Google's New Pixel Phone Relies on AI Features Instead of Hardware Upgrades

TechCrunch reviewed the Pixel 11 Pro XL on August 22 and found the hardware barely changed for a second year. Google's selling point is now AI software: dictation that removes filler words, smart suggestions, automated task completion (U.S. only), and live translation. With phone hardware improvements slowing, AI features are becoming the main reason people choose a phone.