Pixel 11: In summary
- Google’s upcoming flagship range of Android phones
- Set to launch on 12 August 2026
- Tensor G6 chip could use a much more powerful CPU, but fall behind rivals on GPU capabilities
- Similar design to Pixel 10, with Pixel Glow feature now teased
- Removable batteries could be a new feature, alongside proper face scanning and a slimmer foldable phone
- Colours and prices seemingly leaked through early Amazon listings
- The phones could be using all-new camera lenses
- The Pixel 11 Pro models might ship with less RAM
Of all the handsets to debut in 2026, very few have quite as much excitement attached as the upcoming Google Pixel 11 range, and it isn’t hard to see why. Not only do these phones have the opportunity to build upon the already solid foundations of the current Pixel 10 crop, but after showing off the AI-centric features of Android 17, the expectation is that Google’s next phones will represent a major shift forward for Gemini.
With the addition of Pixelsnap (Google’s MagSafe equivalent), a telephoto camera on the base model and a wealth of software upgrades that actually help usability, the Pixel 10 range currently sets the standard as some of our favourite Android phones on the market, and when looking at the smartphone industry as a whole, Google is in a unique position to put itself forward even more.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 range, while competent, represented a very minor upgrade on what came before, and there are plenty of rumours floating around right now that Apple is looking to debut only it’s Pro level phones (as well as the folding iPhone Ultra) in September, and that the iPhone 18/18e, plus the iPhone Air 2, will be pushed back to March. By releasing four phones at once, with just the right amount of upgrades, Google could be faced with an open goal.
Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if Google can actually stick the landing with its next generation of phones, but anyone who might be considering a pre-order thankfully doesn’t have to wait to get an idea of what’s in store. There have been a large number of leaks and rumours regarding the Pixel 11 range and we’ve collated them here for your perusal.
When will the Google Pixel 11 be released?
In summary
- Expected to be announced on 12 August 2026
- Made by Google event will take place in New York
The Google Pixel 11 range is expected to be released in 2026, during Google’s annual summer event. The company’s Made by Google launch event will take place on 12 August in New York City.
Google used to launch new phones in October, but has now moved it forward for the last two generations.
Google
According to rumours, the Pixel 11 series is once again to include as many as four devices. If Google does the same as the last couple of years, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will get a later release date than the other models.
These documents confirm the codenames for the 2026 Pixel devices, with the Pixel 11 series adopting bear-themed names, such as ‘cubs’ for the standard Pixel 11, ‘grizzly’ for the Pixel 11 Pro, ‘kodiak’ for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and ‘yogi’ for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
For context, here are the launch dates of previous generations:
Learn more about all previous Google Pixel phones
Source: Android Authority | The Verge
How much will the Google Pixel 11 cost?
In summary
- Google is expected to raise prices this year from last year’s £799/$799
- However, models are expected to start with 256GB of storage
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Pixel 11 is that the range will see a fairly substantial uptick in price. The precedent here is that practically every other major manufacturer in this space has had to do the same amidst the ongoing RAM crisis fueled by the AI boom. The Samsung Galaxy S26 range is more expensive than what came before, and Apple has since confirmed (following various non-iPhone related price bumps) that its handsets will also see an uptick at the checkout.
Unfortunately, it seems as though our fears may come true based on recent leaks. Similar to Samsung’s strategy for 2026, Google’s entry-level model, the Pixel 11, will supposedly now have a starting storage of 256GB but with it, the price could start at $899 (likely £899 in the UK), which is a $100 increase on the Pixel 10.
It’s a similar story with the Pro-level phones, with the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL expected to start at $1099 and $1299 respectively (presumably the same rate in British pounds, too). The Pixel 10 Pro Fold could also jump to a starting price of $1899, meaning that the headline of all this is that each phone is looking at a £100/$100 bump.
Do take the storage aspect with a pinch of salt, however, as there are conflicting rumours out there right now about whether Google will do away with 128GB models for 2026, or if that strategy will be saved for another year.
Source: Dealabs | Android Authority
Luke Baker
What specs and features will the Google Pixel 11 have?
In summary
- New Tensor G6 chipset with big CPU implications and only minor GPU changes
- The biggest changes could be made to the cameras, with new main lenses across the board
- Only minor design changes are expected, although Midnight and Pine colours have been teased
- Pixel Glow could deliver light-based notifications so you can avoid getting drawn into the display
- Removable batteries might appear on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, alongside a slimmer build
- A new MediaTek modem for faster network speeds
- All new colourways with green being a constant across all models
Pixel 11: Design & Build
Given just how reluctant Google has been to massively overhaul the design of its smartphones, not since the camera bar turned into a visor for the Pixel 9 onwards, we aren’t expecting massive changes here. The latest rumours have largely confirmed this to be the case but there are a few smaller design tweaks to not only make the new Pixel phones look more svelte, but also improve their overall usability.
With Google previously stating we can expect a redesign every two or three years, it seems it’ll be the Pixel 12 series which will bring larger changes in 2027.
Starting with the Pixel 11 design, via CAD-based renders, it seems extremely similar to the Pixel 10 with only two design tweaks. That is a smaller bezel around the screen and an all-glass camera bar rather than a metal section around the flash.
The size is supposedly the same, apart from the phone being 0.1mm thinner. Note that the colour is for illustrative purposes, as it’s simply based on the Lavender colour of the Pixel 10a.
Onleaks / Android Headlines
Next up is the Pixel 11 Pro, which tells a similar story to the regular model. The renders appear to confirm an almost identical design with the same glossy frame as before, with the new all-black camera bar.
The main thing to note is that the temperature sensor appears to be missing from the back. This normally sits below the flash within the camera bar and could signal the loss of the unique, albeit niche, feature.
Onleaks / Android Headlines
And here’s the Pixel 11 Pro XL render showing the same thing.
Onleaks / Android Headlines
For the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, a handful of renders have appeared online showing a very similar build to the 10 Pro Fold, to the point where you might mistake one for the other at a passing glance. However, if you look closely then you’ll notice that the flash and microphone have been brought into the camera bump itself to create a uniform look.
While it’s unlikely that this move alone will result in any benefits to the camera chops of the 11 Pro Fold, it does look a lot cleaner from a design perspective.
OnLeaks x Android Headlines
What is more interesting are the renders showing the 11 Pro Fold on its side, seemingly indicating that the phone will only be 4.8mm thin when unfolded, and 10.1mm thick when closed up.
Admittedly, this is still a step behind the competition (the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Honor Magic V5 are just 4.2mm and 4.1mm thin when unfolded), but it’s a marked improvement on the 10 Pro Fold which felt a bit chunky in the hand.
Shifting gears to the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the initial concepts of what this phone might look like come not from a set of renders but rather case company Thinborne that has (accidentally?) unveiled its corresponding phone case a little ahead of schedule.
ThinBorne
While there’s only so much we can decipher from a case, the camera cut-out does hint at there being a slightly larger but stouter camera bump.
If true, this should stop the cameras from jutting out in your pocket, which feels like an ever-increasing problem in 2026 (you can spot the Honor Magic 8 Pro’s camera bump from a mile away in jeans). Whether this also translates into a change of sensors onboard for the Pixel 11 Pro XL remains to be seen.
In terms of colourways, we’ve had plenty of hints over what might be in store thanks to leaked wallpapers which typically tie in with the design on the back of the phone in question, but now we’ve had our best look at the devices yet thanks to a handful of Amazon listings that have since been taken offline but were spotted just in time.
Credit: 9to5Google
For the standard Pixel 11, you’re looking at a total of three colourways: Fuchsia, Moss and Midnight. The Fuchsia model, in particular, feels like the most striking, taking on an almost neon-like style of pink.
You’ll have a bit more room for expression with the Pixel 11 Pro thanks to four colourways including Pine, Sterling, Light Fog and Dune. Just as before, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to carry the same array of options.
Credit: 9to5Google
Things are a bit more pared back for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with just two models available to buy, coming in either Pine or Midnight. The one constant throughout the range this year is that Google is really leaning into having a green option available for each phone, which isn’t something we’re displeased about.
Sources: Android Headlines (2) (3) (4) | Thinborne | 9to5Google (2) | Mystic Leaks
Pixel 11: Display
Google is likely to continue with high-resolution OLED displays in the Pixel 11 series, with improvements to brightness, colour accuracy, and refresh rate.
The only news we have on this front is that Google is tipped to be using Samsung Display’s top-of-the-line M16 OLED panel for the Pixel 11 range, which will beat the iPhone 18 Pro phones to the punch (and Samsung Mobile’s Galaxy phones, too).
There’s little in the way of detail, but it should bring the best for brightness, colour, lifespan and power efficiency.
If Google doesn’t change the size of the displays relative to the Pixel 10 series, here’s what the screens in the Pixel 10 are:
- Pixel 10: 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 3000 nits
- Pixel 10 Pro: 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED, 3300 nits
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED, 3300 nits
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold: 8-inch Super Actua Flex LTPO OLED, 3000 nits
Given current trends, the Pixel 11 series could go beyond the current cap of 120Hz refresh rates, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.
The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s screenAnyron Copeman / Foundry
Source: Android Authority
Just like clockwork, Google will be moving over to a new chipset for the Pixel 11 range with the Tensor G6. Although this will come as no surprise to anyone (a new Tensor chip has been a mainstay with each new generation for years), there are a few upgrades this time around that could have a huge impact on performance.
One of the first tidbits we came across was from before the Pixel 10 had even hit store shelves, with a report indicating that the new Tensor G6 would be made with a more efficient 2nm process, which could have huge implications for how well the CPU performs on a daily basis.
This rumour has since been corroborated elsewhere and what’s even more impressive is that the Pixel 11 range will supposedly be the first smartphones anywhere to have the new 2nm process, crucially beating Apple to the punch by about a month. Given that Apple is usually the first company to market with the latest innovation from TSMC, this is a big win for Google.
Going one step further, it now seems as though Google will be moving over to using Arm’s latest C1 Ultra core, which can rack up a clock speed of 4.11GHz. For comparison’s sake, that’s the same clock speed found within the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, which powers the super flagship Oppo Find X9 Pro.
Given just how much Google has been pushing forward with on-device AI operations, a more efficient Tensor chip could also give Google greater scope for more complex AI-driven tasks in the future.
Another report hints that, alongside the Tensor G6, Google will be moving away from a Samsung-branded modem (which has typically been the norm) to one produced by MediaTek.
Luke Baker
The modem in question is the MediaTek M90, which packs a handful of noteworthy features, including support for sub-6 and mmWave 5G data, alongside satellite connectivity.
The ability to establish a satellite connection during emergencies is now a commonly expected feature on flagship phones after Apple kicked off the trend with Emergency SOS, so it makes sense that Google would want to leapfrog the competition here.
It’s also worth mentioning that MediaTek’s modem could be more energy efficient when paired with the Tensor G6, paving the way for better battery life. We won’t know for sure until we get our hands on the Pixel 11 phones for testing, but it is a nice thing to imagine – especially as some of the Pixel 10 models aren’t great in this area.
One rumour that’s still a bit up in the air is whether or not Google will stick with having a 128GB model for its 2026 phones or if it’ll follow the likes of Samsung and Apple and jump to using 256GB as the starting rate. There’s conflicting information out there so it may be a case of not quite knowing for sure until Google officially unveils the phones.
Less positively, the latest Pixel 11 rumblings are now suggesting that although the CPU performance should be better than before, the new GPU won’t be that new at all, instead using a PowerVR CXTP-48-1536 that first hit the scene all the way back in 2021.
Luke Baker
Although the PowerVR GPU might provide a slight bump over what’s capable in the Pixel 10 range, this will still be a big letdown if it comes to pass as it ignores the criticism currently levelled at the Tensor G5. Gaming performance on any Pixel 10 phone just isn’t up to the standard of what you’d expect from a flagship device, with the latest Galaxy S26 phones running rings around them. For the gamers out there, you may want to go elsewhere for your next upgrade.
What’s interesting is that, in what is certainly a reaction to the current memory crisis being fuelled by AI development, it now seems the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will ship with two different RAM SKUs, one with 12GB and the other with the usual 16GB.
For context, 16GB RAM has been the standard on Google’s Pro-level Pixels ever since the Pixel 9 Pro, so to see the company backtrack on such a core spec is telling about the current state of the industry. This might mean that the 12GB variant is necessary in order to still offer the 11 Pro and the Pro XL at the same price as their predecessors.
Sources: Android Authority (2) (3) | Mystic Leaks (2) (3) | Dan Nystedt | Ctee | Android Headlines | 9to5Google
Pixel 11: Cameras
The camera setup on the Pixel 11 series is shaping up to be one of the most advanced seen on a flagship phone, with Google leveraging both hardware and AI to enhance photo and video quality.
One of the standout features expected in the Pixel 11 is a next-generation telephoto lens that supports up to 100x zoom. This impressive zoom capability, aided by machine learning algorithms in Google’s Tensor G6 processor, could aim to rival or even surpass similar features offered by competitors like Samsung.
The 100x zoom will allow users to capture remarkably detailed images and videos, even from a great distance, setting a new standard for smartphone zoom quality.
We know some of the Pixel 10 phones can do 100x Super Res Zoom, so the Pixel 11 should at least match this.
We also saw the regular Pixel 10 gain a telephoto lens, albeit not to the same quality of the Pro models. Again, a triple rear camera array could now be the standard for Pixel phones.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Pixel 11 is also rumoured to include an upgraded Cinematic Blur mode, enhancing the immersive ‘bokeh’ effect in videos. This feature is expected to support 4K video at 30 frames per second, providing a cinema-like quality that elevates video storytelling.
In addition, a new ‘video relight’ option may be introduced, allowing users to adjust lighting conditions within a recorded video, simulating real-time lighting changes to add depth and drama to scenes. This feature is reportedly powered by the Cinematic Rendering Engine in the Tensor G6, which significantly reduces the power drain typically associated with blurred video recording.
Luke Baker
Another exciting addition is the Ultra Low Light Video mode, also referred to as Night Sight video, designed to improve video quality in dimly lit conditions.
Unlike previous Night Sight video modes, which required cloud processing, this feature will reportedly operate entirely on-device, thanks to the advanced image processing capabilities of the Tensor G6 chip.
Android Authority reports that Google has designed the Ultra Low Light Video mode to perform best in environments with ambient light levels between 5 and 10 lux, approximately the brightness of a dimly lit room or candlelight.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
By bringing this process fully on-device, the Pixel 11 series might offer its users the ability to capture brighter, cleaner low-light videos without requiring an internet connection.
Although concrete specs regarding the lenses of these new phones are scarce, it now appears likely that the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will share an all-new 50Mp main lens while the 11 Pro and the 11 Pro XL will be sharing a different but also new 50Mp main lens alongside an upgraded telephoto lens.
If these rumours come to pass then the camera department could have a significant uptick across the board, which would certainly help the new Pixels to stand out against the current crop of camera darlings from Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi.
Sources: Android Authority (2) | Mystic Leaks
Pixel 11: Features, including Pixel Glow
A growing mountain of rumours suggests that Google will be looking to adopt its own version of Nothing’s Glyph lights, known as Pixel Glow. Of course, because we have the aforementioned renders, it’s clear that the concept won’t be using the exact same design philosophy, which is rather spread out on Nothing phones, but rather the idea of using lights to indicate certain notifications when the phone is placed face down.
Early mentions of it in Android 17 said it “uses subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity”.
Google
Following Google’s announcement of the Made by Google event, an updated landing page on the official store not only confirms the Pixel 11 by name but also shows Pixel Glow for the first time.
This puts any possibility of it going around the edge of the camera bar (as possibly teased at Google I/O), or even being housed in the ‘G’ logo on the back of the phone a bit like the Apple logo on the back of older MacBooks.
Instead, it appears to be simpler and hidden in the camera flash. The short video showing it in action gives us confirmation it is multi-coloured but not much more. It’s possible that you will be able to set favourite contacts to specific colours so you silently know who is calling you without looking at the screen.
Although the Pixel 11 range is set to benefit from Pixel Glow, it does seem that Google is looking to take something away in exchange, namely the temperature sensor. Originally introduced way back on the Pixel 8 Pro, the temperature sensor did often feel like a half-baked concept, particularly as there was no obvious benefit to having it at launch, and it felt more like the tech was reliant on third parties to justify its existence, so we’re not that fussed that it’s being removed.
What is a shame is that, after rumours that a proper equivalent to Apple’s Face ID is in development and would debut on the Pixel 11 range, it now appears that the tech is going to miss the launch entirely and will likely be pushed back to feature in next year’s phones.
Not having a proper face-unlock will put the new Pixels, especially the higher-priced ones, at a disadvantage against certain Androids like the Honor Magic 8 Pro, which has a front-facing 3D scanner that looks not at all dissimilar to Apple’s Dynamic Island.
Sources: 9to5Google | Mystic Leaks
Pixel 11: Battery & Charging
While battery specifications for the Pixel 11 series are yet to be revealed, there is one interesting tidbit that’s made its way into the rumour mill: the possibility of a removable cell.
Largely thanks to Apple and its insistence on a uniform chassis, pretty much all companies have ditched the concept of removable batteries, even though the feature was once a staple of mobile phones at large. According to a recent patent, however, it seems as though Google is thinking about resurfacing the concept, potentially for the Pixel 11 Fold.
US Patent
Given that Pixel’s foldable phones require a lot more power in order to keep their larger internal screens powered up, having a quickly swappable battery could be a lifesaver for intensive users. There’s no telling whether or not Google is considering the feature for other phones in the Pixel 11 range but it’s something we’d love to see, especially as it would make the phones a far more viable long-term option in the face of battery deterioration.
Google may also introduce faster charging speeds and improve battery life to meet the demands of the upgraded hardware and AI functionalities.
Google
Beyond these rumours, the larger hope is that Google may also introduce faster charging speeds and improve the overall battery life to meet the demands of the upgraded hardware and AI functionalities.
After all, the Pixel 10 series gained Qi2 magnetic wireless charging – like MagSafe – built-in, with the XL model getting 25W wireless speeds with Qi2.2.
Hopefully, all the Pixel 11 phones will get the faster Qi2.2 standard and the 45W wired speed of the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Sources: Hypertxt
Pixel 11: Software
The Pixel 11 series’ software experience is expected to be deeply integrated with Google’s latest advancements in AI, offering features that simplify and enhance everyday interactions with the device. Thanks to a report, we get to know some of them.
One of the anticipated software enhancements is the ‘Speak-to-Tweak’ feature, which allows users to make voice-based adjustments to their photos. By simply speaking commands, users can tweak image settings such as brightness, contrast, and saturation, making photo editing more intuitive and accessible.
Additionally, the Pixel 11 series may feature ‘Sketch-to-Image,’ a tool that converts rough sketches into detailed images, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy AI. This feature is likely to be particularly useful for creative users looking to generate artwork or visual content from simple sketches.
Another software innovation, tentatively titled ‘Magic Mirror,’ is rumoured to be in development, though specific details remain unclear. This feature may introduce new AI-based customisation options for photos or videos, potentially enhancing personalisation or beautification features within the device’s photo and video editing apps.
Luke Baker
The Pixel 11 series may also debut with an array of always-on health monitoring tools, thanks to the nanoTPU technology embedded within the Tensor G6 chip.
This suite of ML-based features could include sleep apnea detection, snoring and cough detection, and even fall detection, making the Pixel 11 a powerful device for health-conscious users.
The series may also include new fitness-oriented features like ‘Running ML,’ which provides real-time feedback for runners, including coachable pacing and balance analysis, helping users to optimise their training routines.
In addition to these advancements, the Pixel 11 may extend support for Google’s ‘Quick Phrases,’ a feature allowing users to perform certain actions without fully activating Google Assistant.
The potential for enhanced Quick Phrases could streamline everyday tasks, such as answering calls or controlling smart home devices, making the Pixel 11 series phones highly responsive devices that seamlessly integrate with users’ lives.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
We now know a lot more about what Google has in store for the wider ecosystem with Android 17, which includes a big emphasis on Google AI performing tasks on your behalf, alongside features that prioritise your wellbeing like Pause Point. Google and Samsung phones will be the first to benefit from the updated software, so fans can expect to enjoy Android 17 fresh out of the box with the Pixel 11 range.
Sources: Android Authority
That’s all we know about the Pixel 11 series so far, but we’ll be updating this article all the way up to launch when new rumours and leaks arrive.
Topic: Google Pixel 11 phones: All the latest leaks, rumours & analysis (Read 848 times)
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July 26, 2021, 12:30:09 PM