# Pixel 11 Pro’s Matte Black Finish is Stylish but Slippery Google’s new matte black coating is sleek but poses usability challenges. - **Source:** [Droid Life – Opinionated Android news.](https://brifing.si/source/e2c0dc2a-732d-474d-822d-7fd3baa90ea7) - **Published:** 2026-08-25 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ff5a4e18-ffda-4486-9b7c-e3241f15226c ## New Color Options Google introduced new colors for the Pixel 11 Pro, including Canyon, Olive, and Fog. The Pixel 10 Pro featured Moonstone and Jade. The new colors, especially Canyon and Olive, complement the device’s modern design. However, Google made a significant change to the Obsidian (black) option by introducing a matte black finish, which has caught attention. ## The Aesthetic Appeal of Matte Black The matte black finish on the Pixel 11 Pro gives the device a sleek and minimalist look. This coating is appreciated for not showing fingerprints and reducing reflections. For users who prefer darker colors, matte black adds a sophisticated touch. However, this aesthetic choice comes with some practical drawbacks. ## The Slipperiness Issue The matte black coating has made the device more slippery. Users report difficulty in holding the phone and a higher risk of dropping it. This issue is particularly problematic for users who prefer not to use protective cases. Other color options do not suffer from this slipperiness, making matte black’s disadvantage more noticeable. ## User Experiences Many users have experienced the slipperiness issue with the matte black version of the Pixel 11 Pro. Holding the device requires extra caution. Some users opt for protective cases to mitigate this problem, while others prefer to keep the phone’s original look. This situation highlights the need to balance aesthetics and practicality. ## Advantages of Other Colors Other color options for the Pixel 11 Pro do not have the slipperiness issue. Colors like Canyon and Olive offer both aesthetic appeal and ease of use. These colors provide a more comfortable grip while maintaining a modern appearance. Users consider both visual and practical factors when choosing a color. ## Design Choices Google has long preferred a polished frame finish for the Pixel series. However, the shift to a matte black finish for the Pixel 11 Pro breaks this tradition. This choice has been well-received by users who favor darker colors. Yet, the slipperiness issue highlights the drawbacks of this design decision. Google is expected to address this in future models. ## User Feedback The matte black version of the Pixel 11 Pro has been evaluated by users for both its aesthetics and practicality. While many appreciate the device’s look, complaints about its slipperiness are common. This feedback indicates that Google needs to balance design and usability in future models. Users expect such issues to be resolved. ## Conclusion and Recommendations The matte black finish on the Pixel 11 Pro adds a stylish look but introduces a slipperiness issue that poses challenges for users. This is particularly a disadvantage for those who prefer not to use protective cases. Other color options offer a more practical experience without this problem. Users should consider both aesthetic and practical factors when choosing a color. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.droid-life.com/2026/08/25/pixel-11-pro-in-matte-black-is-hot-also-super-slippery/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._