Google's Pixel 11 series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of 2026, with rumors pointing to significant upgrades across the entire lineup. Multiple reports suggest Google is preparing a four-device family that could include the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Google is also exploring a mechanically secured battery system for the foldable model, which could set a new standard for repairability in foldable phones.
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Release Date | August 2026 (expected) |
| Price | $799-$899 (base), $999-$1,099 (Pro), $1,699-$1,899 (Pro Fold) |
| Display | High-resolution OLED with improved brightness and refresh rates |
| Processor | Tensor G6 (2nm process expected) |
| Camera | Telephoto macro capabilities, 100x Super Res Zoom, improved video features |
| Battery | ~5000 mAh (Pro models), up to 80W wired charging with Qi2 wireless support |
| Key Features | Mechanically secured battery (Pro Fold), improved repairability, on-device AI advancements |
Release Date and Availability
Google has maintained a consistent August timeline for flagship Pixel releases. The Pixel 9 launched in August 2024 and the Pixel 10 in August 2025, making August 2026 the near-certain window for the Pixel 11 series. All three standard models are expected to launch simultaneously at Google's annual hardware event.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold may follow a slightly different schedule, as Google has staggered foldable releases in past years.
Global availability is expected to begin shortly after the announcement, with some markets like India potentially seeing September launches.
Reliable tipster Mystic Leaks indicates that Google is already testing components for the Pixel 11 series, including the Tensor G6 processor and MediaTek M90 modem. This early development work suggests Google is on track for its traditional August launch window.
Design and Display
The Pixel 11 series is expected to continue Google's design evolution with refinements rather than radical changes. Google will likely maintain high-resolution OLED displays across the lineup, with improvements to brightness, color accuracy, and refresh rates.
The Pixel 11 Pro XL could feature the largest and most advanced display in the series, though specific size details remain unconfirmed. One of the most significant design innovations could come in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Reports suggest Google has filed patents for a mechanically secured battery system that uses screws and metal brackets instead of adhesive.
This design would make battery replacement significantly easier and could set a new standard for foldable device repairability.
The patent diagrams show the device internally codenamed "Yogi," indicating a thoughtful approach to balancing innovative features with practical maintenance. The Pixel 11 series will adopt bear-themed internal codenames, with "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.
These codenames have appeared in multiple reports and suggest a structured development process for the 2026 lineup.
Processor and Performance
The Pixel 11 series is expected to debut Google's next-generation Tensor G6 processor, which could represent a major leap in performance and efficiency. The Tensor G6 is reportedly built on a 2nm process, which would be a significant advancement over the Tensor G5's manufacturing technology.
If accurate, this transition could deliver substantial improvements in both raw performance and power efficiency. Google is testing a MediaTek M90 modem with the Tensor G6 processor, potentially marking a switch from Samsung modems used in previous Pixel generations. This change could bring better 5G and satellite connectivity speeds, along with improved power efficiency that would help Pixel 11 phones run cooler and faster than their predecessors.
The Tensor G6's Nano-TPU will add machine-learning based always-on features for the Pixel 11, primarily focused on health tracking. This aligns with Google's continued emphasis on on-device AI capabilities, which have been a hallmark of the Pixel series since its inception.
Reports suggest up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage for Pro models, though these specifications remain unconfirmed by Google.
Camera System
Camera improvements are always a focal point for Pixel releases, and the Pixel 11 series appears poised to deliver meaningful upgrades. There's growing demand for telephoto macro capabilities on the Pixel 11 Pro line.
This feature would allow users to capture detailed close-up shots without needing to move uncomfortably close to their subject, addressing a limitation in current Pixel camera systems.
The Pixel 11 should at least match the Pixel 10's 100x Super Res Zoom capability, with potential improvements to the underlying technology. Expectations include improved Cinematic Blur with support for 4K 30fps video, as well as Ultra Low Light Video enhancements. These upgrades would position the Pixel 11 series as a more capable video recording device, an area where Pixels have traditionally lagged behind competitors like Samsung and Apple.
The Pixel 11 Pro could receive better facial recognition capabilities, featuring possible enhancements to accommodate an under-display IR camera for secure face unlocking. This would mark a return to more secure face authentication methods, potentially addressing one of the few remaining advantages Apple's Face ID system holds over Android alternatives.
Battery and Charging
Battery life and charging speeds represent another area where the Pixel 11 series could see significant improvements.
The Pixel 11 Pro is tipped to feature a battery capacity around 5000 mAh, paired with significantly faster charging capabilities. Reports point to up to 80W wired charging along with Qi2 wireless charging support, which would finally address one of Pixel's long-standing weak spots.
The most revolutionary battery development, however, could come in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Google's patent for a mechanically secured battery system could make the Pixel 11 Pro Fold the first flagship foldable with user-replaceable batteries.
This design uses screws and metal brackets instead of adhesive, making battery replacement safer and more accessible for both consumers and repair technicians. This innovation aligns with upcoming EU regulations requiring all smartphones to have removable batteries by February 18, 2027.
By developing this technology early, Google could position itself ahead of regulatory requirements while addressing consumer demand for more repairable devices. The patent indicates the system is designed to accommodate wireless charging without compromising functionality, ensuring users don't lose convenience for the sake of repairability.
Software and Features
The Pixel 11 series will launch with the latest version of Android, expected to be Android 16 or potentially a newer iteration given Google's development timeline. The 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.
The Tensor G6's Nano-TPU will add machine-learning based always-on health tracking features, expanding beyond what's currently available in Fitbit integration. Google continues to prioritize on-device AI processing to keep sensitive data local.
Growing expectations exist for satellite connectivity features, following Apple's introduction of Emergency SOS via satellite.
While Google has been relatively quiet about satellite capabilities, the reported testing of MediaTek's M90 modem with the Tensor G6 suggests improved satellite connectivity could be in the works for the Pixel 11 series.
Price and Value
Pricing for the Pixel 11 series remains unconfirmed, but multiple reports suggest Google will maintain similar price points to previous generations with potential minor adjustments. The Pixel 11 price is expected to start at $799-$899 for the base model, $999-$1,099 for the Pixel 11 Pro, and $1,699-$1,899 for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Similar estimates in British pounds suggest £799/$799 for the base model, £999/$999 for the Pro, £1,199/$1,199 for the Pro XL, and £1,749/$1,799 for the Pro Fold. Android Authority's rumor hub points to "at least $799" for the base model as a likely floor, referencing prior Pixel pricing tiers for context.
The publication notes that while a price rise wouldn't be surprising given component cost increases and inflation, Google has generally maintained competitive pricing for its flagship Pixel devices. The potential inclusion of a mechanically secured battery system in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could add significant value for consumers concerned about long-term device ownership.
Easier battery replacement could extend the usable life of the device and reduce total cost of ownership, making the premium price tag more justifiable for users who keep their devices for multiple years.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
For current Pixel 10 owners, the decision to upgrade to the Pixel 11 depends largely on specific needs and priorities. The Pixel 10 remains an excellent device, but the Pixel 11 is expected to set new standards in several key areas.
The most compelling reasons to wait include the potential for significantly improved battery life and charging speeds, enhanced camera capabilities (particularly telephoto macro), and the Tensor G6's expected performance and efficiency gains.
For users of older Pixel models (Pixel 8 or earlier) or devices from other manufacturers, the Pixel 11 series represents a more substantial upgrade opportunity. The combination of hardware improvements, software enhancements, and potential repairability innovations in the Pro Fold model could make the wait worthwhile.
However, those who need a new device immediately will find the Pixel 10 series more than capable, with potential discounts as the Pixel 11 launch approaches. The most interesting consideration involves the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's potentially revolutionary battery design.
The mechanically secured battery system could address one of the biggest pain points in foldable device ownership. For users interested in foldable technology but concerned about long-term durability and repairability, waiting for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could be particularly worthwhile.
Manufacturing Shift to Vietnam
Reuters reported that Google plans to move development and manufacturing of its high-end Pixel phones to Vietnam in 2026, while A-series devices remain in China. This supply chain shift, likely driven by tariff and trade concerns, could affect availability and pricing for the Pixel 11 series.
The Google Pixel 11 series is shaping up to be one of the most significant smartphone launches of 2026, with potential innovations that extend beyond typical year-over-year improvements. The most exciting developments center on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's mechanically secured battery system, which could revolutionize foldable device repairability and set a new industry standard.
While this assessment is certainly optimistic, it reflects genuine excitement about Google's potential to deliver a compelling flagship experience while addressing real consumer pain points like repairability and battery life.
None of these details are confirmed by Google, and patents don't always translate to shipping products. But the consistency across multiple credible sources paints a promising picture for the Pixel 11 series when it arrives in August 2026.
