Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Sony Xperia 1 VII
Verdict
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Sony Xperia 1 VII tie on the OH Rank at a score of 72. Google Pixel 11 Pro XL wins on Performance and Screen; Sony Xperia 1 VII wins on Battery and Main Camera. Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is 2.5mm wider than Sony Xperia 1 VII. Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is the more recent release, from Aug 20, 2026.
Score Breakdown
Performance /15
Battery /15
Screen /15
IP Protection /15
Main Camera /15
Selfie /5
Video /5
SD Memory /5
Software /5
Desktop Replacement /5
TOTAL
72
72
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
76.5mm (3.01in) · Aug 20, 2026 · Rank #66
11+8+13+12+12+4+4+0+5+3 = 72
* TOP Software* TOP MidrangerMidrange
EDITORIAL: Continuing pattern of minimal innovation, Pixel 11 XL comes with a new 5-color LED (partial) notification light, new 3nm Tensor G6 chip and a marginally improved imaging setup. Battery is smaller (!) then last year with same charging setup.
PROs
flagship build with a new RGB back indicator showing calls and Gemini notifications (but not much else), 2300nits bright 480ppi 120Hz LTPO OLED screen with HDR10+, IP68 protection, very good 50MP 25mm 48MP 106mm 48MP 12mm ultrawide (all PDAF) setup, excellent (in daylight) 42MP 18mm PDAF selfie, good video recording, feature packed OS with a 7 years of updates promise, basic desktop replacement functionality, fast USB-C 3.2 port, Satellite SOS Service
CONs
mediocre Tensor G6 (3nm) with UFS 4.0 performance will not support every game, sub-30hr endurance from a 5100mAh old-tech lithium battery with 60min 45W (25W wireless) charging, no SD memory slot, limited market availability, $1,300 expensive at lounch
Sony Xperia 1 VII
74mm (2.91in) · Jun 2025 · Rank #75
9+10+8+12+14+3+3+5+5+3 = 72
FLY* TOP Software* TOP Memory Expansion* TOP Camera
EDITORIAL: Sony seems unsure about the direction of it's mobile business. This year's Xperia announcement didn't introduce Xperia 10 VII- their midrange phone. Xperia 5 V from 2023 was the last compact flagship Sony put out and now they seem to have slimmed their model range from 3 to just 1. The 1 VII is still a great phone. It's hardware is unique and more functional then any other flagship phone. Great grip and a bright screen, forward facing stereo speakers, hi quality headphone jack, SDmemory - this phone offers so much value. The battery life is still a great affair, cameras are as good as ever (tho selfie lacks AF) and software is simple, elegant and bloatware-free.
PROs
excellent build and grip, relatively narrow (easier to use one hand) body, headphone/microphone jack, tool-less SD card slot for quick memory expansion, dedicated two-step camera button, fast SnapDragon 8 Elite chip with UFS4.0 performance, >30hr endurance from a 5000mAh battery, >1500nits bright LTPO OLED screen, IP68 protection, great photos from the 48MP OIS main + 12MP OIS continuous optical zoom + 48MP ultrawide (all 3 have PDAF), a tried and true Sony skin Android with 4 years of OS updates, limited Android 17 desktop replacement functionality
CONs
expensive, lack of innovation, heavy throttling under load, 90min slow charging 5000mAh Lithium battery, sub400ppi non-HDR10+ screen, no-AF selfie, mediocre videos
Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.
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