The Pixel 11 isn't notably different to its predecessor, and it doesn't even get new cameras — unlike the Pro models. That's annoying to say the least, but to its credit, Google added a decent number of software and camera features.
The one I like the most is Magic Capture; it makes taking photos of fast-moving subjects effortless, and it isn't gated to the Pro models — the standard Pixel 11 gets it too.
What is Magic Capture on the Pixel 11?
Magic Capture is a dedicated camera mode on the Pixel 11. It starts taking a video when you hit the shutter button, and then uses on-device AI models to analyze the frames and find the best still photo. That image is then turned into a high-resolution HDR photo.
Basically, the feature is designed to make it easy to take photos of fast-moving objects. If you have kids that are constantly on the move, the mode ensures you get images that aren't blurry. It genuinely makes a big difference, and having used it extensively on my Pixel 11 Pro XL, I'm glad that the feature is just as usable on the standard Pixel 11 as well.
You get a set of images when using Magic Capture, and the video that's shot is also available if you need it. The video itself isn't shot in 4K, so you don't quite get the best definition if that's what you're after — the goal with the mode is to deliver HDR photos of the best moments in the video. All of it is done on-device, and it doesn't take much time either.
How to use Magic Capture on the Pixel 11
Google needlessly made the viewfinder controls convoluted to use, and instead of having a Video mode like every other brand, it clubbed it into a toggle in the Photo mode. Magic Capture adds to that, with the mode available as another toggle within the Photo mode. This is how to access it:
- Launch the Camera on your Pixel 11.
- Choose Photo.
- In the bottom row, choose the left-most toggle to enable Magic Capture.
I prefer the cameras on the Pixel 11 Pro XL (obviously), but it's good to see the Pixel 11 getting all the new software features. Also, while the camera modules haven't changed this year on the Pixel 11, the phone takes better photos thanks to tweaks to Google's camera algorithms. Then there are features like Camera Looks that go a long way in changing the look and feel of the photos.
