Google announced the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL on August 12, 2026, at its Made by Google event in New York. Pre-orders opened the same day, and both phones went on sale on August 20.
Although they share a name and most of their hardware, you can't say they're similar. The Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display with a slightly higher resolution.
The Pro XL is also taller, wider and heavier at 8 ounces, while the Pro weighs 7.2 ounces. The bigger body holds a bigger battery, 5,115mAh against 4,850mAh. Bottomline, the contrast is quite noticeable.
One thing they do share is glass, which brings us to the need for a screen protector. Both phones use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with a new 800nm anti-scratch layer. Google says this layer makes the display more than twice as scratch-resistant, and even JerryRigEverything tested the Pro XL.
Yet, he still saw scratches at level 6 on the Mohs scale. Fine scratches will definitely look slightly fainter, but the phones stand nothing against drops, and it's pretty much the same Victus 2 Google used before.
The Pro XL has more screen to scratch and more weight behind every fall, but a protector costs far less than a replacement display, and you can get quality options at affordable prices below.
Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Pro
$19.99
Spigen rates these glasses at 10H+, while most others claim 9H. They're tuned to work with the Pixel's fingerprint sensor, so unlocking shouldn't be weird for you. The tray dusts and aligns it in one go, so you get a clean first try.
ZAGG Glass Elite
$49.99
If you don't mind spending a little higher than usual, ZAGG claims its screen protectors are five times stronger than basic glass. For $50, you'll get sensitivity for your phone's ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The coating also hides smudges while the screen is on
TAURI 2-pack screen protectors
$9.98
Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Pro Privacy
$22.99
It's the same glass as the Best overall product on this list, except it adds nosy-person protection. Anyone looking from the side sees a dark screen. It's perfect for the bus or any place where people read your chats over your shoulder. Keep in mind that your screen may look dimmer when you tilt it.
OMOTON 3+2 Pack
$11.99
$10 for 3 screen protectors, 2 lens protectors, and a guided frame is fair price. The glass in this pack looks a bit narrower than the screen, so the thin side edges will remain bare and fit easily under cases. Redo your fingerprints and turn on Screen protector mode after you put it on. Some buyers get bubbles or lifting edges, and the spare sheets help with that.
Letosan 3-Pack screen protectors
$11.99
This pack gives you the most value for less of your money. The protectord are rounded to match your phone's corners, and it leaves a 1.4mm gap so your case doesn't push it up.
Scratch-resistant isn't scratch-proof
The Pixel 11 Pro XL's anti-scratch shield is a nice upgrade, but remember not to test it to its limits. Keep your phone out of the pocket with your keys and coins.
After you install it, re-register your fingerprint and turn on Screen protector mode in your display settings, if it exists. It's also worth considering buying a matching case with a raised lip so the screen never touches the table when you set the phone face-down.
