RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.The and the are two very different smartphones positioned similarly at the top of their respective lineups. They are meant for power users who want the best on offer but don't necessarily require a big 6.9-inch display. Both phones have flagship chipsets, 6.3-inch AMOLED screens, versatile cameras, and multiple AI-powered features. So, which one should you get?Also: Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: I'm a fan of both foldables, but this one winsI haven't had a chance to compare their camera performance yet, but here's how the latest Google phone stacks up against its Apple rival and which one could be better for you.SpecificationsGoogle Pixel 11 ProApple iPhone 17 ProDisplay6.3-inch AMOLED; 3,600 peak nits6.3-inch AMOLED; 3,000 peak nitsBattery4,850 mAh; 30W charging; 25W wireless4,252mAH; 40W charging; 30W wirelessCamera system50MP Main, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP/5x Telephoto, 42MP Selfie48MP Main; 48MP Ultrawide; 48MP/8x Telephoto; 18MP Center Stage SelfieProcessorTensor G6A19 ProConnectivity5G5GRAM/Storage12GB/16GB, 256GB/512GB/1TB12GB/256GB; 512GB; 1TBPriceStarting at Starting at $ You should buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro if… 1. You want Gemini over SiriThe Pixel 11 Pro naturally offers a better Gemini experience than the iPhone. Google says it has co-designed the Tensor G6 chip's silicon architecture alongside the latest AI models from Google DeepMind to deliver better quality and lower latency. While the company is again aiming to "offload everyday, routine tasks" by letting you order groceries or book rides through Gemini, it has also introduced a way for the smart assistant to dial businesses to "complete tasks for you." While Gemini communicates, you'll get a live transcript view and the ability to take over the conversation at any point.Also: Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Buy the old Android smartwatch or opt for the newest?A smarter AI addition to the Pixel 11 Pro is contextual AI, which can pull relevant information from across your favorite apps more efficiently. Then there's Rambler, a new voice-to-text feature that lets your phone automatically remove filler words like "um" and format your thoughts with greater clarity before you hit send. The iPhone will have similar Siri capabilities with iOS 27, but we'll have to wait until September to see them. If you buy a Pixel 11 Pro (or Fold), you can also get 6 months of the Google AI Pro plan with expanded usage limits in Gemini, 5 TB of cloud storage, and Google Health Premium at no cost (a $119 value).2. You want a notification light on your phoneGoogle is bringing back my favorite long-forgotten, useful feature, the notification light, in a new form. The new Pixel 11 Pro series has HiLight, an array of ambient LED lights built around the camera's flash to "give you light-based communications on the back of the phone." So, when you keep your phone face down and receive a notification, you can know what it's about without turning the phone over. Also: I compared Google's pricier Pixel 11 series to Samsung's Galaxy lineup - here's the better value nowAt launch, Google is offering two HiLight functionalities: one for contacts and one for Gemini. You can assign a color to your favorite contacts so you don't miss an incoming call from them. The other use case is to receive a soft visual cue indicating when Gemini is listening, thinking, and responding. In a briefing, Google said it is looking for ways to expand HiLight capabilities, including expanding its Favorite Contact notification feature to messages.3. You want an Android phoneFor those of us who find home in Android's ecosystem, the Pixel 11 Pro is undoubtedly a better buy than the iPhone 17 Pro. It brings all-new Android 17 features, a bigger main camera sensor for better photography and videography chops, a decent battery boost, a brighter screen, and more capabilities with the Tensor G6 chip. Google is also adding Camera Looks, a new feature that lets you create your own set of distinct film styles like iPhone's Photographic Styles. All of this is paired with the much-loved smooth Pixel UI experience.You should buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro if… 1. You record yourself oftenIf you are a vlogger or want to start recording yourself more often using your phone's selfie camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the better choice. Apple equipped the iPhone 17 series with a new 18MP Center Stage camera housed in a square sensor. The square sensor lets you shoot landscape selfies and videos without needing to turn your phone. Also: How to download iOS 27 right now (and which iPhone models support it)Apple's software in the viewfinder automatically repositions its framing based on the number of people in the photo, and it works surprisingly well. It makes the process of shooting oneself a lot easier than its rivals from Google and Samsung. In comparison, the Google Pixel 11 Pro has a decent selfie camera, but it won't be enough if you need a reliable, flexible front-camera experience.2. You live in Apple's ecosystemGoogle has made it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android on both the software and hardware fronts with products like PixelSnap for MagSafe accessory compatibility and software like Android Switch for device migration. However, if you already own a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone 17 Pro is the better phone to purchase. It will seamlessly integrate into your workflow and pair with all other Apple devices.Also: 5 underrated iOS 27 features that make my iPhone way better - and none are Siri AIGoing for a Pixel 11 Pro in this regard will cost you more than just replacing your phone; you'll need to replace an entire hardware ecosystem. If you're planning to purchase a Pro-level iPhone for under $1,000, I'd suggest buying the iPhone 17 Pro right now, since the iPhone 18 Pro series is likely to see a price hike when it launches in September.
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