want more control over the photos they take, Google has added a handful of customizable camera skins (aka filters) that you can easily apply or set as your default color profile. This includes options like Shadows for more contrasty images, Vanilla for warmer, more comfortable shades, or Editorial for that classic magazine photoshoot look.
When it comes to videos, there’s what Google calls its new Creator Suite, which includes a collection of tools to help aspiring vloggers and influencers. The Pixel 11’s teleprompter feature lets you upload a script that the phone will follow and follow automatically as you read it. When I used it, it worked perfectly, easily understanding and keeping pace with what I was saying. Then, to make organizing footage easier, there’s a new folder system that lets you collect related clips in one place. Finally, to help you shape things into something cohesive, there’s a new storyboard feature to help you edit and move b-roll as needed.
Sam Rutherford for Woozad
When it comes to its telephoto capabilities, Google’s AI-powered Super Res Zoom isn’t new, but the Pixel 11 Pro pushes things to new distances. It’s now capable of reaching up to 120x digital magnification, which is even better than the 100x space zoom we’ve seen on competitors like the S26 Ultra. In practice, holding the phone still enough to place distant objects in the frame can be a little tricky, the results speak for themselves. As part of its demo, Google hid a small Android figurine atop a wall two rooms away, easily more than 50 feet away. Although the image was a little blurry in the viewfinder, the result was a surprisingly sharp final photo – once the Pixel 11 Pro had a chance to process everything.
