As Pixel 11 approaches, many Pixel users are focusing less on flashy new AI features and more on basic improvements that matter every day. Battery life, storage capacity, charging speed, video quality, and Face Unlock are the five issues that keep coming up most often.
The discussion reflects a practical shift in expectations. In a market where AI hype is still divided and RAM shortages have pushed prices higher, many owners are asking for changes that will be felt immediately in daily use.
Battery life remains the biggest concern
Battery endurance is the most consistent demand from users, and some say they would accept only average performance if the phone could still last through the day. That view captures the central complaint around recent Pixel models: reliability matters more than raw numbers.
Pixel 10 ships with a 4,970mAh battery, yet reactions have been mixed. Some users report no major issues, while others say the phone drains too quickly and struggles to last until night even with light use.
| Model | Battery / Charging | User Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10 | 4,970mAh battery | Mixed feedback on endurance |
| Pixel 10 Pro | Day-long use possible for heavy users, but often needs nighttime charging | Still seen as limited for long sessions |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Up to 45W wired charging | Faster than smaller models, but still behind some rivals |
Pixel 10 Pro has faced similar criticism. Reviews suggest it may survive a full day for heavy users, but many still need to recharge at night or during the day.
One idea gaining attention is silicon-carbon battery technology. It could allow larger capacities, although concerns about stability have kept Google and Apple from adopting it so far.
Video still trails behind Pixel’s photo reputation
Pixel phones are widely known for still photography, especially the way Google processes images. Even so, many users feel that video quality has not kept pace with that reputation.
That complaint appears frequently in Pixel communities, and the hope is that Pixel 11 will deliver a noticeable improvement in recording quality. Video Boost can help, but it depends on cloud processing, which means the video must be uploaded, processed, and downloaded again.
For some users, that workflow is too cumbersome. There is also growing interest in more on-device AI processing so that video improvements do not rely so heavily on the cloud.
Face Unlock needs to be safer and more dependable
Face Unlock is another feature many users want Google to improve. It works in a way that resembles Apple’s Face ID, but it does not use an infrared sensor like the TrueDepth camera system.
Many users want Google to add infrared hardware to Pixel 11. They believe it would improve security and reliability, while also helping Face Unlock work better in dark environments.
Google is said to be working on a system that would more closely resemble Face ID on future Pixel phones. Until there is an official announcement, however, that remains speculation.
Charging speed is seen as lagging behind rivals
Charging performance is also under scrutiny. Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro support wired charging up to 30W, while Pixel 10 Pro XL reaches 45W.
Those speeds are acceptable for many owners, but they still look modest next to some competitors. The comparison becomes sharper when Samsung’s Galaxy S26+ offers 45W and the Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches 60W.
That gap is why many users want Pixel 11 to charge faster. A leap as aggressive as OnePlus is not seen as realistic, but moving closer to Samsung’s level would still feel like a meaningful upgrade.
256GB base storage is becoming the clearest request
Storage is the final long-running complaint that has not gone away. For years, the base capacity on Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and earlier Pixel models has remained at 128GB.
Many users now want Google to make 256GB the standard on Pixel 11. That would give the entry model more breathing room from day one and improve its value.
The request makes more sense as apps continue to grow and new AI features consume storage as well. Some Reddit comments even suggest that Android OS and updates can take up as much as 60GB before users add apps, photos, and other files.
Under those conditions, 128GB can fill up quickly. Even with cloud services such as Google Photos available, local storage is still seen as essential for users who do not want to move files or delete data too often.
