Google Pixel 11 Launches TODAY: Here’s What To Expect…

Google will officially reveal the Pixel 11 series later today, 12 August 2026, at its Made by Google event in New York.

The event starts at 11pm in the UK, so Google has not yet confirmed the final specifications, UK prices or pre-order deals. We do, however, already know a lot about the phones thanks to Google’s teasers, retailer listings and several detailed leaks.

Four phones are expected:

• Google Pixel 11
• Google Pixel 11 Pro
• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
• Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

All four are expected to use Google’s new Tensor G6 processor, run Android 17 and start with 256GB of storage. The range will reportedly go on sale on 20 August, with UK prices starting at £879.

Wanna pay less for a top of the line Pixel phone? Check out how much the Pixel 9 Pro XL is going for these days on the refurbished market.

Here’s everything we know so far.

Last updated: 12 August 2026. Google’s launch event takes place at 11pm BST. Specifications and prices marked as expected have not yet been confirmed by Google.

When Is The Google Pixel 11 Launching?

Google has confirmed that its Made by Google event takes place on 12 August 2026.

The event begins at:

• 11pm BST in the UK
• 6pm ET in New York
• 3pm PT in California
• 12am CEST on 13 August in Europe
• 8am AEST on 13 August in Australia

Google has also confirmed that Pixel 11 pre-orders open on 12 August.

Several reports say the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL will begin shipping on 20 August. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold could arrive on the same date, rather than following several weeks later.

The 20 August retail date has not yet been confirmed by Google. It comes from leaks reported by 9to5Google and other publications.

How Much Will The Pixel 11 Cost?

The standard Google Pixel 11 is expected to start at £879 in the UK and $899 in the US.

That is £80 more than the launch price of the 128GB Pixel 10. Google appears to be dropping the 128GB storage tier, though, so the cheapest Pixel 11 should come with 256GB.

Here are the leaked UK, US and European prices:

Higher-capacity UK prices are expected to look like this:

The standard Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro prices are close to what the equivalent 256GB Pixel 10 models already cost. The difference is that buyers will no longer have the option of saving money by choosing 128GB.

Google has already warned that rising memory prices will affect its hardware pricing. Shakil Barkat, Google’s vice president of devices and services, said the company could no longer shield buyers from changes in component costs.

Pixel 11 Specifications

The following specifications come from retailer material and pre-launch leaks. They should be treated as expected specifications until Google publishes its official product pages.

Pixel 11 Range Compared

What Is New On The Pixel 11?

The Pixel 11 looks very similar to the Pixel 10, but there are several hardware changes underneath.

The main updates are expected to include:

• Tensor G6 built using TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process
• A MediaTek modem instead of a Samsung-derived modem
• 256GB of storage as standard
• A brighter display
• A new main-camera sensor
• Qi2 magnetic charging
• Android 17
• Gemini Intelligence
• New Pixel camera and AI functions

It is not a complete redesign. Google appears to be refining the formula it has used since the Pixel 9.

Tensor G6: The Biggest Pixel 11 Upgrade

Tensor G6 could be the most important part of the Pixel 11.

The new chip is reportedly manufactured by TSMC using a 2nm process. Tensor G5 was Google’s first TSMC-made smartphone processor, but it used an older manufacturing process.

A smaller process normally allows a chip to provide better performance while consuming less power. That could help the Pixel 11 run cooler and last longer between charges.

Leaked Tensor G6 CPU specifications include:

• One Arm C1-Ultra core running at 4.11GHz
• Four Arm C1-Pro cores running at 3.38GHz
• Two Arm C1-Pro cores running at 2.65GHz
• PowerVR CXTP-48-1536 graphics
• A new Google TPU for AI processing
• A new Google image processor
• Titan M3 security
• MediaTek M90 modem

The newer Arm CPU cores should make Tensor G6 much faster than Tensor G5 in everyday processing.

The graphics processor is more of a question mark. Reports suggest it is connected to an older PowerVR design. People who play demanding games should wait for proper benchmarks before assuming the Pixel 11 can match Snapdragon-powered rivals.

A New MediaTek Modem

Google is expected to replace the Samsung-derived modem used by older Tensor phones with the MediaTek M90.

That might not sound particularly exciting, but it could fix several long-running Pixel complaints.

Tensor-powered Pixels have previously faced reports of:

• Poor reception in weaker signal areas
• Dropped mobile connections
• High battery drain on 5G
• Excess heat while using mobile data
• Higher standby battery consumption

A better modem could improve battery life and reception without Google needing to fit a much larger battery.

The M90 also supports newer 5G technology and satellite connectivity. Google still needs to confirm which features will work on the Pixel 11 and whether they will be available in the UK.

Pixel 11 Display

The standard Pixel 11 is expected to have a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 2424 × 1080 resolution.

The refresh rate can reportedly switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. That should keep scrolling and animations smooth, but it is not as flexible as the 1Hz to 120Hz LTPO displays used by the Pro models.

Peak brightness is expected to reach around 3,000 nits. That would make the screen easier to see in bright sunlight.

The Pixel 11 Pro should use a sharper 6.3-inch LTPO display with a 2856 × 1280 resolution and peak brightness of around 3,600 nits.

The Pro XL reportedly increases the screen size to 6.8 inches while retaining the same 1Hz to 120Hz refresh-rate range.

Pixel 11 Camera Changes

This is where things become a little strange.

The Pixel 11 is expected to have:

• A new 48MP main camera
• A 13MP ultrawide camera
• A 10.5MP front camera
• Up to 30x Super Res Zoom

The most detailed recent specification leak says the phone will not have a dedicated telephoto camera.

That would be a downgrade from the Pixel 10, which included a 10.8MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.

Earlier Pixel 11 leaks did mention a 10MP telephoto camera. One report even described the Pixel 11 as having a “dual-camera system” while listing three different rear sensors, so there is clearly some conflicting information.

The final camera arrangement needs to be confirmed during Google’s presentation.

If Google really has removed the telephoto, the Pixel 11 will be less useful for:

• Concert photography
• Wildlife
• Sports
• Distant buildings and landmarks
• Portraits taken with longer focal lengths
• Any situation where digital cropping cannot replace optical zoom

Google will probably argue that its new main sensor and computational zoom can cover much of this range. Even so, 30x digital zoom is not the same thing as having a physical 5x camera.

Pixel 11 Pro Cameras

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are expected to use the same camera system:

• 50MP main camera
• 48MP ultrawide with macro focus
• 48MP periscope telephoto
• 5x optical zoom
• Up to 120x Pro Zoom
• 42MP front camera with a 103-degree field of view

Google is also expected to use new main and telephoto sensors. The company’s updated image processor could improve low-light photographs, video processing, zoom and movement capture.

If the standard Pixel 11 loses its telephoto camera, the Pixel 11 Pro will become the obvious choice for anyone who cares about photography but still wants a smaller phone.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold Cameras

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold reportedly includes:

• 48MP main camera
• 10.5MP ultrawide
• 10.8MP 5x periscope telephoto
• Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
• 10MP outer selfie camera
• 10MP inner selfie camera

The Fold’s camera system is less capable than the Pro and Pro XL setup. That is common with folding phones because their thinner bodies leave less room for large camera hardware.

Pixel 11 Battery Life

Expected battery capacities are:

The standard Pixel 11 gets only a small battery-capacity increase over the Pixel 10.

The more important changes may come from Tensor G6 and the MediaTek modem. If both consume less power than the parts used in the Pixel 10, the Pixel 11 could last longer without having a much larger battery.

The Pixel 11 Pro reportedly has a slightly smaller battery than its predecessor. Google will need better chip efficiency to stop this from reducing its real-world runtime.

Pixel 11 Charging

The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are expected to support 30W wired charging.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL should increase this to 45W.

These speeds remain behind phones from OnePlus, Honor, Xiaomi and several other Android manufacturers. Google has traditionally favoured slower charging, presumably to control heat and battery wear.

Every Pixel 11 model is expected to support Qi2 wireless charging.

Qi2 uses built-in magnets to align the phone with compatible wireless chargers and accessories. It works in a similar way to Apple’s MagSafe system.

Google introduced its Pixelsnap accessory system with the Pixel 10. Pixel 11 buyers should be able to use:

• Magnetic wireless chargers
• Charging stands
• Car mounts
• Wallets
• Grips
• Battery packs
• Other Qi2 accessories

Google still needs to confirm the maximum wireless charging speed.

Pixel 11 Design

The Pixel 11 does not appear to change Google’s basic design.

Leaked images show:

• A flat display
• Rounded corners
• A horizontal camera bar
• Flat sides
• Slimmer display bezels
• A darker camera-bar finish
• A centred front camera

The standard phone reportedly measures around 152.8 × 72 × 8.5mm and weighs approximately 197g.

That should make it very close in size to the Pixel 10. It remains one of the more manageable Android flagships, particularly when compared with the Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung’s larger Ultra models.

IP68 dust and water resistance is expected, but Google has not yet confirmed the rating.

Pixel 11 Colours

The Pixel 11 is expected to be available in four colours:

• Light Sterling
• Midnight Haze
• Fuchsia
• Moss

Light Sterling appears to be a silver or light grey finish. Midnight Haze is the black option, Moss is green and Fuchsia is pink.

The Pro and Pro XL are expected in:

• Light Fog
• Midnight Haze
• Dune
• Pine

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold should be available in Midnight Haze and Pine.

Leaks suggest the 1TB versions will only be sold in Midnight Haze.

What Is HiLight?

Leaked Pixel 11 Pro images show a small coloured light built into the camera bar.

It was initially known as Pixel Glow, although newer reports say Google will call it HiLight.

The RGB light appears to replace the temperature sensor used on previous Pro Pixels.

Possible uses include:

• Coloured notification alerts
• Different alerts for selected contacts
• Gemini activity feedback
• Call notifications
• Recording indicators
• Charging feedback
• Camera flash
• Rear-facing flashlight

Google has teased the glowing light but has not explained exactly how it works.

Current leaks suggest HiLight is limited to the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL. It does not appear to be fitted to the standard Pixel 11.

Android 17

The Pixel 11 should ship with Android 17.

Android 17 includes:

• Floating app bubbles
• Improved multitasking
• Better screen recording
• New gaming controls
• Temporary location permissions
• Stronger theft protection
• Updated notifications
• Interface changes
• Better support for folding devices

Some Android 17 features are already reaching older Pixel phones, so they will not all be exclusive to the Pixel 11.

The phone should also receive regular Pixel Drops containing new functions, fixes and security updates.

Gemini Intelligence

Google is expected to use the Pixel 11 launch to introduce Gemini Intelligence.

This appears to be a deeper version of Gemini that can work across the phone and use information from the owner’s Google account.

Reported functions include:

• Better awareness of what is currently on the screen
• Actions involving more than one app
• Information drawn from Gmail, Calendar, Maps and other Google services
• AI-generated widgets
• Deeper phone automation
• Personal suggestions based on current activity
• A feature reportedly called Rambler

The idea appears to be an expanded version of Magic Cue, with Gemini able to understand more of the user’s context and act on it.

Google still needs to answer some fairly basic questions:

• Which Gemini features are exclusive to Pixel 11?
• Which will be released on older Pixels?
• Which features work in the UK?
• Is a Google AI subscription required?
• What happens on the phone and what is processed in the cloud?
• How much RAM is reserved for AI?
• Can users disable the deeper account integration?
• Which languages are supported?

Those answers will decide whether Gemini Intelligence is a genuine reason to buy the phone or mainly launch-event material.

How Long Will The Pixel 11 Receive Updates?

Google currently promises seven years of operating-system and security updates for Pixel 8 and newer phones.

The Pixel 11 should receive the same promise, which would take its support period to around August 2033.

This should include:

• Android version updates
• Monthly security patches
• Bug fixes
• Pixel Drops
• Selected new Google and Gemini functions

Google calculates the seven-year period from the date the phone first becomes available through the US Google Store. The exact Pixel 11 support deadline should appear after launch.

Pixel 11 Versus Pixel 10

The Pixel 11’s main advantages appear to be its new processor, modem, brighter display and larger base storage.

The possible loss of the Pixel 10’s telephoto camera complicates the upgrade. It could make the older phone better for zoom photography despite having the previous-generation processor.

Should Pixel 10 Owners Upgrade?

Probably not.

The Pixel 11 uses a similar design, display size, charging system and battery capacity. Unless Tensor G6 produces a noticeable improvement in heat, reception and battery life, the difference may not be large enough to justify upgrading after one year.

It could make sense if:

• Your Pixel 10 suffers from poor reception
• Your phone regularly runs hot
• You need more than 128GB of storage
• Google offers a very strong trade-in deal
• A new Gemini function is genuinely useful to you
• You move from the standard Pixel 10 to a Pixel 11 Pro

If the Pixel 11 loses the 5x camera, Pixel 10 owners who use optical zoom may actually be giving something up.

Which Pixel 11 Should You Buy?

Buy The Pixel 11 If:

• You want the cheapest phone in the range
• You prefer a smaller 6.3-inch display
• You want 256GB of storage
• You mainly use the main and ultrawide cameras
• You want Qi2 without buying a Pro model
• You do not need the best display or zoom camera

Buy The Pixel 11 Pro If:

• You want a compact flagship
• You need a proper 5x telephoto camera
• You want an LTPO display
• You want the full Pro camera system
• You want HiLight
• You do not want the much larger Pro XL

The Pixel 11 Pro may be the best-balanced model in the range. It should provide the strongest cameras and display in a body roughly the same size as the standard Pixel 11.

Buy The Pixel 11 Pro XL If:

• You want the largest conventional Pixel
• Battery capacity matters
• You watch a lot of video
• You want 45W charging
• You need up to 1TB of storage
• You prefer a 6.8-inch display

Buy The Pixel 11 Pro Fold If:

• You specifically want a folding phone
• You regularly use split-screen apps
• You read documents or websites on your phone
• You want an 8-inch internal display
• You can justify spending around £1,799

The Fold is not the best option for cameras, charging or battery capacity. Its selling point is the folding screen.

Is The Pixel 11 Worth Waiting For?

Yes, but wait for the reviews before ordering.

Tensor G6 and the MediaTek modem could address two of the biggest problems with previous Pixels: efficiency and mobile connectivity.

But there are also reasons to be cautious:

• The standard phone may lose its telephoto camera
• Charging remains relatively slow
• Prices are increasing
• Some models may have less RAM than their predecessors
• Many Gemini functions could eventually reach older Pixels
• A discounted Pixel 10 Pro may offer better camera hardware for less money

The Pixel 11 Pro currently looks like the most interesting model. It keeps the smaller body while adding the LTPO screen, 5x optical zoom and Google’s full camera system.

The standard Pixel 11 will depend heavily on price. At £879, it needs to offer more than a new processor and extra storage, particularly if Google really has removed the Pixel 10’s optical zoom camera.