5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Pixel 11 Pro XL
The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s reveal brought with it more questions than answers. Google’s new flagship is a mixed bag, with some needed enhancements but also an unfortunate downgrade. It’s a phone that is h…
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The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s reveal brought with it more questions than answers. Google’s new flagship is a mixed bag, with some needed enhancements but also an unfortunate downgrade. It’s a phone that is harder to justify this year, as Google has raised prices, which will give some buyers the impression they are paying more for less.
It’s not an easy decision, even for hardcore Pixel fans. Smartphones have gotten more expensive across the board, but Google is now on the same playing field as everyone else, and buyers will demand results. If you’re on the fence about buying a new Pixel 11 Pro XL, here are five Android alternatives that can win you over instead.
The base Pixel 11 Pro XL now starts at $1,300, placing it squarely against the Galaxy S26 Ultra . Samsung isn’t even at a RAM disadvantage this year, as Google’s entry Pixel 11 Pro XL variant comes with only 12GB of RAM — a downgrade from last year. I am sure Google will highlight more efficient Gemini Nano models that are designed to run on 12GB, but the reality is that the phone comes with less.
It’s not a perfect phone, but there are fewer question marks about the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers outstanding performance and provides everything you want from a flagship chipset, while the Tensor G6 remains an unknown. Gaming is an excellent experience on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and you’ll enjoy a smooth experience for years to come. While Samsung is slow to update its other models, the Galaxy S26 Ultra does have a fantastic camera system, headlined by a 200MP primary sensor. It’s personal preference, but Pixel cameras don’t dominate the marketplace like they used to.
The battery life is solid on the S26 Ultra, and it’s not like you’re getting a silicon-carbon cell on the Pixel, which may have given Google’s device an advantage. One UI 8.5 is a wonderful user experience on the S26 Ultra, and I’ve been enjoying One UI 9 on my Galaxy Z Fold 8 , so I expect a similar experience on Samsung’s other phones. I may still give the nod to Material 3 Expressive design on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but Google’s user experience advantages won’t always be enough to offset other shortcomings. If you’re looking for a flagship alternative, the Galaxy S26 Ultra should be your first stop.
Not everyone who buys a Pixel necessarily needs top-of-the-line performance, and you may be in the mood for something different. That’s precisely what Motorola offers with the Razr Ultra (2026) . It’s expensive, with a starting price of $1,500. However, you get 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and various sales and carrier discounts, so you can always pick one up for less.
If you’ve only ever used traditional smartphones, the Razr Ultra is a breath of fresh air. Its 4-inch cover screen is outstanding for quick Instagram scrolls and checking messages, and it unfolds to reveal a gorgeous 7-inch internal display, providing the experience you’re currently used to. It’s sleek and compact, and I love that Motorola experiments with different textures and colors.
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