Google Pixel 11: Release Date, Price & Specs Rumours

The Google Pixel series of phones is known for its innovative features, particularly in the realm of AI and camera technology.

It’s been nearly half a year since the release of the Pixel 9 series, and attention has already shifted toward what Google has in store for the upcoming Pixel 10 series in 2025, but also for the Pixel 11 series next year.

Leaks and rumours suggest that the latter could include some of the most exciting hardware and software upgrades yet, especially in the areas of camera capabilities, performance, and new AI features.

Here’s everything we know so far.

When will the Google Pixel 11 be released?

The Google Pixel 11 is expected to be released in 2026, likely during Google’s annual fall event, which is typically held in October.

This release timeframe would align with Google’s usual update cycle, as previous Pixel models have also launched in the fall.

With the Pixel 10 series anticipated in 2025, the Pixel 11 series will likely follow the year after.

Indeed, according to the latest 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.

These documents confirm the codenames for the 2026 Pixel devices (via Android Authority), 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’ but we don’t even have the mid-range Pixel 9a yet so we really are futuregazing here.

For context, here are the launch dates of previous generations:

Learn more about all previous Google Pixel phones

How much will the Google Pixel 11 cost?

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 can cost around £1,099/$1,099 and £1,749/$1,799, respectively.

These estimates align with the pricing of the Pixel 9 series, and considering the rumoured hardware and AI upgrades, the Pixel 11 series may target similar price points.

However, Google may adjust the pricing depending on the cost of new technologies, such as the under-display infrared camera and advanced AI features.

What specs and features will the Google Pixel 11 have?

Design

The Pixel 11’s design is expected to follow the minimalistic, streamlined look that Google has established with the Pixel 9 series.

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.

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 series could be:

• Pixel 10: 6.3-inch Actua OLED
• Pixel 10 Pro: 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED
• Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold: 8-inch Super Actua Flex LTPO OLED

Given current trends, the whole Pixel 11 series could sport a 120Hz refresh rate or even higher, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.

As said above, the under-display IR camera technology is rumoured to be hidden beneath the display, further enhancing the screen’s seamless look.

Performance

The Pixel 11 series will likely be powered by the next-generation Tensor G6 chip, custom-designed by Google.

Android Authority reports that this chip is expected to introduce a new ‘nanoTPU’ for improved machine learning capabilities and energy efficiency.

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.

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 (via Android Authority). 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.

The Pixel 11 is also rumoured (via Android Authority) 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.

Another exciting addition is the Ultra Low Light Video mode, also referred to as Night Sight video (via Android Authority), 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.

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.

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.

As a reminder, the current Pixel 9 series features a 4700mAh battery in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro a 5060mAh cell in the Pixel 9 Pro and a 4650mAh one in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

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 Android Authority’s report, we got 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.

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 optimize 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.

Overall, the Pixel 11 series is anticipated to deliver a suite of powerful features, with AI integration at the forefront.

Whether the current leaks and rumours will turn out to be true remains to be seen; first of all, we wait for the release of the Pixel 10 series first.