Google Pixel 11 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
The Pixel 10 | Image by PhoneArena
Google Pixel 11: what to expect
What's expected to change vs the Pixel 10:
- No huge redesign expected at this time
- New Tensor G6 chip with a MediaTek 5G modem for improvements in energy efficiency
- New Titan M3 chip for security
- Patent indicates a removable battery cell may be in the works
- Deeper integration with Google's AI features
- Potentially to come in August 2026, alongside a Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and a Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Expected price:
- Leaks have not indicated the Pixel 11 price just yet.
- Pricing may remain similar to its predecessor, which starts at $799, or a slight price increase may happen.
Jump to:
Pixel 11 release date
The Pixel 11 is likely to get introduced in the summer of 2026. Google may have an event about the new phones, potentially in August.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 11 | August, 2026* | August, 2026* |
| Google Pixel 10 | August 20, 2025 | August 28, 2025 |
| Google Pixel 9 | August 13, 2024 | August 22, 2024 |
* - probable dates
For the last couple of years, Google introduced new Pixels in August. Before that, Pixel phones came in October, but it seems more likely that for yet another year, we're going to have a summer release.
Pixel 11 price and deals
Leaks are silent on the potential Pixel 11 pricing currently. Unfortunately, though, rising RAM chip prices and other components may cause a price hike.
| Pixel model | 128GB of storage | 256GB of storage | 512GB of storage | 1TB of storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 | $799* | $859* | - | - |
| Pixel 10 | $799 | $859 | - | - |
| Pixel 9 | $799 | $859 | - | - |
*- anticipated prices
For example, Samsung did raise the prices of its new Galaxy S26 phones this time around. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 remained the same price as its predecessor.
Currently, it's unclear which strategy the Mountain View tech giant will decide to follow.
Pixel 11 deals to expect:
- Google: Usually Google offers good trade-in discounts for new phones. The discounts are even better if you're trading in a Pixel phone, and the same tradition is expected to be followed this time around as well.
- Verizon: Verizon historically offers the base Pixel model almost for free, often with trade-ins or new lines.
- AT&T: AT&T also offers huge discounts when trading in an old phone. You may also see significant discounts on the monthly payment with an eligible unlimited plan.
- T-Mobile: T-Mobile is likely to offer a Pixel 11 "On Us" with either a new line or an eligible phone for trade-in.
Pixel 11 camera
Pixel 11 expected camera setup:
- 48 MP, f/1.7 aperture, OIS, Quad PD, laser detect autofocus
- 13 MP ultra-wide
- 10.8 MP 5x telephoto
- 10.5 MP selfie camera
Currently, the world of leakers is silent on the camera specs for the Pixel 11. One thing that is certain here is that Google is likely going to take advantage of its AI models to enhance the camera features.
The 2nm-built Tensor G6 chip, which is said to power the Pixel 11 series, may also be helping with this. It may be capable of supporting video generation using AI on the phone, according to rumors.
The Pixel 10 got a 5X telephoto lens, which is the same zoom level as on the Pro models. The phone performed very well in our Camera Score. Unfortunately, it did have some difficulty with details in zoom and ultra-wide video, but overall, the camera was pretty reliable.
The Pixel 10 comes with a bunch of AI features for the camera, including a somewhat gimmicky Camera Coach feature. Reportedly, the Pixel 11 may bring an upgraded Cinematic Blur mode, and many of the AI features for photos should come to videos this time around.
Pixel 11 storage
It's about time for Google to bump the starting storage of the Pixel 11. Even Apple did that with the iPhone 17, and it doesn't offer a 128 GB option anymore. Potentially, Google may do that this time around. Rumors are yet to confirm or deny that, though.
Pixel 11 expected storage capacity:
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512GB?
Judging by what competitors are doing, the Pixel 11 may start at 256 GB. If that happens, it may also include a 512 GB storage option.
Pixel 11 design
Google's Pixels have sported a recognizable design with a 'camera bar' that was setting them apart from the competition recently. The Pixel 10 didn't bring huge changes in the design. Curiously enough, the only novelty was some bright, vivid colors.
Rumors on design tweaks have been contradictory thus far. A Bloomberg interview with Google's Senior VP of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh, mentions that Pixel design gets refreshed every 2-3 years. However, it's not clear whether we're seeing a design refresh this time around or next year.
We would probably get some leaked renders soon, and they should shed some light on what the design of the phone may be.
The Pixel 10 for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
Nonetheless, don't expect a dramatic, iPhone 17 Pro-like design change. The Pixel 11 is likely going to keep the camera bar and the flat sides and introduce some new, fresh colors. The materials are again expected to be glass and aluminum, with a good build quality that would make the Pixel 11 feel sturdy and premium.
On the other hand, we've had the Pixel 11 Pro XL design leak somewhat from a leaked case. Apparently, the camera bar may get slimmer, which is a change that may also trickle down to the base Pixel 11. Of course, the difference is not expected to be dramatic in comparison to last year's model.
Pixel 11 display
| Phone model | Screen size | Brightness |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 | 6.3 inches* | 3,000* |
| Pixel 10 | 6.3 inches | 3,000 |
* - anticipated sizes
We are yet to hear specifics about the Pixel 11's display. However, it's likely to keep the same size as its predecessors, a comfortable 6.3-inch one. Generally, the bezels on the non-Pro Pixels are slightly thicker than the ones on more expensive models, so it would be a good thing if Google decided to shave them a little.
Unfortunately, though, rumors are yet to claim that the Pixel 11's bezels are going to be slimmer, so for the moment, the safest bet is to expect similar bezels to the ones we see on the Pixel 10.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 brought an improved peak brightness to 3,000 nits, and that's an excellent addition. The Pixel 11 should at least keep the same level of pro-grade peak brightness, which is already up there with the top phones.
Pixel 11 battery
The situation with the Pixel 11's potential battery size is also a mystery. The Pixel 10 is already great in the battery department, sporting an almost 5,000 mAh cell (4,970 mAh) in a relatively compact (by today's standards, at least) body. The phone also gained support for Qi2 magnetic charging.
There's no reason to believe that Google is going to ditch these top-notch features from its upcoming models. With Qi2 and a huge battery, the Pixel 11 would be a serious competitor to the likes of the Galaxy S26 (which didn't get Qi2 charging yet again, unfortunately for Sammy fans).
As for battery life, the Pixel 10 managed 21 hours of web browsing on a single charge, which beat its predecessor, as well as both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone 17. The phone only struggled in gaming, where it managed only 5 hours, when the S25 managed 12 hours and 20 minutes on the same test.
We don't expect changes in the charging department either, so we're potentially looking at 30 W wired charging and Qi2.
Pixel 11 features and software
The Pixel 11 is likely going to come with Android 17. Google is likely to equip the Pixel 11 with a plethora of generative AI-powered features, as well as bring the ones we're already familiar with as well.
The Pixel 10 brought features like Magic Cue (which accesses your Gmail, Calendar, Notes, and Messages and suggests actions during certain interactions), Voice Translate during phone calls, and Camera Coach with suggestions to improve your photography. These are likely making a return with the Pixel 11.
We're yet to hear what other generative AI features we will get with the Pixel 11. But once again, the focus is likely to be on AI, as is the trend in the mobile industry currently.
Pixel 11 hardware and specs
Pixel 11's rumored specs:
- CPU: Tensor G6 (2nm)
- RAM: 12 GB
- Battery: around 5,000 mAh
- Charging: 30 W wired, Qi2 support
- Storage: 128, 256 GB
- Camera setup: 48 MP main, 13 MP ultra-wide, 10.8 MP 5x telephoto
The Tensor G6 is likely going to be the star of the show when it comes to the Pixel 11 specs. The processor is expected to be built on a 2nm process, which should mean it's more capable yet more power efficient than the previous generation. It should also power the AI features Google is bound to equip the Pixel 11 with and ensure everything runs smoothly.
A new leak indicates that the Tensor G6 may come with the Titan M3 security chip instead of the Titan M2, which was rumored earlier. Titan chips act as a hardware-based security model inside the Tensor chipset. It protects sensitive data and manages encryption keys. On top of it all, all payment transactions are secured by the Titan chip.
The chip is also said to come with MediaTek's 5G modem, which offers "dual 5G SIM dual-active support with dual data capabilities" and uses AI to ensure it's efficient. Before this, Google used Samsung's 5G modems.
Should I wait for the Pixel 11?
- You should wait for the Pixel 11 if you're currently rocking an older Pixel phone and you'll be due for an upgrade soon. The Pixel 11 is going to show up in the summer, so we have only a few months left before we know how good of a phone it will be.
- You should not wait for the Pixel 11 if you currently rock the Pixel 10. The differences between the two generations don't seem to be that big right now, so maybe an upgrade wouldn't bring you too many new things if you have the Pixel 10.
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