Pixel 11: In summary Google’s upcoming flagship range of Android phones Set to launch summer 2026, likely in August Tensor G6 chip could be a huge upgrade Removable batteries could be a new feature The Pixel 11 is easily one of most anticipated Android phones of 2026, and with good reason. Although there is a case to be made that they didn’t constitute a massive overhaul in the way that Apple’s most recent iPhone 17 handsets did, the Pixel 10 range still features an array of outstanding devices that anyone would be happy to use as their daily driver. The upgraded Tensor G5 chipset allowed for more of Google’s in-house AI features to permeate the onboard software, and the introduction of Pixelsnap meant that Android fans who had long been envious of Apple’s MagSafe technology could finally enjoy all the benefits that a Qi2 magnetic connection can bring. These upgrades sit on top of the usual things that we love about Pixel phones, namely the way their cameras can accurately reproduce skin tones in pictures, and the wonderfully uncluttered nature of stock Android. It’s exactly why you can find Pixel phones as a regular fixture in our round-ups for the best phones and the best camera phones . With all this in mind, we’re excited to see where Google might go next with the Pixel 11 range, particularly as the competition continues to heat up with recent Android heavyhitters like the OnePlus 15 and the Honor Magic 8 Pro charging onto the scene. Keep on reading to find out what we know so far about the upcoming Pixel 11 smartphones. Latest Pixel 11 rumours It’s been a little quiet over the holiday season for Pixel 11 news, but a leak suggests that Google might be returning to removable batteries. This would be an unusual decision given modern phone design and could be a feature of the 11 Pro Fold. 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 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: Google Pixel 10 : August 2025 Google Pixel 9 : August 2024 Google Pixel 8 : October 2023 Google Pixel 7 : October 2022 Google Pixel 6 : October 2021 Learn more about all previous Google Pixel phones Source: 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 Removable batteries might appear on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold A new MediaTek modem for faster network speeds Pixel 11: Design & Build At this point in time (December), there are no reports to suggest that Google is looking to change the design of the Pixel 11 series in any major way, so we won’t be too surprised if the phones end up looking near identical to what we’ve had with the Pixel 10 phones (which in turn were very similar to the Pixel 9 range). However, there is a big question mark over whether or not Google will want to join the growing number of manufacturers looking to slim down their handsets. Not only have the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air provided a blueprint for phones where a slimmer frame is the key selling point, but foldable phones are gradually moving away from their previously chunky status, as shown by the Honor Magic V5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 . The Pixel 10 in Lemongrass Chris Martin / Foundry Even if Google decides to keep the dimensions for the Pixel 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL relatively the same as their predecessors, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could definitely benefit from a reduced thickness if it’s to have any chance of competing with the current crop of the best foldable phones . 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 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 screen Anyron Copeman / Foundry A recent report indicates 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. Source: Android Authority Pixel 11: Performance 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. Google’s Tensor G6 smartphone chip will be made with TSMC’s 2nm production process, media report, citing unnamed supply chain sources, and adding the Tensor G5 was transferred to TSMC from Samsung and will be inside Pixel smartphones later this year. Meanwhile, Tesla’ AI 5 chips… — Dan Nystedt (@dnystedt) June 23, 2025 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. 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. A more recent report now 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. Sources: Android Authority | Mystic Leaks via Telegram | Dan Nystedt via X | Ctee 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 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 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.