Google Pixel 11 Pro’s 48MP periscope lens seemingly captures shots at closer distances: here’s the proof

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 series last week, comprising the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, with several under-the-hood additions. Apart from the inclusion of the new and improved Tensor G6 processor, the entire Pixel lineup sees camera upgrades in one form or another. While Google has claimed that the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL feature larger periscope sensors than their predecessors, a Reddit user reports that the new periscope lenses have a shorter minimum focus distance, allowing users to focus on closer subjects.

Google Pixel 11 Pro/ Pro XL periscope lens upgrade

Per pcman2000 on Reddit, the Google Pixel 11 Pro’s 48MP periscope lens, which reportedly features a 1/1.95-inch sensor, can focus much closer on subjects than the 48MP 1/2.55-inch periscope camera on the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro. Even though both cameras feature 5x optical zoom, it appears that Google has altered the lens’s internal structure to achieve a short minimum focus distance.

The Reddit user shared an image of their Pixel 11 Pro next to a Pixel 9 Pro, with both devices running the camera app in manual mode and the telephoto focus sliders set to the closest possible setting. In the comparison, the Pixel 11 Pro delivers a sharp image of its box located a few feet away, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro’s shot appears heavily out of focus.

While Google hasn’t officially revealed the Pixel 11 Pro’s minimum focus distance, this suggests that the new Pixel Pro flagships can capture macro and close-up shots at shorter distances than the Pixel 9 Pro and 10 Pro. Speaking of which, other high-end flagships like the OPPO Find X9 Pro’s 200MP periscope camera feature a minimum focus distance of just 10cm for close-up tele-macro photography.

What does a short focus distance mean for you?

With a short focus distance, especially with a telephoto or periscope lens, the camera can lock focus on subjects that are much closer. You can use the high-quality optical zoom for product shots, food, jewellery, flowers, textures, or small details by just switching to the zoom lens and moving as close to the subject as possible, as long as it’s in focus.

All in all, a shorter minimum focus distance makes the zoom lens more flexible and useful in everyday situations. It turns the telephoto or periscope lens not only for capturing distant images but also for creative close-up shots.

If you’re into macro or close-up photography, the Google Pixel 11 Pro or 11 Pro XL could be an ideal pick for this purpose. However, since we don’t have official details on the actual distance the periscope can focus down to before it loses focus, it might be better to wait for real-world reviews and assess the phones’ macro capabilities accordingly.