5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 11

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Google’s new lineup of flagship phones is officially here , and the base Pixel 11 is the most affordable of the bunch. It’s more expensive than last year’s model, starting at $899, but it’s now the only mainline Pixel to retail for under $1,000. You might be tempted to accept the base model’s compromises to avoid spending a small fortune on the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, or the Pixel 11 Pro Fold .

Before taking the leap, consider these five Android alternatives. You can pass on the Google Pixel 11 and still buy another great Pixel, or opt for a Samsung or Motorola phone instead. If I were in the market for a new Pixel 11, I’d take a long look at these other Android phones first.

Google Pixel phones are a bit of a mixed bag. Some users have great experiences using them, while other Pixel owners cite bugs and Tensor performance issues. If you’re worried about the Google Tensor G6 chip inside the Pixel 11 dropping the ball, the natural alternative is the Samsung Galaxy S26 . Samsung’s base-model flagship has quite a bit in common with the Pixel 11, including the 6.3-inch form factor and a triple-camera system on the back. However, it’s likely that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip inside the Galaxy S26 will run laps around the Tensor G6 powering the Pixel 11.

It’s somewhat concerning that Google isn’t telling us how amazing the new Tensor G6 processor is. The company says the chip offers 20% better efficiency, 25% quicker web browsing, and 15% snappier app launching. Aside from that, Google didn’t share the Tensor G6’s exact CPU configuration or GPU model. The Pixel 11’s performance is still up in the air, but we already know the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is a beast of a smartphone chip. Those craving the fastest speeds should opt for the Galaxy S26 instead of the Pixel 11.

The Google Pixel 11 ships with plenty of exclusive software features, but so does the Galaxy S26. Samsung’s phones offer a pleasant mix of Galaxy AI and Google AI features, and you can force-turn off all cloud-based features with a single toggle to protect your privacy. Generally, the One UI 8.5 experience is better for multitasking and customization than Google’s version of Android 17.

The Galaxy S26 is much thinner and lighter than the Pixel 11, but it also has a much smaller battery and a weaker camera system. Both phones are the best base-model flagships the Android scene has to offer, but the Galaxy S26 is almost certain to be the better-performing device overall.

Opting for the Google Pixel 11 Pro over the Pixel 11 won’t help your wallet, but it may deliver a better value. The Pixel 11 Pro costs $200 more than the Pixel 11, and it has the same 6.3-inch footprint. However, almost everything else is better, starting with the display specs. Google equipped the Pixel 11 Pro with a sharper 1,280×2,856 resolution and a brighter 3,600-nit rating. This makes the Pixel 11 Pro look crisp and maintain visibility even in challenging lighting conditions.