Google Pixel 11 takes worse photos than iPhone 17
DxOMark specialists published the results of comprehensive camera testing for the new Google Pixel 11.
The device is roughly on par with iPhone 15 Pro, but the Google flagship fell short of the newer iPhone 17 by three points. In the DxOMark ranking, Pixel 11 also received a higher overall score than Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The main innovation of the Pixel 11 is its primary camera. Google installed a 48-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 lens. The sensor size has increased to 1/1,56 inch compared to 1/2 inch in the predecessor. Complementing the main module is a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 1/3,1-inch sensor, as well as a 10.8-megapixel telephoto module with an f/2.2 aperture and a 1/3,2-inch sensor.
Camera capabilities
The camera capabilities of the Pixel 11 were rated by experts at 161 points. DxOMark noted that with good lighting, the smartphone is capable of producing high-quality photos. The camera correctly determines exposure, preserves a wide dynamic range, and renders a large number of fine details.
Portrait photography also left a positive impression thanks to the natural background blur effect. Autofocus works quickly and reliably in most scenarios, while white balance ensures accurate color reproduction with sufficient light. However, as shooting conditions worsen, the advantages of the Pixel 11 become less noticeable.
One of the main criticisms from experts was the photos taken in low light. On the photographs, digital noise becomes more noticeable, and noise reduction algorithms may lead to loss of fine details. Additionally, in low light conditions, the smartphone sometimes inaccurately reproduces colors, which is particularly noticeable in skin tones.
Issues can also arise with backlighting. If a bright light source, such as the sun, is directly behind the subject, the autofocus may not always focus correctly on the subject.
Video capabilities
The gadget scored 142 points for video quality. Among the strong points, DxOMark highlights vibrant colors, natural skin tones, and a high level of detail both outdoors and under good artificial lighting. Under favorable conditions, the Pixel 11 delivers consistently high video quality.
The main limitations become more noticeable in complex scenes. In low light, noise appears, especially at the edges of the frame, and color distortions along with inaccurate skin tone rendering can reduce image quality.
In backlit scenes, focus instability is sometimes observed. Detailing also decreases when using an ultra-wide-angle camera or shooting from a close distance. In some scenes, fine details are lost, and background blur instability degrades the overall video consistency.
Result
The final score of 154 points allows the Pixel 11 to compete with a number of last year’s flagships, although it still falls short of the results of the newer iPhone 17. In the global ranking, the gadget holds the 28th position.
