Pixel 11: In summary
- Google’s upcoming flagship range of Android phones
- Set to launch summer 2026
- Likely to include a new Tensor G6 chip and Qi2 wireless charging
The Google Pixel series of phones is known for its innovative features, particularly in the realm of AI and camera technology.
Google has now unveiled the Pixel 10 series, which not only adds a lot of that but is the first range of flagship phones to bring built-in Qi2 magnetic charging to rival MagSafe (while also being compatible with it).
Things move fast in tech so although the Pixel 10 is fresh out the box, sights already turn to the Pixel 11. In fact, rumours about the next models already surfaced months before the August 2025 Made by Google launch event.
We’re not trying to move on from the Pixel 10, but take a keen interest in what the future looks like for Pixel phones. You might be wondering whether to skip the Pixel 10 and wait for the Pixel 11.
Well, here’s everything we know about the Pixel 11 series so far from rumours and leaks, with our expert analysis and predictions, too.
When will the Google Pixel 11 be released?
In summary
- Set to launch in 2026
- Likely in August, following the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 schedule
The Google Pixel 11 range is expected to be released in 2026, likely during Google’s annual summer event, which is typically held in August.
Google used to launch new phones in October, but has now moved it forward for the last two generations.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Indeed, according to rumours, the company is already looking ahead. As revealed by internal documents, 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 as 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.
The scoop also revealed that Google’s upcoming Pixel 10a is codenamed ‘stallion’.
For context, here are the launch dates of previous generations:
Sources: Android Authority
How much will the Google Pixel 11 cost?
In summary
- Potentially starts at £799/$799
- However, a price rise wouldn’t be surprising
Pricing for the Pixel 11 is not confirmed, but if Google follows its recent pricing trends, it could start around £799/$799 for the base model, with the Pro version potentially costing around £999/$999.
The Pro XL and Pro Fold versions might cost around £1,199/$1,199 and £1,749/$1,799, respectively.
However, this pricing would mean Google matches the Pixel 10 models, which didn’t get a price hike compared to the Pixel 9 series.
That’s unlikely to happen two years in a row, so we predict a price rise for the Pixel 11 phones, even if it’s just a small amount.
Luke Baker
What specs and features will the Google Pixel 11 have?
In summary
- New Tensor G6 chipset
- Return of IR camera for face unlock
- Hopefully Qi2.2 wireless charging across the board
- No doubt a lot more AI features and Android 17
Pixel 11 Design & Build
The Pixel 11’s design is, to some extent, expected to follow the style that Google has established with the Pixel 9 and 10 series.
After two years of effectively the same design – colourways aside – Google is more likely to introduce some bigger design changes on the Pixel 11.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Android Authority reports that Pixel 11 will get better facial recognition, featuring possible enhancements to accommodate the under-display IR camera for secure face unlocking.
This feature would mark a return to a more secure form of face authentication, last seen in the Pixel 4, but without the need for a visible camera, preserving screen space and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
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.
If Google doesn’t change the size of the displays relative to the Pixel 9 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 whole Pixel 11 series could sport a 120Hz refresh rate or even higher, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
As said above, the under-display IR camera technology is rumoured to be hidden beneath the display, further enhancing the screen’s seamless look.
Pixel 11 Performance
The Pixel 11 series will likely be powered by the next-generation Tensor G6 chip, custom-designed by Google.
One report says that this chip is expected to introduce a new ‘nanoTPU’ for improved machine learning capabilities and energy efficiency.
Luke Baker
There’s no doubt that the Tensor G6 will enhance the Pixel 11’s performance in various areas, including camera processing, health monitoring, and always-on AI features like fall detection and sleep apnea monitoring.
At this point, however, we don’t know how much larger these performance increases might be. If the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 is anything to go by, the focus will continue to be on AI processing for things like Gemini and Google’s suite of camera features.
The Tensor G5 moved to a 3nm manufacturing process and the G6 could well stick with this.
Sources: Android Authority
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 now 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.
Sources: Android Authority (2)
Pixel 11 Battery & Charging
While battery specifications for the Pixel 11 series are yet to be revealed, Google is likely to continue its focus on battery efficiency.
The Tensor G6 chip is expected to optimise power consumption, particularly in high-intensity tasks such as video recording and always-on AI features.
Google may also introduce faster charging speeds and improve battery life to meet the demands of the upgraded hardware and AI functionalities.
Now the Pixel 10 phones are official, we get a better idea of what the Pixel 11 series will be like in this area. Google installed larger batteries and upped the battery life quote from 24+ to 30+ hours for starters.
Importantly, 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.
Beyond charging, the Qi2 standard means the Pixel 10 phones are also compatible with various accessories which snap on with magnets, including MagSafe ones. This includes cases, grips, wallets and more and no doubt will continue with the Pixel 11.
Google has its own range of Pixelsnap accessories, which by the the time the Pixel 11 comes along will surely be expanded.
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
Overall, the Pixel 11 series is anticipated to deliver a suite of powerful features, with AI integration at the forefront.
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.
