Google unveils Pixel 11 series with Tensor G6, deeper Gemini AI, and $100 price increase across all models
Google unveiled its 2026 hardware lineup on August 12, headlined by the Pixel 11 series with the new Tensor G6 chip, deeper Gemini AI integration, and a $100 price increase across all four models. Preorders are live, with general availability beginning August 20.
New Pixel lineup and pricing
Google unveiled its 2026 hardware lineup on Wednesday, August 12, headlined by the Pixel 11 series. The range comprises four phones: the Pixel 11 at $899, Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099, Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold at $1,899. Each model carries a $100 increase over last year's prices. Google eliminated the 128GB configuration; all models now start at 256GB of storage, with Pro models offering up to 1TB. UK prices range from £879 for the base model to £1,799 for the Fold. Preorders opened immediately, with the Pixel 11 reaching general availability on August 20.
- Pixel 11
- 899 $
- Pixel 11 Pro
- 1099 $
- Pixel 11 Pro XL
- 1299 $
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold
- 1899 $
- Google unveils Pixel 11 series; preorders go live
- Pixel 11 general availability begins
- European trade-in promo deadline (23:59)
Tensor G6 and performance
All four phones run on Google's new Tensor G6 chip, built on a 2nm process, paired with 12GB of RAM on the base model and up to 16GB on Pro variants. Google claims the CPU delivers 20% better energy efficiency, web browsing is 25% faster, and app loading improves by 15% compared to the previous generation. The TPU, the unit specialized for AI calculations, gains 50% more power. Battery life is rated at over 30 hours across the lineup, with wireless charging 25% faster on the Pixel 11 and over 29% faster on the Pro models versus the Pixel 10 Pro.
- CPU energy efficiency
- 20 %
- Web browsing speed
- 25 %
- App loading speed
- 15 %
- TPU power
- 50 %
Cameras and design
The Pixel 11 features a 48MP wide lens with 56% more light sensitivity, a 13MP ultrawide, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto with 30x Super Zoom, and a 10.5MP selfie camera. The camera bar is over 40% thinner than the Pixel 10's. The Pro models step up to a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto with 120x Pro Zoom, and a 42MP selfie camera. The Pro displays reach 3,600 nits peak brightness, with scratch resistance more than double the previous generation. The base Pixel 11 comes in Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio, and Obsidian, while the Pro models offer Fog, Olive, Matte Pink, and Obsidian finishes.
Gemini Intelligence and HiLight
AI sits at the center of the Pixel 11 pitch. Gemini Intelligence observes on-screen context and proposes actions: suggesting a reservation when a chat mentions dinner, offering to save flight or card details to Wallet, or summarizing hotel comparisons. New tools include live translation for videos, podcasts, and voice messages, Magic Capture for automatic photo and video selection, and Circle to Search. Google is bundling a free six-month AI Pro plan subscription with Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL purchases. The Pro models introduce HiLight, a ring of RGB LEDs inside the flash assembly that lights up during Gemini interactions and signals incoming calls from designated contacts, including WhatsApp voice calls. Ars Technica notes the feature is limited to calls and Gemini at launch, with no support for other app notifications.
Beyond phones
Google also announced the Pixel Watch 5 with updated health features and the Pixel Tag, its first in-house object tracker, designed for the Pixel and Android ecosystem and comparable to Apple's AirTag. Forrester senior analyst Andrew Cornwall framed the launch strategy.
Google continues to tout new software features, primarily around AI, as the reason to upgrade.
Trade-in promotions are available in multiple markets. US customers can receive up to $1,100 off with a qualifying trade-in, enough to cover the full cost of a Pixel 11 Pro. UK buyers can get up to £970 off. In Europe, Google's trade-in program offers rebates of up to 980 euros, including a 400-euro bonus, through September 1.
