Google’s largest flagship phone for 2025 just leaked online, and it brings some major changes under the hood that could reshape the company’s smartphone strategy. The Pixel 11 Pro XL has appeared in detailed renders showing a refined design and specs that suggest Google is finally ready to ditch one of its longest-standing hardware partners.
Sleeker Camera Bar Takes Center Stage
The most noticeable change in the leaked renders comes from the camera module. Google has redesigned the iconic camera bar to be bigger yet thinner than previous generations, finished entirely in black. The design maintains the flat-sided approach that has become a signature of recent Pixel phones, but the slimmer profile of the camera bump could make the device feel less bulky in hand.
According to renders shared by leaker @OnLeaks, the Pixel 11 Pro XL measures 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5mm. These dimensions are nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro XL, suggesting Google has found a sweet spot for its largest phone. The device is expected to keep the same 6.8-inch OLED display, giving users plenty of screen real estate without pushing into tablet territory.
The familiar flat sides create a modern aesthetic that aligns with current design trends across the smartphone industry. This approach also makes the phone easier to grip and less likely to slip from your hand compared to rounded edges.
Breaking Up With Samsung’s Modem
Here’s where things get interesting. Google is reportedly dropping Samsung’s modem technology for the first time in favor of MediaTek’s M90 modem. This marks a significant shift in Google’s hardware partnerships and could address one of the biggest complaints about previous Pixel phones.
Pixel devices have faced criticism over the years for connectivity issues, dropped calls, and weaker signal strength compared to competitors. Many users and tech reviewers traced these problems back to Samsung’s Exynos modem that Google integrated into its Tensor chips. By switching to MediaTek, Google appears to be taking user feedback seriously and making changes that matter.
The M90 modem from MediaTek is built on advanced technology and has shown strong performance in devices from other manufacturers. If the switch delivers better signal reception and more stable connections, it could eliminate one of the main reasons people avoided Pixel phones in the past.
Tensor G6 Goes Smaller and Faster
Google’s custom Tensor G6 processor will power the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and early information suggests it will be a game-changer. The chip is rumored to feature a 7-core design built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm manufacturing process. This represents a major leap forward in both efficiency and performance.
Moving to TSMC’s 2nm process means the processor will pack more transistors into a smaller space, delivering better performance while using less power. For everyday users, this translates to longer battery life and smoother performance whether you’re scrolling through social media, playing games, or running multiple apps at once.
The 7-core configuration is an unusual choice that suggests Google is prioritizing a specific balance between performance cores for demanding tasks and efficiency cores for everyday activities. This custom approach is part of what makes Tensor chips different from the Snapdragon processors found in most Android phones.
Enhanced Security With Titan M3
Security gets an upgrade too. Google will introduce the Titan M3 security coprocessor, codenamed “Google Epic,” after using the Titan M2 for several years. This dedicated security chip works separately from the main processor to protect your sensitive data, passwords, and biometric information.
The new Titan M3 should offer faster processing for security tasks and improved protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. As phones store more personal information, from banking details to health data, having a separate chip dedicated entirely to security becomes more important.
Memory and Storage Built for AI
The Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to come with 16GB of RAM, matching the configuration in recent Pro models. Storage will start at 256GB, giving users plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps without immediately needing cloud storage.
That generous amount of RAM isn’t just for bragging rights. Google has been pushing hard into on-device AI features, and these functions need significant memory to run smoothly. From real-time translation to advanced photo editing, having 16GB ensures these features work without slowing down your phone.
Camera Upgrades Push Creative Boundaries
The camera system is getting some exciting new features based on recent leaks. Google is reportedly adding an ultra-low-light video mode that could make nighttime recording dramatically better. Anyone who’s tried filming a concert or outdoor event after sunset knows how grainy and dark smartphone video can get.
The phone will support Cinematic Blur at 4K resolution running at 30 frames per second, bringing professional-looking depth effects to your videos. This feature uses computational photography to blur backgrounds while keeping subjects sharp, mimicking the look of expensive cinema cameras.
Perhaps most impressive is the rumored 100x zoom capability. While digital zoom at extreme levels often produces unusable images, Google plans to combine new telephoto camera hardware with machine learning to maintain image quality even when zoomed in dramatically. Whether you’re trying to capture details of a distant building or zoom in on wildlife, this could open up new creative possibilities.
A new video relight function will let you adjust lighting after recording. Made a video where someone’s face is too dark or the background is overexposed? This feature aims to fix those problems with customizable lighting adjustments, giving you more control over your final footage.
Android 17 Ready at Launch
The Pixel 11 Pro XL will likely ship with Android 17 right out of the box. Google typically releases the stable version of its new Android update before launching new Pixel phones, allowing the hardware and software to work together seamlessly from day one.
Running the latest Android version means getting new features, security updates, and performance improvements immediately. It also means you’ll receive years of future updates, as Google typically provides seven years of software support for its flagship Pixel phones.
What This Means for Your Next Phone
If you’ve been waiting for Google to fix the connectivity problems that plagued earlier Pixels, the switch to MediaTek’s modem could be the solution you’ve been hoping for. Better signal strength and more reliable connections make a huge difference in daily use, from streaming music during your commute to making calls in areas with weaker coverage.
The camera improvements target real problems people face when shooting photos and videos on their phones. Low-light video, extreme zoom, and post-recording lighting adjustments give you more creative freedom without needing separate equipment or complicated editing software.
For anyone concerned about privacy and security, the Titan M3 chip provides peace of mind that your personal information has dedicated hardware protection working around the clock.
Expected Launch Timeline
Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 11 series in August, following the same schedule as last year’s launch. This timing puts the phones on store shelves before the fall shopping season and ahead of major competitors’ release windows.
The renders and specifications paint a picture of a phone that builds on Google’s strengths in AI and computational photography while addressing past weaknesses in connectivity. Whether these changes are enough to convince skeptics and win over new customers will become clear once the phone officially launches and reviewers can test real devices. As Google continues refining its smartphone lineup, the Pixel 11 Pro XL represents an important step in the company’s evolution from software giant to serious hardware competitor. What do you think about Google’s decision to switch modem suppliers? Will better connectivity finally make Pixel phones your top choice? Share your thoughts and let your friends know about these exciting leaks on social media.
