{"id":628054,"date":"2026-09-18T01:24:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T01:24:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/628054\/"},"modified":"2026-09-18T01:24:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T01:24:13","slug":"iphone-18-pro-vs-pixel-11-pro-the-new-apple-and-google-pro-phones-are-quite-different","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/628054\/","title":{"rendered":"iPhone 18 Pro vs. Pixel 11 Pro: The New Apple and Google Pro Phones Are Quite Different"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/the-iphone-duo-is-the-best-foldable-ill-never-buy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">iPhone Duo<\/a> might have stolen the spotlight at Apple\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/news-live\/apple-event-2026-live-updates\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Surprise and Shine event<\/a> last week, but the latest high-end <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/you-win-apple-the-iphone-18-pro-could-reignite-my-love-of-phone-photography\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">iPhone 18 Pro<\/a> remains the go-to option for creatives. With the inclusion of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/phone-18-pro-camera-upgrades-variable-aperture-pro-controls\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4886257\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">variable aperture<\/a> that can control light exposure for photography and long battery life, Apple\u2019s new Pro <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-phone\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2700648\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">phone<\/a> is well equipped for media capture. But the new model is more expensive than ever. At its $1,199 starting price, the phone is $100 more than the base <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-iphone-17-pro-iphone-17-pro-max-review\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-iphone-17-pro-iphone-17-pro-max-review\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">iPhone 17 Pro<\/a> and Google\u2019s new $1,099 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/google-pixel-11-pro-review\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pixel 11 Pro<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>While Google\u2019s Pixel 11 Pro received its own $100 price hike over last year\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/i-tested-the-pixel-10-pro-and-its-a-master-class-on-what-an-android-phone-should-be\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/i-tested-the-pixel-10-pro-and-its-a-master-class-on-what-an-android-phone-should-be\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10 Pro<\/a> \u2014 likely influenced by the ongoing memory shortage that\u2019s making electronics more expensive \u2014 the phone also received camera upgrades like a larger sensor on its 48-megapixel telephoto camera that promises a 30% increase in light capture (versus the 10 Pro). That telephoto camera supports the 11 Pro\u2019s 30x digital zoom as well as its 120x Pro Zoom \u2014 the latter using generative AI to clean up photos taken at that distance.<\/p>\n<p>Both phones have a big focus on photography, but after that, Apple\u2019s iPhone 18 Pro and Google\u2019s Pixel 11 Pro differ dramatically. They have designs that will suit different crowds and functions, and spotlight the best of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/ive-been-using-ios-27-for-months-heres-whats-great-and-what-i-hope-they-change\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">iOS 27<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/android-17-preview\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Android 17<\/a>, respectively. I\u2019ve taken a closer look at each phone\u2019s biggest features, so you can figure out whether the iPhone 18 Pro or the Pixel 11 Pro is the better fit for you.<\/p>\n<p>Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Design and display<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"682\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789694650_759_pixel-11-pro-review-cnet-lanxon-14.jpg\" alt=\"Image of a hand holding a Google Pixel phone\" class=\"wp-image-4839612\"  \/>The Google Pixel 11 Pro brought some fun colors.Andrew Lanxon\/CNET<\/p>\n<p>While the iPhone 18 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro have similar designs to the phones they\u2019ve replaced \u2014 the iPhone 17 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro, respectively \u2014 each phone has an entirely different style.<\/p>\n<p>The iPhone 18 Pro sports an aluminum unibody design and, this year, a cleaner monotone look rather than the dual-tone finish of the 17 Pro. The 18 Pro comes in four colors: burgundy red, glacier blue, silver and black.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The back of the Pixel 11 Pro highlights its full-width camera bar with an added edge-to-edge glass for a more uniform look. It comes in canyon (an orange-pinkish shade), fog white, olive green and obsidian black. Both the Pixel and the iPhone have color-matching frames, giving them a seamless look. In the hand, the Pixel 11 Pro will feel lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro, with the phones weighing in at 204 grams and 211 grams, respectively \u2014 in both cases roughly the same as a medium apple.<\/p>\n<p>Both phones have a 6.3-inch OLED display with support for a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, and are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance \u2014 making them safe to take to environments like the beach where sand and water won\u2019t get inside.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0624.jpeg\" alt=\"Dynamic Island on iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro Max\" class=\"wp-image-4906962\"  \/>The Dynamic Island is smaller on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (right) than last year\u2019s 17 Pro Max (left).Patrick Holland\/CNET<\/p>\n<p>On the iPhone, there\u2019s a new, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/iphone-18-pros-new-dynamic-island-tracks-three-activities-at-once\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">smaller Dynamic Island<\/a> that serves as the cutout for the selfie camera and Apple\u2019s Face ID sensor. That space can now show up to three Live Activities at once, letting you glance at active timers or the status of a rideshare vehicle that\u2019s en route to pick you up. The display is protected with Ceramic Shield 2, which is the same as the 17 Pro, and it has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/i-used-the-iphone-17-pro-max-without-a-case-for-a-year-heres-how-it-looks-now\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">held up quite<\/a> well after a year of use, so I expect similar durability here.<\/p>\n<p>The Pixel 11 Pro has a traditional selfie camera cutout on the front, but its display should shine brighter in sunny environments with its 3,600-nit peak brightness. The iPhone 18 Pro, by comparison, has an also-bright 3,000-nit peak brightness. Google\u2019s display sports Corning\u2019s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and includes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor underneath the screen. The Pixel 11 Pro also supports facial identification that is assisted by its front-facing camera and machine learning.<\/p>\n<p>Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro cameras<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0666.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4907010\"  \/>The iPhone 18 Pro supports variable aperture on its main camera.Patrick Holland\/CNET<\/p>\n<p>Apple and Google have worked on camera advancements in both hardware and software on their latest phones.<\/p>\n<p>The iPhone 18 Pro has a variable aperture on its 48-megapixel main camera. It can manually adjust the aperture between four options (\u0192\/1.48, \u0192\/1.8, \u0192\/2.8, and \u0192\/4.0 f-stops) to control the amount of light hitting the sensor. It is accompanied by a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 48-megapixel telephoto sensor with support for 4x optical zoom and 8x hybrid zoom.<\/p>\n<p>CNET\u2019s Patrick Holland confirmed in his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/iphone-18-pro-max-review\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">review<\/a> that the aperture automatically adjusts itself when shooting between 1x and 3.9x magnification. It is great for shutterbugs and can shoot some amazing shots in the dark.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In comparison, the Google Pixel 11 Pro has a 50-megapixel main camera, a bigger 48-megapixel telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom, and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. It\u2019s got a new Camera Looks feature for built-in color profiles. CNET\u2019s Andrew Lanxon <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/google-pixel-11-pro-review\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tested<\/a> and enjoyed using it: \u201cI don\u2019t think Google takes full advantage of this tool yet, but it\u2019s a step in the right direction and a welcome addition for casual shutterbugs who love to simply snap away without worrying about editing later.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For selfies, you get an 18-megapixel front camera on the new iPhone and a 42-megapixel front camera on the Google phone. Apple\u2019s smarts include automatic framing based on the number of people in the selfie \u2014 letting you switch between horizontal and vertical without rotating your phone \u2014 and Pro controls to quickly adjust settings like aperture and shutter speed, among other things. On the other hand, the Pixel has a new Magic Capture mode (on the rear cameras), which records a short video clip and then uses AI to select the best still frames from it \u2014 and you can manually pick your favorite stills as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: processor and battery<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"622\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pixel-11-pro-gaming.jpg\" alt=\"A phone is held up horizontally while playing a game.\" class=\"wp-image-4854231\"  \/>The Pixel 11 Pro\u2019s display is impressive, but its gaming performance isn\u2019t exceptional.David Lumb\/CNET<\/p>\n<p>Apple\u2019s new iPhone runs on the in-house A20 Pro chip, which is based on the 2nm process. That means the processor is denser and may have helped make room for the 18 Pro to get a larger vapor chamber to help keep the phone running cool under intensive use. In his review, Patrick said that \u201cgaming on the iPhone 18 Pro Max has been a blast.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He notes that the iPhone 18 Pro got warm only when downloading apps and game files (some as large as 28GB) or when charging \u2014 but not to the extent that it would be a concern. This is one of the best improvements since my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/3-iphone-18-pro-upgrades-that-will-make-my-life-as-a-frequent-traveler-easier\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4905810\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">iPhone 17 Pro Max used to get warm<\/a> in regular use, depending on the ambient temperature.<\/p>\n<p>For comparison, the Pixel 11 Pro has the new Tensor G6 processor, which powers new software and camera tricks. In my usage, it has been smooth in daily life. However, it gets warm to the touch in 10 minutes or more of gaming. While the Pixel 11 Pro\u2019s screen makes games look good, CNET Managing Editor David Lumb finds the phone <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/the-google-pixel-11-pro-still-has-the-best-display-for-gaming-but-other-troubles-emerge\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">underpowered for gaming<\/a>, noticing it struggles with higher graphics settings. The iPhone remains a better choice if you\u2019re a mobile gamer, and Apple\u2019s App Store includes several console-quality games for the iPhone that, when purchased, also work for Mac and Apple TV.<\/p>\n<p>Another Apple upgrade comes in the form of battery life. The iPhone 18 Pro is claimed to last longer and charge faster than its predecessor. In CNET\u2019s review, Patrick pointed out that the battery life \u201cmatches that of the 17 Pro and Pro Max.\u201d It can last an entire day, but when you push it to the limits and drain the battery, it can charge faster than before.<\/p>\n<p>In our 30-minute wired charging test, the 18 Pro went from empty to 82% charge. In the same test, the Pixel 11 Pro went from 55% to 88% with its 30-watt charging speed. If you opt for the Pro XL model, you get faster 45-watt charging, which can deliver more charge in the same amount of time.<\/p>\n<p>Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Extra features<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/P1024314.MOV.22_49_50_03.Still002.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4907045\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>The iPhone 18 Pro runs iOS 27, which squashes bugs and comes with a new set of features. It has improved voice-to-text capabilities and a smoother user interface. The new Apple iPhone also offers Focus Tracking and Reference Image features in the Camera app. The former can help you track a subject more efficiently, while Reference Image is like a digital version of a film negative. It grabs the pixel data at the time the image was taken before it goes through Apple\u2019s image pipeline, so you can check the authenticity of the photo. That can be especially helpful since many Apple Intelligence features let you alter photos substantially, such as how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/apple-spatial-reframing-generative-ai-as-a-photographer\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spatial Reframing<\/a> lets you adjust the angle of a subject using generative AI.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the Pixel 11 Pro has many new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/i-tried-pixel-11s-new-gemini-features\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gemini Intelligence features<\/a>, such as voice-to-text capabilities (Rambler) that filter out filler words when sending a message, or the ability to communicate in ASL via the Pixel camera. I\u2019ve also enjoyed the new Camera Looks, while HiLight (a notification light on the camera bar that\u2019s initially just for phone calls and Gemini) has been disappointing. Overall, both phones offer unique smart features to enhance your experience.<\/p>\n<p>Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Specs<\/p>\n<p>iPhone 18 ProGoogle Pixel 11 ProDisplay size, tech, resolution, refresh rate6.3-inch OLED, 2,622\u00d71,206 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate6.3-inch OLED, 2,856\u00d71,280 pixels, 120Hz refresh ratePixel density460 ppi496 ppiDimensions (inches)5.9\u00d72.3\u00d70.3 in6.0\u00d72.8\u00d70.3inDimensions (millimeters)150\u00d771.9\u00d78.75mm152.4\u00d771.1\u00d77.6mmWeight (grams, ounces)211 g (7.4 oz)204 g (7.2 oz)Mobile softwareiOS 27Android 17Camera48-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (telephoto)Front-facing camera18-megapixel42-megapixelVideo capture4K8KProcessorApple A20 ProGoogle Tensor G6RAM + storageRAM N\/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB12GB RAM + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB, 1TBExpandable storageNoneNoneBatteryUp to 24 hours5,115 mAhFingerprint sensorNone (Face ID)Under displayConnectorUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jackNoneNoneSpecial featuresApple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2\u00d72 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Siri AI. Dual eSIM. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: black, silver, glacier, burgundy. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger.HiLight LED, 30W wired charging, 25W Qi 2.2 wireless charging, Gemini, Magic Capture, Creator Suite Rambler, Live Translate with American Sign Language, IP68 dust and water resistance, 7 years of software and security updatesUS price starts at$1,199 (256GB)$1,099 (256GB)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img alt=\"Prakhar Khanna\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789694653_824_5cd4fd8f-e929-4616-a2df-36c53a24e3df.jpg\"  class=\"avatar avatar-64 photo\" height=\"64\" width=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrakhar Khanna is a Writer at CNET with bylines in ZDNET, Forbes, and other major outlets. A digital nomad at heart, he thrives in chaos&#8211;mixing deadlines with travel, often writing stories on planes, trains, and cafe tables while hunting down the best pizza spots wherever he lands. His backpack usually carries one phone too many, and his playlists are stacked with 2000s Bollywood. Find him across social media @ParkyPrakhar.&#13;<br \/>\nContact: parkydoesstuff(at)gmail(dot)com<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/profiles\/prakharkhanna\/\" rel=\"author nofollow noopener\" class=\"articleAuthorBioFooter_link\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee full bio\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The iPhone Duo might have stolen the spotlight at Apple\u2019s Surprise and Shine event last week, but the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":628055,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[61,60,202,80],"class_list":["post-628054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mobile","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-mobile","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/628054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=628054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/628054\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/628055"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=628054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=628054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=628054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}