Google’s Pixel smartphones have never been the strongest in terms of raw power or customization, but they represent something of a consumer-friendly, accessible option for those who want an easy Android experience. The Pixel 11 is the latest representation of Google’s software and hardware coming together to showcase how far Android has come and how useful AI can be, even if we love to hate it.

I’ve been using the Pixel 11 for a few weeks now, and it feels like Google is navigating an interesting intersection between AI and social media, one that companies like Samsung are also starting to hone in on. The result is a phone that feels fresh, fun, and functional while remaining one of the best flagship options for your wallet.

It’s the small things

At first glance, the Pixel 11 looks and feels as small and pocketable as the Pixel 10. Unfortunately, the Pixel 11 is still quite thick at 8.6mm, making it chonkier than even the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It’s also pretty hefty, weighing closer to the S26 Ultra than the base S26.

On the plus side, Google made some small but welcome changes to both the design and some of the internals, which I think sort of make up for its hefty design.

For example, the camera housing doesn’t protrude nearly as much as the Pixel 10, so it lies flatter on a table than its predecessor, despite having roughly the same camera sensors. The battery is also slightly larger, although Google probably should have opted for denser silicon-carbon batteries, which likely could have helped shave off some thickness. Still, battery life hasn’t been a problem for me, and I generally get a full day of use before needing to plug in.

Fortunately, charging got a bit of a boost. The Pixel 11 still features 30W wired charging, which isn’t the fastest on the block, and I definitely find myself waiting longer than I’d like for it to charge.

Extreme Charging can help with this, although only somewhat. The hidden feature pauses apps in the background to keep the phone cooler for longer and allows for higher sustained charging speeds. Thus, I did see a 10% boost after 30 minutes of charging, bringing the phone from 0 to 50%.

Wireless charging is also much better, with seemingly stronger Qi2 magnets and faster 25W speeds, making it nearly as useful as wired charging.

The Pixel 11 gets social

AI has been Google’s main focus with the Pixel lineup, but social media is also becoming more important, as seen in the latest Android 17 features like the built-in Creator Suite and Screen Reactions. In fact, two of my favorite new Pixel 11 features are at opposite ends of social media, with one that aims to give me the perfect photos to post while another prompts me to step back from scrolling.

Magic Capture is a new built-in Camera feature that sits just to the left of Photo mode. With it, you tap the shutter button and start recording a video, while AI works in the background to automatically find the best moments and save images. This essentially automates the manual still-capture feature already available in Video mode, letting you focus on capturing the moment.

I used the feature at a party, and despite the challenging lighting, Magic Capture highlighted some great social media-worthy moments of my friends. I was also able to capture some cute images of harbor seals swimming in a waterway.

On the other hand, I know that Instagram is my biggest weakness and the main source of my procrastination. That’s why I actually appreciate what Pause Point is doing. This Digital Wellbeing feature activates when I open apps I find distracting, giving me a moment to breathe and reflect on whether I really need to open that app right now.

I enabled it specifically for Instagram, so that each time I try to open the app, it cycles through several options, prompting me to take a moment to breathe, think about what really matters to me, set a timer for the app, state how I feel while opening the app, or try another less distracting app instead.

When it’s done, I can continue to the app, but I often find myself not opening Instagram, mostly because of the friction of having to complete a task first. It’s surprisingly effective.

There’s AI too

You can find Gemini everywhere on the Pixel 11 if that’s what you want, and it actually feels more helpful than anything. When I wake up, Daily Brief pulls from my connected accounts and apps like Calendar and Gmail, keeping me abreast of upcoming events and things I need to remember.

Gemini Intelligence also makes it easy to do things like order Uber Eats just by using my voice, and it helps when I least expect it. For example, a friend of mine texted me to ask if I was busy this weekend. Before I could respond, Gemini prompted me to check my calendar, which revealed I was planning to go to a festival.

In another message, a friend asked what my team name is for an upcoming 5K I'm planning to run. Gemini suggested a previous team name I used during my last 5K, which just so happens to be the name I'm using for this new run.

It all happened without leaving Google Messages, which is the kind of frictionless AI interaction that I can appreciate.

Rambler is also surprisingly useful, and it picks up the nuances of speech quite well, adding the appropriate punctuation and even quotation marks when it detects that I'm quoting something. It also separates my text into paragraphs at the right moments, and I haven't had to correct it once.

This is all powered by the Tensor G6, which prioritizes AI performance over anything else. Day-to-day use is fine, although don’t expect the Pixel 11 to be a gaming powerhouse. It also doesn’t sport the same vapor chamber as the Pixel 11 Pro, so it does get quite warm when gaming.

What about the cameras?

The Pixel 11 has the same camera layout as its predecessor, so there’s not much difference here. Compared to the Pixel 10, images from the Pixel 11 are largely the same but tend to lean toward the warm side, resulting in somewhat more vibrant images.

This is also the case when compared to the Pixel 11 Pro, which takes cooler photos. However, the Pro also benefits from slightly better imaging capabilities, and images at any zoom level tend to have more detail than on the Pixel 11.

Should you buy the Pixel 11?

The Pixel 11 costs $100 more than its predecessor, and while $899 isn’t cheap, you’re now getting double the base storage, faster charging, and the latest Tensor chip. Sure, it misses out on things like HiLight, which would have been really great to have, and there are still no Pro Camera features. However, you get most of the AI features, the same base 12GB of RAM as the Pixel 11 Pro, and the same charging specs, but for much less.

If you can go without those Pro features, the Pixel 11 feels like the one to buy.

Last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold debuted a few surprising firsts for a foldable. It was the first foldable with IP68 water and dust resistance, and the first with Qi2 magnets inside. And while those were certainly cool, the thick and heavy build was a bit off-putting, and the cameras were more than a little disappointing.

This year, Google is slimming everything down, dropping the weight, and upgrading plenty more. While the cameras aren't quite as good as those on the non-folding Pixel 11 Pro models, the rest of the experience is solid and offers a more compelling package than those phones, with better multitasking.

The price increase isn't as offensive as the rest of the Pixel 11 Pro series. While it's $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's launch price, it retains 16GB of RAM, the same storage capacity, and offers better overall specs — not just a better processor. That's a solid upgrade, but increased competition in the space makes this a harder decision than ever.

Pixel favorites you'll love

The best part of choosing the foldable Pixel 11 is that you don't have to miss out on any of the best Pixel 11 features. It's got Pixel Satellite SOS, Pixel VPN, and the Pixelsnap Qi2/MagSafe magnets built in, all of which are some of the best reasons to get a Pixel.

It also comes with a handful of really excellent Pixel Fold-exclusive features, such as additional options in the camera viewfinder. If you've got kids, you're going to love Made You Look, a feature that uses the front display (while the phone is unfolded) to show silly animations, so you can get a perfect picture of your kids grinning, not sulking.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also the best at multitasking in the Pixel family (though it's not as good as the Motorola Razr Fold). That's not just because of the large inner display, which feels like a small tablet, but also because of features like the pinnable taskbar, 90:10 split, and the new dock, which lets you easily manage floating app windows as if it were a laptop.

And all my favorite new Pixel 11 features are here too, including Live Translate for Video, Rambler (the Gboard voice-to-text upgrade everyone is raving about), Creator Suite, and Magic Capture (which I detail below).

Some genuinely good upgrades this year

Google also improved quite a few things between the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the 11. Both displays are now LTPO OLEDs with the same 3600 nit brightness levels as the other Pixel 11 Pro models. That's a big step up from last year, when the Pixel 10 Pro Fold used the base Pixel 10's dimmer LTPS display.

I genuinely love the size and aspect ratio of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold when compared to other tall book-style foldables, but the sides are too flat for their own good. This makes it harder to open than it should be; something you don't want on a folding phone!

The phone is nearly 1mm thinner this year, but the back half is thinner than the front. It looks really weird if you compare them, but a thin case (from a brand like Thinborne or Pitaka) mostly fixes the issue.

At the least, Tensor G6 delivers some truly solid new AI features. My favorite new feature (that's Pixel 11-exclusive) is Magic Capture, a camera mode that automatically saves photos while recording video.

It's a perfect use of AI to capture wonderful moments you might otherwise miss, and it means you get great photos and video every time you use it.

For this review, I compared the cameras on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Motorola Razr Fold, and Honor Magic V6. I found the main camera was fine enough, but dynamic range isn't the best, and the lovely texture detail from the Pixel 11 Pro/XL's cameras isn't here, so fine detail is softer than I'd like.

Likewise, the improvements to the portrait mode on the Pixel 11 Pro/XL don't appear to be present on this phone, as the cutouts around the subject are quite messy, similar to the Pixel 9 and 10 series.

The ultrawide camera is also decent but took an easy third place among the four foldables I tested. Details are soft and edge warping is pretty bad, but it has nice exposure that verges slightly on the darker side.

Telephoto camera processing is a little more raw than the competition, and I can see people liking this a lot. It creates a more "lens-like" appearance at the expense of detail, but that more natural look is a good one. Zoom maxes out at 30x while Honor and Razr go much further, but you may not care much.

Front-facing camera resolution is excellent, but dynamic range can be an issue. Like the main camera, the portrait mode is messier than the non-folding Pixel 11 Pro models, leaving annoying artifacts around the edges of subjects.

But many of the same old problems

Unfortunately, while there are a ton of improvements this year, many of the same old Pixel problems still exist on this phone. Tensor G6 might be 15% faster than G5, for instance, but it's still around 30% slower than rivals. That gap widens even further to around 50% slower in gaming, which is further worsened by the lack of support for newer Vulkan features, meaning several games will disable advanced graphics settings on this phone.

The PWM dimming rate on this phone is still abysmal compared to any non-Samsung foldable (meaning Motorola, Honor, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.), making it impossible to use for anyone who is flicker-sensitive. Charging speed is also quite slow. Even the new Extreme Charging feature doesn't save it. And the only way you're getting Google's promised "30+ hour battery life" is if you barely use it during that time.

Lastly, I've found that HiLight and Gemini Proactive Assistance — two of the Hallmark Pixel 11 features — aren't very useful for me. I rarely saw Proactive Assistance give me any help, and HiLight feels mostly like a waste of space on the back since you can't customize it at all. The LED just illuminates for calls and texts, or when talking to Gemini. Definitely a disappointment.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is definitely a good phone, but in a year with rising prices, increased competition, and eroded trust after plenty of bad software updates, it's tough to recommend unless you really love a specific feature like Magic Capture or the new Creator Studio tools.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Design and display

It wasn't until I dug out the Pixel 9 Pro that I realized just how little has changed with Google's phones in the last two years. The Pixel 9 Pro has nearly identical dimensions to the Pixel 11 Pro, and while the latter is 5g heavier, that isn't immediately noticeable.

In fact, other than the new design around the camera bar, there isn't an easy way to distinguish both phones — they're that similar. This is a good thing, as it solidifies Google's visual identity and ensures models are consistent between generations.

To give you a little bit of contrast, there aren't any design similarities between last year's Find X8 Ultra and the 2026 Find X9 Ultra; they could be made by different brands. While a constantly-changing design is interesting in its own way — I have no idea what the Find X10 will look like — that isn't an issue with Pixels; Google clearly has its design language dialed in, and it isn't going to change that anytime soon.

Anyway, the Pixel 11 Pro is a standout small flagship, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the same. I like the smaller design, and while I inevitably gravitate to larger phones, there's no denying that there's an audience that wants a smaller device with high-end internals, and other than the 6.3-inch panel size and smaller battery, the Pro devices are unchanged from their Pro XL siblings.

The 6.3-inch OLED panel is great in its own right; both phones have good color vibrancy and class-leading brightness figures. The only difference is that the 11 Pro gets brighter in outdoor use, but other than that, they're identical. Also, both devices get IP68 dust and water resistance, and they're built to last.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Hardware and cameras

The Tensor G6 powering the Pixel 11 Pro is faster and does a better job overall, but it's still not set up for any intensive gaming, and at this point, it's clear that it just isn't a priority for Google. That said, it is reliable in everyday use, and the device itself has good fluidity. The same is true on the Pixel 9 Pro as well, and I still don't see any issues with the device in regular tasks.

Similarly, battery life is about the same, but the 11 Pro gets Qi 2.2 integration, going up to 25W — the 9 Pro is limited to standard 12W Qi charging. Connectivity is the same on both devices, and while the 11 Pro is using a new modem, I don't see much of a difference in daily use.

The Pixel 11 Pro has a new camera, and it takes slightly better photos and videos. But like previous years, the best features are software-related: Camera Looks lets you change the tonality of the photos to a significant degree, and I like the feature quite a bit. There's also Magic Capture, which automatically takes the best photo while shooting a video, and it makes a lot of sense if you have kids that are constantly moving.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Which should you buy?

There is a lot to like in the Pixel 11 Pro, and the new software features go a long way in differentiating the phone. That said, Google is likely to bring most of these to older Pixels — including the Pixel 9 Pro — so you're not really missing out on much there.

Other than that, I don't see many differences to the Pixel 9 Pro. It's still a fabulous phone two years after its launch, and if you're using the device, there's no reason to get the Pixel 11 Pro.

While Google provided a modicum of upgrades with the rest of the Pixel 11 models this year — the Pixel 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold have new camera modules, brighter OLED panels, and faster charging — the standard Pixel 11 is basically unchanged to its predecessor.

So, I'll make this easy: don't buy the Pixel 11 if you're using a phone that's less than two years old. Most of the new features revolve around the software, and those will trickle down to older models anyway, so you're not getting a whole lot that's new with the Pixel 11.

Yes, the new Tensor G6 is a little faster, but it is still hobbled when it comes to gaming, and in my usage, I didn't see much of a difference between the Pixel 11 and Pixel 10. There is better fluidity on the Pixel 11, but that alone doesn't justify an upgrade. Annoyingly, you still don't get decent thermal management on the device — that is limited to the Pro models.

I like the Hibiscus color that Google introduced this year, and the Pistachio model is similarly vibrant. The overall design hasn't changed, but the camera bar looks a little cleaner this year, and it is a little better to hold. On that note, I like the size of the Pixel 11; the 6.3-inch OLED panel gives you enough real estate, but it's much better to use one-handed.

The base Pixel 11 now comes with 256GB of storage, but you're paying $899 — $100 more than last year — so it evens out. There isn't a whole lot new with the battery either. The Pixel 11 has a slightly bigger 4,985mAh battery, and it uses the same 30W USB PD charging tech. There's 25W Qi 2.2 integration this time, and this is a decent benefit to using modern Pixels — you don't need to use a case to charge the phone with a Qi 2.2 charger.

It has the same trio of cameras as last year, including a 48MP main camera, 13MP wide-angle, and 10.3MP tele lens with 5x optical zoom and OIS, and it takes slightly better photos thanks to a new ISP and tuning changes, it isn't a huge difference to the Pixel 10. Google's new Camera Looks feature gives you greater control in customizing the look and feel of the resultant photos, and I like it quite a lot.

The Pixel 11 only makes sense if you're using an older phone and want to upgrade this year, or if you have a carrier deal that gets you the phone without paying an additional fee. Outside of that, I don't see a need to buy the device.

If anything, the Pixel 10a is a better choice if you just need a phone that nails the basics, and you don't necessarily want a dedicated tele lens. There's a reason the Pixel A series sells a lot more than the numbered devices; you're getting a lot of the same features at roughly half the price, and there's no way to beat that kind of value.

Google's 2026 phone lineup is here, but if you were hoping to snag the best Pixel 11 deals, you better act fast. From now through August 27th at 11:59pm PST, Amazon will give you a free $100 gift card when you buy the base model Google Pixel 11 on its website. Go with the Pixel 11 Pro instead and your gift card balance will increase to $200. No trade-in required, no strings attached!

We've seen a lot of Pixel 11 deals since the phones were unveiled earlier this month, but few offers have been this straightforward. The only tricky part now is grabbing the deal before it expires. Once this free gift card promotion ends, it's gone for good. 

It's your last chance to get a free Amazon gift card with the purchase of a Google Pixel 11

• See the top deals available at Amazon today

Unlike some smartphone releases, the Google Pixel 11 is more about careful refinement than dramatic transformation. The device takes the stellar foundation of last year's Google Pixel 10 and adds a new Tensor G6 chipset for faster performance, twice the base storage, and an upgraded camera system. You also get faster charging and Android 17 straight out of the carton.

The 2026 flagship also keeps a lot of the specs that make Google Pixel phones so desirable, from the AI-boosted camera tech to the seven years of guaranteed OS and security upgrades. 

Indeed, this offer from Amazon may not be as flashy as the many carrier deals and trade-in opportunities that are floating around right now, but if you value simplicity, here is an easy way to get a powerful Pixel device and some free spending money without all of the pesky fine print. 

Once upon a time, Pixels pioneered fast charging standards, shipping with 18W chargers in the box, leaving most other smartphone companies in the dust. But over the years, as phone charging standards have evolved, Pixels have remained alongside Samsung and Apple phones as the slowest-charging smartphones on the market.

The Pixel 11 series charges noticeably more slowly out of the box than the Pixel 10, even with the same charger, but a hidden setting fixes the issue if you meet certain conditions. It's called Extreme Charging, and it's the first time we've seen Google directly address this problem with a unique, non-hardware-based solution.

All four Pixel 11 models support Extreme Charging, although not every model uses it as effectively. During our testing, only the Pixel 11 Pro XL truly benefits from the setting, while the other Pixel 11 Pro phones show a much smaller difference in charging time. Here's how to use it to help alleviate battery anxiety if your phone suddenly runs low on battery.

What is Extreme Charging?

Extreme Charging is a new Pixel 11 family feature that enables the fastest charging that Google's hardware supports. In addition to charging at the highest supported wattage, Extreme Charging pauses many apps while charging.

This ensures that your Pixel isn't getting extra hot while charging (since charging and running lots of apps at once can have that effect) and also means your phone can charge much faster.

Extreme Charging needs to be enabled every time you plug the phone in and when it's below 50%, but once enabled, it's a 1-tap action. To get the most out of Extreme Charging, ensure you're using one of the best fast chargers, preferably at least a 45W model with 21V PPS. You can also use Google's official charger to ensure full compatibility.

How fast is Extreme Charging?

For most Pixel 11 models, Extreme charging makes little to no difference. I have all three Pixel 11 Pro models in my possession and have drained each to 0%. I then plugged them into a supported 45W Anker charger (like this one) and tapped the Extreme Charging button to enable it (more on how to find it below).

I then set a 15-minute timer and recorded the charging percentage at the end of the timer. After a second 15-minute timer, I recorded that charging percentage. This test is identical to our in-house battery-charging test used for all smartphone reviews. Android Central's Derrek Lee also performed the same test with his Pixel 11 and the 67W Dual Port charger.

The results were fascinating, but it's clear that the Pixel 11 Pro XL is the only Pro model that genuinely benefits from Extreme Charging. The other models see a small boost after 15 minutes, and a larger difference is noticeable after 30 minutes, so there is some benefit to Extreme Charging for the rest of the Pixel 11 models, but nothing compared to the Pro XL.

How to enable Extreme Charging on a Pixel 11

Extreme Charging is only available on Pixel 11 phones when your phone's battery is under 50%. Once your battery is low enough, plug it into a compatible 30W, 45W, or even faster charger, then follow these steps:

1. When your phone's battery is under 50%, plug it into at least a 30W charger.

2. Open system settings by tapping the Settings icon in your app drawer, or swiping down on the status bar twice, then tapping the gear icon at the bottom of the screen.

3. Scroll down to and tap Battery & charging.

4. Scroll down and tap Extreme Charging Mode.

5. Tap the button to turn on Extreme Charging.

You must enable Extreme Charging every time you want to use the feature, but don't worry. You don't have to go through all that nonsense again. Once you enable the option in system settings, a handy shortcut appears on your lock screen whenever your phone is plugged into a charger and the battery is under 50%.

1. When your phone's battery is under 50%, plug it into at least a 30W charger.

2. On the lock screen, tap the Use Extreme Charging button at the bottom of the screen.

Additionally, you could enable the Extreme Charging tile in Quick Settings by following these steps:

1. Swipe down on the status bar twice. That's the area at the top of the screen with the clock and battery/connection icons.

2. Tap the pencil icon below the grid of quick toggle buttons to open the edit menu.

3. Scroll down to Extreme Charging and tap the plus button next to it to add it to the Quick Toggles collection.

4. Scroll back up and resize the Extreme Charging button to your liking.

This gives you multiple ways to enable Extreme Charging the next time you plug it in, making it easy to get the fastest charging possible on your Pixel 11 Pro XL.

It has been a year of iterative updates for book-style foldables (as my Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review points out), and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is no different. Google went with a slightly thinner design and shaved 19g from the weight, but it did so by decreasing the battery size. Then there's the price: the Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899, a $100 increase over its predecessor.

There are some upgrades though. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is powered by the new Tensor G6, it is faster in daily use, and the foldable finally has a new main camera; in my limited testing, it took better photos in just about every scenario.

Ultimately, does the Pixel 11 Pro Fold do enough to justify an upgrade? I think so. I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold extensively over the course of the last year, and the 11 Pro Fold addresses several pain points. It's easier to hold and use, takes better photos, has better durability, and while I was initially worried about the smaller battery, the phone managed to last just as long as the 10 Pro Fold, so this hasn't proven to be a problem.

I'm highlighting the things that stood out in my week-long usage of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. This should give you a better indication as to what you're getting with Google's latest foldable, and whether it's worthy of an upgrade.

Intelligent software

While Google's claims of delivering an Intelligent OS are nebulous at best, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes with plenty of new software tricks that make a difference. Gemini Intelligence has a suite of decent features, and Rambler is my favorite — it takes your dictation and polishes it into structured text, and it made me want to actually use voice dictation.

Bubbles multitasking is great, and the floating windows mode provides greater flexibility when using the inner panel. The UI in general is clean and uncluttered, and I like the customizability of the quick tiles, ability to tweak colors throughout the interface, and all the unique software extras that come as standard on Pixels, like Now Playing. Another thing Google got right is the fluidity; the 11 Pro Fold feels better than its predecessor when using both next to one another.

Better durability

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is heavier than other foldables, but the upside is that it is built to last. With an IP68 rating, you're getting a device that's guaranteed to withstand dust and water ingress, and that is a big deal.

Notably, the 11 Pro Fold is the only foldable in the U.S. that delivers this guarantee — the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Moto Razr Fold get IP48, and while they do a good job against water, they don't prevent dust from getting into the hinge.

I know just how well IP68 resistance holds up in real-world use, and there's no doubt that the added durability absolutely makes a difference when using it at the beach or near the pool.

It's magnetic

Battery life is in line with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, even though the 11 Pro Fold has a smaller 4,800mAh battery. Annoyingly, you get the smallest battery of any book-style foldable, and I really want Google to do better in this area.

The 11 Pro Fold lasts an entire day with medium use, but I had to plug in the foldable by the evening on most days. Thankfully, this is where the built-in Qi 2.2 tech makes a big difference. The 11 Pro Fold has 25W Qi 2.2 charging, and as the magnets are integrated into the chassis, you don't need any accessories to use a Qi 2.2 charger or power bank — unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Bright spots

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets brighter than previous generations, and the inner and outer OLED panels are among the best you'll find in this category. There are no issues with either screen when it comes to brightness or color vibrancy, and the slightly wider 6.5-inch cover panel is a delight.

The only problem with the inner screen is that there's no anti-reflective coating, so you will notice glare while using it outdoors. This is something the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra does a lot better, and Google needs to go the same route next year.

Usable cameras

In my opinion, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn't do much to justify the Pro moniker when it comes to the cameras. Vivo's X Fold 5 and the OPPO Find N6 are still my go-to choices if you need a foldable with great cameras, but these aren't available in the U.S.

The 10 Pro Fold measures favorably against the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Moto Razr Fold, but it's annoying that Google chose to limit its latest camera tech — like Instant Night Sight and 120x zoom — to the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL. The way I see it, the 11 Pro Fold is the costliest device in Google's portfolio, so it should get the best cameras, but that's clearly not the case.

Ultimately, deciding to get the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes down to preference. I like it better than the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Razr Fold because of the software and durability, but there's no doubting that they are faster, last longer, and lighter. The 11 Pro Fold may not be the best foldable if you go by the numbers, but it is the one that I enjoy using the most.

Mint Mobile has finally announced its Google Pixel 11 deals, and they're no joke. Whether you want the base model Pixel 11 or the gargantuan Pixel 11 XL, you can save a ton of cash when you sign up for Mint, especially if you bundle the phone with some wireless service in bulk.

Pair the purchase of the base model Pixel 11 with one year of the Unlimited plan, for instance, and you'll get $275 off the phone AND 50% off the wireless. In other words, you're getting a full 12 months of T-Mobile-powered mobile coverage and a brand new flagship phone for just $804 (or $67 per month when you use affirm). Considering that the retail cost of the Google Pixel 11 starts at $899, you're essentially getting a full year of unlimited talk, text, and data for free with the purchase of the phone.

I'd argue that the base model device offers the best value here, but there are similar deals available for the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL. Regardless of the Google phone you choose, if you were looking to get a new phone and a new wireless plan in one fell swoop, Mint Mobile's offers are unmatched.

Mint Mobile is an approachable MVNO carrier owned and operated by T-Mobile. It utilizes a unique buy-in-bulk plan system that lets you purchase wireless in 3, 6, and 12-month increments of time. The annual Unlimited plan, which is easily the best value, gives you 12 months of unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mo's vast 5G network, plus you'll get a free mobile hotspot and calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK at no additional cost.

Sure, you miss out on some of the premium perks offered by more-expensive unlimited plans, but if you just want cheap and straightforward wireless coverage, Mint Mobile is one of the best providers around.

The Pixel 11 deals described here are only available for new customers, but if you've been looking for a good time to switch phone plans, this might be it.

More Google Pixel 11 deals at Mint Mobile

Which Google Pixel 11 should I choose?

It depends on what you want in a smartphone. The base model Google Pixel 11 takes the stellar foundation of its predecessor, the Pixel 10, and adds a new processor, faster wireless charging, and an upgraded camera system. You also get Android 17 straight out of the box, in addition to the standard features you'd expect in a Pixel phone, such as a vibrant AMOLED display and seven years of OS/security upgrades guaranteed.

Going with the Google Pixel 11 Pro gets you all of the above alongside an upgraded camera system, brighter display, and the new HiLight LED light array around the camera bump. Do you prefer larger phones? The Pixel 11 Pro XL adds a 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a larger battery than the rest of the flagship lineup.

It took me a while to like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold; I didn't like that Google basically retained the same feature-set as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and just added a bigger battery and IP68 ingress protection. At 258g, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the heaviest foldables — only my Huawei Mate XT is heavier, and that's basically a tablet that folds down to a phone.

The heft notwithstanding, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has other issues: the cameras are underwhelming compared to the Vivo X Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, battery life is average, and cellular connectivity isn't quite as stable as I'd like. But having used the foldable on and off for the better part of a year now, I will say that it is much better to use than its specs would suggest, and the software continues to be among the best around.

Software matters

Google's software is why I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold instead of other foldables. I like the bright colors and customizability that's available in Material You, and Google does a great job with the interface in general, delivering a clean UI without any clutter. And with the 10 Pro Fold, Google optimized the software a little better, and there's better fluidity than in previous generations, which makes a noticeable difference when navigating the interface.

Magic Cue is one of my favorite additions, and I like that it pulls up any contextual detail without me having to dig for it. Whether that's sharing waybill details when calling DHL about recent deliveries or surfacing reservation details, it is genuinely useful. Google does a good job bringing most Gemini features to other phones, but there are a few exclusive to Pixels, like Magic Cue.

The software has gotten better with Android 17, and Bubbles multitasking is easily my favorite feature. It's annoying that it won't be coming to other phones, but the floating windows mode makes it easy to maximize the real estate of the 8-inch inner panel, and I use it constantly. Other foldables do a great job with multitasking in general — ColorOS' Open Canvas is the gold standard — and while Google should have stolen the feature, it's good to see some progress in this area.

Shining bright

I also like the size of the cover screen; the 6.4-inch panel is slightly wider than its predecessor, and it's the ideal size. While Google had its share of screen-related issues in the past, I didn't see any problems with the outer or inner panels in the year I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Both panels are among the brightest in the category, and they have good color vibrancy.

After a year of unfolds, the crease hasn't deformed, and the hinge articulation is just as smooth as the day I set up the device. A lot of that has to do with IP68 dust and water resistance. While I didn't submerge the foldable in water, dust ingress is a constant problem on these devices, and thankfully, I didn't have to worry about that in the slightest.

Not quite point-and-click

With plenty of tuning updates over the course of the year, the cameras on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still don't pass muster. It has been a regular source of frustration with the foldable, and in a year where other brands made huge strides in this area — the X Fold 5 and Find N6 have outstanding cameras — the 10 Pro Fold is distinctly second-best.

I carry two phones, and for most of the last 12 months, the secondary phone was the iPhone 17 Pro, so I had an alternative whenever I needed to take photos. That doesn't make it any less annoying that a $1,799 foldable can't take reliable photos or videos.

Rounding out

The 10 Pro Fold is heavy enough as it is, so I didn't bother with a case. The foldable took its share of tumbles, but it is unscathed. There are some scratches that have accumulated over the course of the year, but on the whole, the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection did its job. If anything, I don't put a case on any phone that has Victus 2, and it's proven to be reliable — at least in the way I use my devices.

While I didn't think much of the design, the rounded corners definitely make a difference. They make holding the 10 Pro Fold a little easier, and there's enough thickness at the sides to open the inner screen. This is an issue on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and not just because they're thinner — the X Fold 5 and Find N6 are just as easy to unlock as the 10 Pro Fold. I'm chalking it up to the way Samsung designs its foldables.

I'll admit that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't have the best internals. It's continually annoying that Google prioritizes other areas like the TPU instead of CPU and GPU performance, and this means the Tensor G5 isn't suited for playing demanding games.

That said, it held up a lot better than I imagined. While I test visually-intensive games as part of a review, I don't play high-end games on my phone all that much, and the ones I actually play the most — Balatro, Ball x Pit, and CloverPit — run without any issues. There is some overheating with gaming sessions lasting over an hour, but that's the case with every foldable, and not unique to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Another bugbear is connectivity. The Exynos modem that Google went with isn't as good at maintaining a signal, so I frequently saw cellular connectivity issues while at home.

The single biggest annoyance with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold proved to be the cameras. Other than that, the foldable was better than I imagined. Thankfully, I didn't run into many software bugs; outside of Magic Cue getting disabled by an update, I didn't notice any problems. I know that's an outlier considering the thousands of messages on Google's troubleshooting pages, but it hasn't been much of an issue in my usage.

While I enjoyed using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the foldable. There isn't a single feature that truly stands out, and while that's not a bad thing, it doesn't make for an exciting phone.

Look, I generally prefer Google's software and don't mind some of the annoyances that come along the way, but it may not be what you're looking for in a device that costs over $1,700 — particularly when there are better all-round choices available.

If you're a Pixel fan and are considering a foldable, I'd suggest getting the 11 Pro Fold; I'm switching to it now, and it addresses a lot of the 10 Pro Fold's issues around imaging. And if you don't have a brand allegiance and just want to try out a book-style foldable, the Moto Razr Fold continues to be fabulous.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design and display

Honestly, there isn't much of a difference between both phones. Google retained similar dimensions over the last two years, and the result is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is nearly the same size and weight as the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

This is easily noticeable while holding the phones next to each other. If anything, I like the in-hand feel of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google sent me the all-matte Obsidian model of the 11 Pro XL, and it is dull. I like the matte texture, but the phone itself doesn't look exciting, and I would've preferred the vibrant Canyon model instead.

The one key difference is that the camera bar on the Pixel 11 Pro XL doesn't jut out as much, so it looks a little more elegant. Both phones have the same IP68 dust and water resistance, so they're equally good at weathering anything to do with daily use.

Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is when we saw the Actua display tech, and Google is using a continuation of the same this year as well. The 11 Pro XL gets brighter, but the 9 Pro XL does a terrific job as well, and the panel has vibrant colors and has zero issues in outdoor use.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Hardware and software

The Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Google's latest 3nm Tensor G6, and it is using new cores and is noticeably better in everyday use than the Tensor G4-powered 9 Pro XL. It has better efficiency as well, and even though both phones have similarly-sized batteries, my Pixel 11 Pro XL is lasting a few hours longer on average.

Where I see the biggest advantage is Qi 2.2 integration in the Pixel 11 Pro XL; having these magnets built into the phone means I can use any Qi 2.2 charger or power bank and get 25W charging, and it genuinely makes a big difference. Look, I didn't care about this at all in the past as wireless charging was limited to 12W — as is the case on the Pixel 9 Pro XL — but with 25W, it's close enough to the standard 45W USB PD charging standard that I use it all the time now.

Other than that, there honestly isn't much to differentiate both phones. While the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a little more power, it still isn't a gaming phone by any measure, so if that's what you're after, you should look at Pixel 11 Pro XL alternatives. It's a similar story with the software; both phones get seven years of software updates, and outside of a few extras that are exclusive on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the software is identical.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Cameras

Both phones have a similar set of cameras: a 50MP main camera, 48MP telephoto lens with OIS and 5x optical zoom, and 48MP wide-angle lens. While the auxiliary lenses are unchanged between both, the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a new 50MP camera with better light intake, and it does a better job in taking photos and videos in challenging scenarios.

However, the best part about using Pixels is the camera software; Google introduced Camera Looks this year, and it gives you much greater control in tailoring the look of the photos.

There's also Magic Capture, which automagically gives you the best shot each and every time. If you have little children that constantly move about, this mode is definitely handy.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is $100 costlier this year, and while it has some new features, the fundamentals are pretty much unchanged from the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Honestly, with the 256GB model coming with 12GB of RAM instead of the 16GB that was standard for the last two years, I'd argue that you're getting less for your money. If you're using the 9 Pro XL and are mulling an upgrade, I'd wait — I don't see enough of a change to make the move.

If you're on an older phone and are considering an upgrade, however, the Pixel 11 Pro XL could be a good choice — unless you can get a good deal on the 9 Pro XL. While Google launched the 9 Pro XL two years ago, the phone is built to last, and it will get regular updates and new features for at least another five years.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are two very full-featured smartphones. If you're a new Pixel user, you're going to spend days sifting through all the available options and features to find your favorites, but before you begin that long (but fun!) journey, you should focus on securing the freebies that come with every Pixel 11 phone.

I'm specifically talking about the 6-month Gemini Pro subscription that comes for free with your Pixel 11. In the past, I was always prompted to activate this trial during the first-time setup when I got a new Pixel, but this year was different. I had to hunt for the offer to make sure it still existed and, thankfully, it does!

With the Pixel 9 and 10 series, Google offered a full year of Gemini Advanced (now known as Google AI Pro), but the Pixel 11 series lowered that to 6 months. Still, it's hard to argue with 6 free months of Google's AI Pro service, which is roughly a $120 value you get just for owning a Pixel 11.

What is Google AI Pro?

Google renamed Gemini Advanced to Google AI Pro in 2025, and with it came a slew of new tools and benefits compared to the free Gemini model and the Google AI Plus subscription. Here's everything Google AI Pro gets you in 2026:

• 4x higher usage limits in the Gemini app
• 1,000 Google Flow credits (Google's creative studio)
• Gemini 3 Pro in Google Search
• Access to the Jules coding agent with higher limits
• Google Antigravity (Google's agentic development platform)
• 5x higher limits on Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)
• Gemini in Gmail, Docs, and more
• Google Home Premium (30 days of event history for your Nest devices)
• Gemini in Chrome
• YouTube Premium Lite
• 5TB of cloud storage

There's a lot included with Google AI Pro, but I find only a few things particularly useful. Google Home Premium and YouTube Premium Lite are easily my favorite two features. Subscribing to those features by themselves would normally run you $18 a month, so you can already see how good of a value the Google AI Pro subscription is at the normal $19.99 a month rate.

I don't use the vast majority of the advanced Gemini features here, like Jules, Flow, Antigravity, or Notebook, but those would all be incredible values for anyone who might want to take advantage of everything Gemini offers.

How to activate your free Google AI Pro subscription

Now that you understand why Google AI Pro is worthwhile (and why a free 6-month trial is such a great deal), here's what you need to do to activate the trial:

1. Open the Gemini app. You can find it in your app drawer.

2. Click the menu button in the top-left corner, then tap the settings gear at the bottom next to your account name.

3. Tap the Start trial button underneath the "Manage subscription" button.

4. Make sure the screen says "With your Pixel 11, you get 6 months for $0," then tap the blue Start trial button.

Beginning a Google AI Pro trial starts a subscription through Google Play, so the next screen will ask you to select a payment method for when the trial ends. Don't worry, you're not going to pay anything right now; Google just wants to set up the subscription so that it cycles through the credits you get with your Pixel 11.

Remember, you can always cancel the subscription before the trial ends if you don't want to pay anything by the listed payment start date.

1. Verify that "6-month free trial" is listed under the "Starting today" section on the subscription screen.

2. Note the starting date for payments. I recommend asking Gemini to set a reminder for this date so you can cancel the subscription if you'd like.

3. Select the payment method you want to use when the trial ends, then hit Subscribe.

4. Congrats! Now you have Google AI Pro for the next 6 months for free!

Now, when you open the Gemini app, you can select from more advanced Gemini models (plus, use Gemini a lot more before you hit the daily limit), use new Gemini tools in Google apps like Gmail and Google Drive, watch YouTube videos ad-free, see 30 days of smart home history (and make advanced queries in the Google Home app), and lots more. Have fun!

Google got a lot right with the Pixel 11 Pro XL; it has better cameras, a cleaner design, brighter OLED panel, and is faster in just about every scenario. And with Google focusing on Gemini Intelligence, there's a lot of great AI-assisted software features that make the phone stand out.

That said, there are plenty of annoyances as well — if anything, the decrease in RAM and battery size along with the underwhelming GPU make the Pixel 11 Pro XL a downgrade in many ways. So if you're a Pixel user and are looking to switch, there are plenty of great choices available. I used all phones launched in the last 12 months, so all the options listed here are devices I used extensively.

Annoyingly, the two phones I consider to be the best choices — the Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro — aren't available in the U.S., but they are sold in plenty of western countries, including the U.K. The U.S. phone market is distinctly lackluster compared to most regions, and that's down to the chokehold carriers have in the country. That makes getting a hold of the best phones harder, and in some cases, it's just not worth the hassle. Having accounted for all of that, these are the six phones I suggest buying instead of the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

I don't like using Samsung phones, but there's no doubting that they're immensely popular. The Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't too different to the Pixel 11 Pro XL in that it is also mostly unchanged to its predecessor, but you get faster internals powered by Qualcomm.

Outside of the silicon, the S26 Ultra is very similar to the Pixel 11 Pro XL; both phones have cameras that are at the same level, battery life is largely identical, and you get the same IP68 ingress protection. The biggest difference is with the software: Samsung's One UI 9 doesn't look anything like what you get on Pixels, and it has a lot of extras that are tied into Samsung's ecosystem.

Look, if you like Samsung's software and want all the unique extras that you get — and Galaxy AI — then the S26 Ultra continues to be a solid choice. It'll get the same seven years of software updates, and has a strong ecosystem of wearables and connected devices.

Redmagic 11S Pro

If you intend to play games on your phone or need a device that's just about the fastest available today, you should get the Redmagic 11S Pro. The 16GB/512GB model of the phone costs $899 in the U.S., which is $520 less than what you'd pay to get an equivalent Pixel 11 Pro XL. Now, the Redmagic 11S Pro's cameras are decidedly average, and they don't measure up to what Google is offering. But given the price difference, you may as well just get a dedicated camera if you're interested in taking a lot of photos and videos (I'm partial to the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV).

Other than that, the Redmagic 11S Pro is a beast. It doesn't have a cutout, so you get an all-screen design that I like quite a bit — it's one of the main reasons why I like using these phones. And I get that the design may be a little ostentatious (it is a gaming phone, after all), but the cameras sit flush with the body, and I like the in-hand feel. Oh, and there's legitimate liquid cooling on the device, and it holds up to marathon gaming or Netflix binge sessions without breaking a sweat.

You also get a huge 7,500mAh battery that lasts up to two days, better connectivity than the Pixel 11 Pro XL in any situation, the best Qualcomm silicon available today, a vibrant OLED, and an IPX8 ingress protection.

The software is pretty good too! Redmagic cleaned up its act two years ago, and you get a plain interface that doesn't have any overt styling, but with great optimization and a good range of customizability. The only issue is that the phone will get just two Android OS updates, which is pitiful next to Google and Samsung. But if you're okay with that limitation, the Redmagic 11S Pro is a great choice.

POCO F8 Ultra

Okay, POCO doesn't sell the F8 Ultra in the U.S., but you can easily get it via resellers on Amazon for $889. That's the 12GB/256GB edition, and it is close to what the phone costs in the U.K. (£599 ($818)). The F8 Ultra has a trio of 50MP cameras, and they're great; you get good photos in any lighting condition, and the versatility of the lenses means you get usable shots from 0.6x to 10x without any issues.

Then there's the design. POCO went with a unique denim finish, and it makes holding the F8 Ultra decidedly different (but in a good way). The texture feels great, and the phone is lighter than the Pixel 11 Pro XL in spite of having a bigger 6,500mAh battery. There's 100W fast charging as well, and as it uses a standard USB PD profile, you can use any 100W GaN charger with the phone.

Oh, and the F8 Ultra has the best onboard sound of any phone I tested in the last two years. It is tuned by Bose, and there's a dedicated woofer unit that adds a lot of character to the sound. The software is decent as well, and you don't get much in the way of AI. The UI is relatively modern, and while there is a lot of bloatware out of the box, it can be easily uninstalled. The phone will get four Android OS updates, which is decent in this category.

iPhone 17 Pro

If you're looking to switch away from Android altogether, the iPhone 17 Pro is the way to go. I use it as my secondary phone, and while battery life isn't as good as a Pixel, you get good software features, guaranteed stability, and a strong ecosystem of accessories.

Switching to an iPhone is easier than ever, but it isn't just about buying another device — you'll also need to think about your digital purchases. If you're like me and bought hundreds of apps and pay for subscriptions via the Play Store, you will need to set up all of that again on the App Store, and that's daunting. That's one of the reasons why moving to a different mobile OS is difficult; you're basically starting from scratch if you haven't used iOS in the past.

The upside is that the iPhone 17 Pro isn't usually plagued by software issues, and as a daily driver, it's one of the most stable phones around.

OPPO Find X9 Pro

The Find X9 Pro is my second-favorite phone of 2026 — only bettered by its even costlier sibling, the Find X9 Ultra — and it is a fantastic phone. The cameras are on another level entirely, the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 platform is noticeably faster than the Tensor G6, and you get a massive battery.

Now, a big limitation with Chinese phones in the past was the software, but that isn't an issue in 2026. ColorOS 16 has a modern design, plenty of great features, and it's just as good to use as the Pixel Launcher. In fact, it is the Android skin I used the most in 2026, and features like AI Bill Manager are genuinely useful.

The Find X9 Pro costs £1,099 ($1,500) in the U.K., and that's the 16GB/512GB model — the equivalent Pixel 11 Pro XL is £1,419 ($1,936!). Additionally, you get the Watch X3 bundled with every phone, which is pretty great in its own right.

Vivo X300 Pro

The X300 Pro is the only phone that has the same caliber of cameras as the Find X9 Pro. Vivo did a great job with the phone in general, and I really like the design — even though the camera housing is gigantic. The phone costs €1,089 ($1,274) for the 16GB/512GB edition, so you're not paying as much as the Pixel 11 Pro XL (€1,329 ($1,553)).

What I like the most about the X300 Pro is that Vivo brought its excellent OriginOS software to global regions. The UI is clean and highly customizable, and it makes using the X300 Pro a delight. It doesn't quite get as many updates as the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but Vivo guarantees five Android OS updates.

Which should you buy?

If you just need one recommendation and don't mind going the reseller route, I'd suggest getting the POCO F8 Ultra — it is a pretty good all-rounder. The Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro are costlier and harder to get in the U.S., and while they have better cameras, you're ultimately paying too much.

The Redmagic 11S Pro is also a solid choice if you need something with plenty of raw power. And if you want the closest feel to a Pixel and are interested in buying a broader ecosystem of devices, then the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro are your go-to choices in the U.S.

Google's newest smartphones are finally available in stores, but if you missed the preorder period, fear not: there are still quite a few impressive Pixel 11 deals worth checking out today. 

Head to Verizon, for instance, and you can get the base model Google Pixel 11 for 100% free when you add a line with the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. No trade-in required!

• See my complete guide to the best Google Pixel 11 deals on the web

I wouldn't call the Pixel 11 a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, but Google did introduce a few thoughtful improvements that make the base model a worthwhile purchase in 2026. The phone comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 chipset, an upgraded camera system, and considerably faster wireless charging than the Google Pixel 10. The new model is also a few grams lighter than the 2025 flagship, despite the fact that the Pixel 11 actually comes with twice the base storage.

Aside from those upgrades, the Google Pixel 11 is largely indistinguishable from the 10. You get the same AMOLED display size and brightness, the same 12GB of RAM, and the same seven-year OS upgrade guarantee.

If you already own the Pixel 10, in other words, don't feel compelled to upgrade right away. But if you've never bought a Google phone before, the Pixel 11 is a great starting point — particularly when it's paired with an excellent Verizon deal like this one. 

Need more power?

More Google Pixel 11 series deals

The preorder period has come to an end, but there are still a few Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals hanging around if you know where to look. From trade-in opportunities to free gift cards, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals on the web (so far).

The long-awaited Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM as standard, and one of the most advanced camera systems ever built into a foldable phone. It's also thinner and lighter than its predecessor while sporting a new reinforced hinge and IP68 durability straight out of the box.

At $1,899 for the 256GB configuration, the Pixel phone is also pretty expensive, which is why the following deals are so essential. Keep reading for the best offers so far, and don't forget to check back later: I'll keep adding new deals to this list as they go live.

Quick links

• The best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro deals
  
• Verizon: Up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• T-Mobile: $900 off with most plans
• Amazon: free $350 gift card with purchase
• Best Buy: free $350 gift card with purchase
• Google Store: Up to $1,000 off with trade-in

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals

FAQ

How much does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cost?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 for the 256GB configuration. That's obviously not cheap, but I was delighted to see that the foldable phone didn't receive a price increase this year (unlike some 2026 phones). All Pixel 11 series devices also come with six free months of the Google AI Pro plan.

How does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold compare to other foldable phones?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is being presented as the ultimate multitasking device, coming complete with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, and useful productivity features like Split Screen and Drag & Drop.

You get two gorgeous Super Actua displays that are 20% brighter than last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold, plus an upgraded hinge, scratch-resistant glass, and a design that's 10% lighter than the previous generation. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also equipped with an upgraded battery that's supposed to last up to 30 hours on a single charge.

These are some bold claims from Google, but we'll need to test the phone ourselves before we can attest to their veracity. If they're accurate, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold might be the best foldable phone that the company has ever produced.

Google's latest flagship lineup has finally hit store shelves, and I'm hard at work tracking down the best Pixel 11 deals (and Pixel 11 Pro deals) so you don't have to go searching. Whether you're interested in the base model Pixel 11, the powerful Pixel 11 Pro, or the super-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL, there are already quite a few deals and leftover preorder promotions that could make these AI-powered flagships pretty cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right.

The new generation of Pixel phones takes the stellar foundation of the Google Pixel 10 series and adds a new processor, an upgraded camera system, and a set of stylish new color variants. The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL also feature the new HiLight LED system, a fancy light array around the camera bar that's sure to turn heads.

Another bit of good news is that, other than the Pixel 11 Pro XL (which now starts at $1,299), Google's 2026 lineup wasn't hit with a price increase this year. Still, the phones aren't exactly cheap, which is why the following deals are so important. Whether you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or a free gift card, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 discounts on the web (so far).

Quick links

• Google Pixel 11 hands-on review
• Google Pixel 11 Pro official review
• The best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals
  
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro with eligible line
• Verizon: FREE Pixel 11 with eligible line
• AT&T: FREE Pixel 11 phones with trade-in, new line
• Amazon: free gift cards worth up to $200
• Best Buy: free gift cards worth up to $200
• Google Store: up to $600 off with trade-in
• Xfinity Mobile: FREE Pixel 11 with trade-in, new line

Google Pixel 11 deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL deals

FAQ

How much does the Google Pixel 11 series cost?

The base model Google Pixel 11 is set to retail for $899 / €999, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost $1,099 / €1,199 and $1,299 / €1,399, respectively. The 128GB storage configuration has been removed with the Pixel 11 series, which means all three phones now start with 256GB of onboard storage.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is the only phone in the flagship lineup to receive a price hike this year, selling for $100 more than its predecessor.

Which Google Pixel 11 phone should I choose?

It depends on what you're looking for! If you want something compact and affordable, the base model Google Pixel 11 is a great choice, with a stunning display, Tensor G6 processor, and a seven-year software promise.

If you want the same size but more power, you can upgrade to the Google Pixel 11 Pro and get a brighter display, better cameras, and the new HiLight LED light array. Last but not least, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL takes the foundation of the Pixel 11 Pro and supersizes it, adding a 6.8-inch display with a larger battery and up to 16GB of RAM. Despite the higher cost, it's a great choice if you like using large phones (consider it Google's answer to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra).

No matter which device you choose, you're getting a powerful AI-boosted Android phone with an efficient Tensor G6 chipset, at least 12GB of RAM, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.

I already own the Pixel 10. Should I upgrade to the Google Pixel 11?

This is always a tough question whenever new phones come out. On the one hand, I'm generally of the opinion that manufacturers don't need to be producing new phones every single year, particularly when most flagship releases come with seven years of OS upgrades as standard.

If you already own the Google Pixel 10, you won't see a massive upgrade with the Pixel 11. I'd only jump to the new phone if you're particularly interested in the latest and greatest Pixel experience.

If, on the other hand, you own an older device and can score a good deal through the channels listed above, then by all means go for it. After all, these phones are sure to rank among the best Android phones ever built, so you won't be disappointed.

For years, Google Pixel phones were considered to have the best smartphone cameras. That was especially true if you were taking pictures of objects in motion, like pets or kids, but things seemed to peak with the Pixel 8 Pro series. I called that camera the best in the business, but competitors have since eclipsed it.

Now that the Pixel 11 Pro is out and includes a new ISP, upgraded hardware, and a ton of new software features and enhancements, Google is coming back to claim its crown, and it's mostly successful in this task.

It begins with a little magic

Of all the new features, Magic Capture is by far my favorite. Two and a half years ago, Honor debuted a similar feature that would automatically take photos based on facial expressions and motion, and Google is redefining that feature with something a little more predictable (and user-friendly).

Magic Capture can be accessed via the third button on the bottom bar in the camera viewfinder, making it a separate main mode from photography or video recording. That's because it combines both of these modes into one, giving you a full video of your photo session, plus highlight photos chosen specifically by Gemini.

Since this is run by AI, it's not going to take photos at the same time you might want, but it's probably going to catch something unexpected you might have missed if you were taking photos manually.

During the capture session, you can change zoom levels and even take manual photos at points where you want to ensure a photo gets saved. Magic Capture can be used in portrait or landscape orientations. It's easily my favorite camera feature in years, and truly a great reason to buy a Pixel 11 Pro.

Loving that fine detail

One of my favorite things about Pixel photos is the fine detail present in places most smartphone cameras miss. Too many companies try to make pictures look "perfect" by scrubbing away all the noise, but this results in photos that look artificial or "watercolor-like." The Pixel 11 Pro rarely makes this mistake.

In the two examples above, you'll see what I'm talking about. At 1x, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 11 Pro photos look nearly identical, but zoom in a bit, and you'll see some stark differences. The iPhone's noise-canceling algorithm scrubs all the texture off those bricks, making them look fake and sterile. In the Pixel 11 Pro's photos, the bricks show their natural texture, and the photos look excellent.

This also gives the Pixel 11 Pro's photos a more film-like quality than the overly digital look most smartphones aim for, making them feel more authentic.

Picture-perfect portrait

For the past several years, Google Pixel phones have had arguably the worst portrait quality among major brands. Edge blurring was a mess, and Google's software, puzzlingly, had difficulty understanding where the subject ended and the background began. This year, that's completely changed, and I'm happy to report that Google's portraits are finally competitive again.

It seems the true problem here was a combination of camera hardware and the ISP (Image Signal Processor). As you can see above, the Pixel 10 Pro's shot is a mess, with weird edge blurring and messy cutouts around my hat. The Pixel 11 Pro's shot has none of that, and it looks fantastic.

The selfie camera also looks much better this year compared to the Pixel 10 Pro's, which regularly suffered from a weird digital/pixelated look. You probably don't zoom into selfies all that much, but if you ever find youself doing it, they'll look much nicer on a Pixel 11 Pro.

Telephoto me a story

Last year, I was extremely disappointed by the Pixel 10 Pro's telephoto camera. It often snapped blurry photos — something Pixel phones historically haven't had a problem with — and the overall zoom detail failed to match that of phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This year, things are more competitive, but the Pixel 11 Pro still falls short of most Chinese brand smartphones (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi).

Across the hundreds of photos I've taken so far for this review, I've noticed a few trends between these phones. The Honor Magic 8 Pro often captures the most detail and offers the widest usable zoom range, but it tends to slightly overexpose shots and is a bit too vibrant. The iPhone 17 Pro Max tends to be the weakest telephoto camera, and Apple's processing is a little less aggressive with sharpening.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro sits in the middle ground between these two, often delivering more detail than the iPhone but less than the Honor. It also seems to have better overall exposure values in these shots, giving it a more natural look. The iPhone tops out at 40x zoom, though, so let's take a look at what happens beyond that.

At 30x and beyond, the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro, and Honor Magic 8 Pro all allow you to use generative AI to enhance shots. For the most part, I find that this helps provide believable detail to images, so long as you don't zoom in too far.

The Honor Magic 8 Pro's larger telephoto sensor already pulls in more detail than the Pixel 11 Pro's, giving it an advantage right off the bat. The difference in detail and overall quality between these phones is obvious in the photos above, and it's here where Google loses to Chinese OEMs who use better hardware.

But at 120x zoom, things are more competitive. Since this zoom level is a bit silly anyway, I'm not taking much stock in the performance, but it's fun to look at the differences in each company's AI algorithms. Clearly, Honor understands what a roof texture is supposed to look like, but Google apparently knows how to get other building details just right.

A good year for Pixel cameras

Magic Capture is by far my favorite new camera feature of the last several years, making photo sessions fun and effortless for everyone. It's a perfect evolution of the shot-framing feature from last year and a great example of how AI can help people in everyday situations.

Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro's camera is quite excellent, and while the telephoto performance is still a bit disappointing at times, it's better than most of the competition here in the U.S., which is likely what Google is aiming for, anyway.

Google has shown its hand by unveiling the Pixel 11 series. Now that the latest Pixel family is out in the open, it's only natural to speculate whether it can stand its own against the Samsung Galaxy S26 family.

You might already own a Galaxy S25, or maybe you have a Pixel 10 Pro. Regardless of your reasons for curiosity, I'm here to help bring to light the key details of the Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 battle. Here's how both phones compare.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Hardware that delivers style and substance

The Pixel 11 Pro looks nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro, except for the colorful HiLight LED in the camera bar.

Much like Google's upper-tier phones, the Galaxy S26 also remains largely unchanged appearance-wise when compared to the Galaxy S25. The only difference is a slightly larger screen, from 6.2 inches to 6.3 inches, which is the same as the Pixel 11 Pro.

In addition to screen sizes, they also share an IP68 rating, and both have poor PWM rates.

The Pixel 11 Pro has a 4,850mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 25W Qi2.2 PixelSnap wireless charging. The Galaxy S26, on the other hand, has a smaller 4,300mAh battery, slower 25W wired charging, and non-magnetic wireless charging. The S26 also lacks mmWave 5G, UWB, and Bluetooth 6. It does, however, have a beastly Snapdragon processor with Vulkan support, so it easily beats the newer Tensor G6 chipset at heavy-duty tasks like gaming.

Photography is a pleasant experience with both phones, but the cameras on the S26 are old. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro has been upgraded with larger sensors that offer a wider field of view, with the main setup consisting of a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto lenses, and the front snapper featuring a new 42MP ultrawide lens. The S26 features a lower-specced camera setup consisting of 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 12MP selfie lenses.

The 11 Pro finally starts at 256GB for the base model with 12GB RAM, and comes in 512GB/1TB variants with 16GB RAM. The S26 comes in 256GB/512GB with 12GB RAM.

Unfortunately, these upgrades come at an added cost, and the Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, while the S26 starts at $899.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Software and AI features

Samsung and Google both promise seven years of OS and security updates for their flagships. The S26 comes with One UI 8.5 w/Android 16 installed, while the 11 Pro comes with Android 17, so you get one extra Android update with the Pixel.

Gemini is ever-present in both phones, as Samsung and Google have strengthened ties. Many AI features will be available on both phones, including Circle to Search, Gemini Live, and agentic automation.

With the death of Samsung Messages, Google Messages is the default texting app on the S26, meaning both phones get Magic Compose and other Gemini features like sticker creation.

Samsung users enjoy features like Samsung DeX, Now Nudge (the Samsung equivalent of Magic Cue/Proactive Intelligence on Pixel), AI Select, Creative Studio, Audio Eraser, Galaxy AI Eraser, and Photo Assist. Pixel users get similar features, including a desktop mode, Best Take, Camera Coach, Audio Eraser, and Magic Eraser.

The Pixel 11 Pro also debuts some new tools and Gemini features that are currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series. This includes Instant Night Sight, Camera Look, Gemini Intelligence and its capability to handle "multi-step task" actions, Rambler with its new sign-to-text feature, location-based insights in Gemini, and Magic Capture.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Which small phone is better value?

Unless you're an avid mobile gamer who runs heavy-duty games and apps all the time, the Pixel 11 Pro is the better phone for most people. Sure, it costs $200 more than the S26, but you also get a more holistic smartphone experience, superior cameras, faster charging, and one additional year of software upgrades. It also supports magnetic Qi2 and HiLight, and its customizable notifications add a unique selling point.

In his review, our reviewer Brady Snyder made an astute observation about the value of the S26, stating that he found it difficult to recommend the pricier S26 Ultra, but even then, the Ultra is better value than the S26. I echo his sentiment and only recommend the S26 with a good $150-$200 discount.

Every year, buying a Pixel feels a little bit like making a deal with Darth Vader. What started as an incredible-sounding concept slowly became less desirable. Even when something gets better, something else seems to get worse. I can almost hear Google telling me to pray it doesn't alter the deal any further.

Case in point: the Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL. This year, you'll get less base RAM, a slightly smaller battery, and a GPU that's still not particularly capable. But you'll also get amazing new features like Magic Capture, Creator suite, instant Night Sight, live translation for videos, and the new Rambler voice keyboard.

Are those enough to make us forget about these devices' shortcomings? In some ways, absolutely, as Pixels are designed to appeal to the masses (who often don't care as much about raw performance or other metrics), and we were initially impressed with many of the new Gemini features arriving on the Pixel 11 series during our hands-on.

However, a year with the Pixel 10 Pro and more time with the Pixel 11 Pro have shown me that Google is more focused on figuring out its next big AI toy than on putting good work into creating truly great phones.

Starting off on the wrong foot

Last year, Google removed the physical SIM tray in U.S. models, and this year brings about its own reductions. The entry Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models ship with 12GB of RAM to start, 4GB less than last year, and the XL is $100 more than last year on top of that. RAMageddon is certainly causing problems Google can't control, but it still feels bad to get something worse for a higher price.

Both models feature smaller batteries and, somehow, slower charging, despite claiming otherwise. Data from our parent company's Future Labs backs up this claim (see below). Google also no longer includes a year of Gemini Pro with these phones, instead giving just six months of the service to Pixel owners.

And while Tensor G6 is supposed to be a bit more efficient, our battery tests show near-identical battery life between equivalent Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro models. Tensor G6 is most certainly faster than the G5 in many areas, but overall performance still puts this chip several years behind the competition.

To make matters worse, while the PowerVR GPU here performs better than the one in the Pixel 10, it still doesn't support the latest Vulkan API, meaning games that require Vulkan for advanced performance or graphics (like Minecraft's Vibrant Visuals setting) will give you worse visuals on a Pixel 11 Pro series phone. This is particularly disappointing because this year's GPU performs much better than last year's.

I also can't say I've found better cell coverage on these phones despite the change in modem. My calls get dropped in the same areas as the Pixel 10, while phones from Motorola and Honor (for example) hang on to the signal without issue.

And, of course, there's the display. Google loves to highlight how color-accurate and insanely bright its displays are, but the company's use of low-frequency PWM dimming continues to make its phones unusable for flicker-sensitive people year after year.

None of these things would be quite as egregious if Google weren't charging as much as Samsung or Apple, but the reality is that these are too expensive for what you get.

Experience over performance

Pixel has long focused on delivering a unique experience that trumps raw performance, and most of the new features fit that mantra. Magic Capture, a new camera mode that automatically takes pictures for you, feels like the first time the term "Magic" was correctly applied to one of Google's Gemini experiments.

It's an upgraded version of what Honor introduced two and a half years ago, and it feels truly magical to use. Open the camera, select Magic Capture, tap start, and you'll soon have a video plus truly amazing pictures to share. I've used it many times over the past week, and it never gets old.

Creator Suite is a godsend for anyone making videos for social media, as it places the script right on screen for you to read while recording, plus additional tools that help with editing. Instant Night Sight is the perfect execution of a feature Google has excelled at for years, and the difference in capture speed in low-light situations compared to any other phone on the market is truly impressive.

Hearing the Pixel real-time translate someone's voice (and language) in a video into one I understand is magic. And while Rambler isn't a Pixel 11 exclusive feature, it's still the evolution of voice typing that many have wanted for years.

Now, while I had high hopes for HiLight, the feature is mostly useless. That glowing LED on the back lights up for phone calls, messages, and when you talk to Gemini, but that's it. There's no customization, making this an inferior version of Nothing's Glyph Interface. Likewise, Gemini Proactive Intelligence didn't seem to do anything of note for me, much like last year's Magic Cue feature.

One of the highlights of this release is a set of new cameras, all of which show notable improvements over the Pixel 10 Pro series. The main camera produces very fine detail, aided by Google's willingness to include grain in the image. I rather prefer this look, as it feels a bit like looking at film rather than an image from a digital sensor. That said, the colors are often too muted for my taste.

Telephoto performance is somewhat disappointing, but it has its highlights. While I can see some improvements over the Pixel 10 Pro's poor telephoto experience, it's still not as good as most Chinese phones' telephoto cameras (although it has a slight edge over the iPhone 17 Pro series). The new 120x zoom is surprisingly effective in some scenarios, though it's not something you'll use regularly.

Google also finally seems to have figured out how to make a food portrait mode, and I can happily report that the terrible artifacts and digital noise that appeared in Pixel portrait photos for the past several years are gone. Plus, the selfie camera no longer has that awful, compressed-image look that Pixel 10 Pro selfies suffered from, so overall, a very good camera upgrade year.

Should you buy it?

I can only genuinely recommend getting a Pixel 11 Pro or Pro XL for the Magic Capture feature. Google hasn't said anything about it coming to other Pixels, which makes sense given Tensor G6's improved TPU. Aside from this one amazing feature, however, the cost of these Pixels far outweighs the benefits.

But in addition to the downgrades, Google has simply given away too many Pixel-exclusive features to other phones (such as Gemini Automation and Rambler). I can't help but feel like it cheapens what the unique Pixel experience used to be. Maybe next year, Google.

What you need to know

• A report claims that Google is preparing to exit China in 2027, moving its Pixel line production to India and Vietnam.
• This move will take everything Pixel-related (phones, watches, buds), as Google is reportedly becoming confident in this decision.
• The post also highlights that Google wants to push its Pixel shipment momentum in 2026 to 13 million units, which would be a ~8% increase at the lowest.

Changes are afoot for Google next year, as reports claim the company is preparing to move all Pixel production out of China.

Earlier this morning (Aug 18), Nikkei Asia reported that Google "plans to stop" producing its Pixel products in China by 2027 (via 9to5Google). It has been reported that Google plans to move its Pixel production to India and Vietnam. This move isn't coming out of left field. The publication states Google ran what could be considered a "trial run" of this future with the Pixel 11.

The latest flagship was produced in Vietnam, and that's supposedly given Google the confidence boost it needed to prepare the complete shift. This Pixel production move will involve Google's entire portfolio of Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds. Information obtained by Nikkei Asia suggests Google has "no burden" in making this move, as its Pixel portfolio is not sold in China. What's more, Google is reportedly actively chasing more Pixel shipment momentum in 2026 off the back of the Pixel 11 series.

The publication highlights Google's increased "expectations," with Pixel shipments forecast to rise by 8% to 10% in 2026. The company shipped roughly 12 million Pixel units in 2025, but it hopes to reach ~13 million for 2026.

Google's placement in the world

Google finds itself in an interesting position in the smartphone world. It was incredibly popular in Japan last year, right before the Pixel 10 launch, but that's not where we're headed right now. A few months ago, Omdia reported that the U.S. phone market in Q1 2026 struggled. The market dipped by 3% YoY, and that was attributed to rising memory and storage costs. Regarding Google, the company ranked fourth among top-selling phone companies, behind Apple, Samsung, and Motorola (first to third).

Google shipped 0.8 million units, accounting for 3% of the market. If we jump to Q2, the market declined by 4%; however, Samsung and Apple were the only ones to gain ground. Now, this report was more on a global scale. A scale on which Google didn't even crack the top five. It'll be worth watching if Google can reach 13 million shipped phones following the Pixel 11, given the price increases.

It's official: Google's 2026 flagship lineup has arrived, and there are already plenty of Pixel 11 preorder deals that could make the Android phones cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right.

The catch is that most of these offers require some sort of upgrade through your wireless carrier, so folks looking for a no-strings promotion may feel like they're out of luck.

Fortunately, Best Buy has you covered. From now until the phones' official release on August 20th, you can preorder the Google Pixel 11 and score up to $700 of trade-in credit AND a free $100 gift card.

That effectively makes the unlocked phone just $99, no strings attached and no confusing contract to worry about. 

Naturally, trading in an old Pixel phone will earn you the most savings, but Best Buy is also accepting devices from Samsung and Apple as part of its preorder promotion. The $100 gift card is included no matter what, which is nice if you're also looking for accessories to pair with your new smartphone.  

• Best Buy's 60th Anniversary Sale is LIVE: see the full list of deals

Sleek and versatile, the base model Google Pixel 11 comes equipped with the Tensor G6 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a gorgeous 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. As usual with Pixel devices, you also get fantastic cameras, all of the latest AI-boosted software features, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. It's not a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, the Pixel 10, but if you missed last year's model, the Pixel 11 is the device to buy. 

Need a bit more power? It's worth mentioning that Best Buy is running similar deals on the Google Pixel 11 Pro and super-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL, increasing the potential trade-in discount to $1,000 and upping the gift card balance to $200 with all orders. 

Of course, this Pixel 11 preorder deal makes the most sense if you have something to trade in, but if you (like me) own a drawer full of old or broken smartphones somewhere in your home, it's worth using Best Buy's trade-in tool to see how much you can save. What do you have to lose? 

Perhaps the best part of owning a Pixel is that the phone is better a year in than on the day it launched. Google has very successfully made a name for itself in the industry with Pixel Drops, a set of quarterly updates delivered to Pixel phones alongside monthly security updates and annual operating system updates.

After a year with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, I can confidently say this phone is better now than it was last August, but that comes with some caveats along the way. Considering the rising prices of electronics these days, it very likely makes more sense to buy a Pixel 10 this year than a Pixel 11.

While the Pixel 11 is launching with several new features that might make Pixel 10 owners jealous, there is very little doubt in my mind that the vast majority, if not all, of these new features will come to the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

But this past year hasn't been without its problems for the Pixel 10 series, and a series of very serious, problematic software updates follows a trend Google simply shouldn't be proud of. One of the reasons I didn't recommend the Pixel 10 series last year was its bad software update track record, and Google did nothing to help that image this year. Let's explore the best and worst of the Pixel 10 after one year, shall we?

Start with the bad

I'm going to get the bad out of the way because it's really bad. Ever since the Pixel 6, Pixel phones have been a bit... buggy. Most of the time, a reboot fixes the issues, or, in a worst-case scenario, you have to wait a month or two for Google to patch them. But March 2025 marked the start of a trend in the wrong direction. I even wrote a guide on how to roll back your firmware at the time.

Somehow, the Pixel 10 series may have had the most update issues I can recall with a Pixel phone to date. For the first several months, Google continuously worked on weird graphical issues for the Pixel 10. Touch responsiveness and battery drain issues followed in January, and the patch even completely broke Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

And then the really big problems began. Google's March 2026 update seemed to finally put an end to the GPU issues users had dealt with since launch, but it also bricked many Pixel 10 units. So many users reported the problem that the initial bug report hit the maximum number of comments, while the follow-up report is now 230 comments deep as of August 10.

This very scenario is something I was concerned about going into the Pixel 10's release, and Google has done little to assuage my fears about recommending its devices. The problem mainly seems to come down to Google's update cadence. With very rare exceptions, Pixels get an OS update every month. In my opinion, this is too much and doesn't allow enough time for proper QA testing.

I wrote as much about Meta Quest headsets in April 2025, as the same kinds of issues kept popping up with every monthly software update. Quarterly or even bimonthly software updates make much more sense and would certainly give Google more time to test devices properly before rolling them out to the public.

At this point, there is zero likelihood that I would recommend Pixels to anyone, given Google's abysmal track record of software update stability. It's time for Google to take this seriously and fix a brand-killing problem.

Mellow it out a bit

Google has shied away from promoting its phones as top performers, and I said as much in my Pixel 10 Pro review. Some games are fine on this phone, while others aren't. That hasn't changed at all in a year.

But we did see some software changes toned down a bit compared to Google's initial marketing. Pixel Daily Hub was removed just a few weeks after launch, and while Google said the feature would come back better than ever, that never happened. Instead, it looks like we got Gemini Daily Brief, a feature I enjoy using every morning, but not one that's Pixel-exclusive, and it's also not quite the same as what Daily Hub was.

Google also removed Pixel Studio, the AI-generated image creation suite that shipped with every Pixel 10. Ironically, Google did this right before Apple announced an identical AI-powered image generation app for iOS 27.

Now for some better news

If you made it this far (and I'm impressed you did, to be honest), then you're about to get a lot happier about the Pixel 10's future. Let's start with Magic Cue, a feature hyped during the Pixel 10's launch that turned out to be far less exciting than most hoped for. Google put major work into the feature, and it's being relaunched as Gemini Proactive Intelligence with the Pixel 11 series and Android 17.

Google also debuted Material 3 Expressive in the Pixel 10 Pro's first big update, further improving the look and feel of Pixels, with additional apps and settings windows getting the update a few months later. Google then debuted AI-powered notification summaries in October 2025, and Pixel Theme Packs a month later.

Subsequent updates gave us custom AI-generated icons, followed by a working desktop mode and a brand new notification organizer. Then, in 2026, we got Gemini automation (albeit not a Pixel-exclusive feature), lock screen widgets, and the rather awesome Comfort View Filters to reduce visual stimulation.

Yeah, it's been a monumental year of jam-packed updates, often delivered via Pixel Drops each quarter. Assuming you weren't one of the people who experienced major problems with your Pixel 10 after an update, you were probably extremely happy with Google's support for its phones.

Which brings me back to what I said in the intro: the Pixel 10 Pro is a better phone today than it was on launch day, and that's not just because Google introduced a boatload of new features. It's also because the company wasn't shy about pulling back features that weren't worthwhile and then reintroducing them when they were improved.

Here's hoping that the problematic updates we've seen over the past year for this phone are gone and, in their place, updates we can actually look forward to installing. Otherwise, I'm not entirely convinced people will want to keep returning to the Pixel brand.

TL;DR: This T-Mobile deal will give you a free Google Pixel 11 Pro XL when you add a line with the Experience Beyond plan. You'll still have to pay for the wireless, any applicable sales tax, and the $35 activation fee. 

If you want the ultimate Pixel phone experience, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is the device for you. This powerful flagship was just unveiled last week with a $1,299.99 price tag, but you can already get the phone for FREE from T-Mobile when you add a line with the Experience Beyond plan.

That said, as with most carrier deals, "FREE" simply means that you won't pay the retail cost for the phone. You will still have to cover any sales tax and activation fees, not to mention the monthly cost of the phone plan. So is this Google Pixel 11 preorder deal really worth it? Let's break it down. 

• Check out my guide to the best Google Pixel 11 preorder deals

For starters, it's important to note that Experience Beyond is T-Mobile's most expensive unlimited plan, which is why the company can afford to give you a $1,299 smartphone for free when you sign up. 

The plan starts around $100/month for a single line, although you can drop that price down considerably by using AutoPay and adding multiple lines at once. Adding four lines, for instance, could drop the price of each line down to $53.75/month. 

The good news is that you get a lot of bang for your buck. In addition to unlimited talk, text, and premium data on T-Mo's vast 5G network, the Experience Beyond plan gets you an unlimited mobile hotspot, a ton of international benefits, and free subscriptions to Netflix and Hulu. You also get a five-year price guarantee. 

Is this deal right for you?

If you want one of the best unlimited plans in the business and you don't mind paying for it, definitely. For folks who can afford it, the Experience Beyond plan is a fantastic choice, especially when you get a powerful Android phone out of the deal. 

That being said, if you want to save money on your phone bill, there are plenty of other Pixel 11 deals that might be more cost-effective. For example, T-Mobile will give you the base model Google Pixel 11 for free when you add a line with "most plans" on the carrier's site, and that includes the more-affordable Essentials tier (which starts at just $55 per month for a single line). 

If you prefer the simplicity of unlocked phones, it's also worth mentioning that retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will give you a free gift card worth up to $200 when you preorder a Pixel 11 phone. Many of these stores also offer trade-in discounts if you have an old or broken phone lying around. 

In conclusion, there are a ton of ways to save money on a Google Pixel 11 ahead of the phones' August 20th release date — but if you were looking to sign up for T-Mobile's best unlimited plan anyway, now's your chance to get some great wireless and a great new phone in one fell swoop. 

Google's Tensor designs have been underwhelming to say the least. Unlike Qualcomm and MediaTek, Google prioritizes the TPU, so you don't quite get the same level of performance as other high-end mobile platforms. This has been a constant source of annoyance over the last four years, and while Pixels aren't necessarily slow by any measure, they don't handle extended gaming or any sustained intensive workload — like shooting a 30-minute 4K video — all that well.

Thankfully, there's a lot to like in the Tensor G6 that's powering the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and the 11 Pro Fold; it addresses a lot of the lingering issues with Google's hardware efforts. I'll share detailed benchmarks of the Tensor G6 in a little while, but ahead of that, I want to talk about what's new with the underlying hardware this year, and why the G6 is a better choice than previous generations.

The Tensor G6 does a much better job in everyday tasks

There are two things with the Tensor G6 that make it stand out: a switch to Arm's latest mobile cores, and a new MediaTek modem. I'll start with the latter; if you've used a Pixel in the past, you would've noticed intermittent connectivity issues.

Google went with a Samsung modem in previous years, and the kindest thing I can say about it is that it didn't consume too much power. It wasn't anywhere close to what Qualcomm and MediaTek were offering when it came to connectivity, so I'm glad to see Google making the move to a MediaTek modem this year — this in itself should resolve a lot of the hardware bugbears that plagued Pixels. Google doesn't mention the MediaTek modem, only stating that Pixel 11 devices include "the most power-efficient modem ever on a Google Pixel, delivering a reliable connection and strong signal reception."

The other part is the new cores; Google went with Arm's latest C1-Ultra and C1-Pro this generation. But unlike the traditional eight-core design, Google is using seven cores in total, and that's something we usually only see with foldables. It could be that the additional space is utilized by the TPU.

Still, Google says the Tensor G6 is 25% faster at browsing and delivers up to 20% better power efficiency against last year's G5. That's encouraging, and it should mean the Pixel 11 models have increased fluidity in daily use. I'll share findings after testing the phones, but it's good to see the G6 isn't hobbled in this area.

Other positives include a dedicated Titan M3 security module, and a new vapor chamber that should ensure the phones don't overheat. The only annoyance is that this cooling tech is limited to Pro models, so the standard Pixel 11 misses out in this regard.

While earlier leaks pointed to Google using a new 2nm node — which would drive efficiency gains — that isn't the case. The Tensor G6 is still using the same 3nm node as the rest of the industry, so there isn't anything different in how it is fabricated.

But it still isn't ideal for gaming

Now, where things get interesting is with the GPU. Google is using a PowerVR CXTP this year, and it isn't likely to deliver much in the way of gains over the Tensor G5. This is annoying, as it means another year where Pixels don't quite measure up when it comes to high-end gaming.

There are plenty of high-quality ports available on Android, and Play Pass has a decent selection of titles you can install and play. The biggest issue with Pixels is sustained gaming; with aggressive throttling and thermal limits, you'll notice jitter a lot sooner than other phones, and this was the case on the Pixel 10 Pro XL even with a new thermal management system. I will be testing the G6 to see if there's a difference on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but based on the hardware at least, it's unlikely that things have changed this year.

Google built one of the best AI-focused mobile platforms

Where the Tensor G6 has its best gains is the TPU. Google notes that it has a 50% more powerful TPU, and it's able to drive everything from Gemini Intelligence, the new Instant Night Sight camera mode and 120x zoom on the Pro models, and Live Translate.

Google is all-in on AI, and its phones reflect that. The new Gemini Nano model combined with the extensive suite of software features make the Pixel 11 models stand out when it comes to on-device AI, and it's clear that this is where the brand sees real differentiation.

I really wanted Google to use a 2nm node and deliver better sustained gaming, but it looks like we'll need to wait another generation before we get the same. As it stands, the Tensor G6 does enough against its predecessors, and while it may not be quite as powerful as Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals, it is a better sight than the G5 and G4.

Google made a few changes to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and the result is a foldable that's lighter, faster, and has a better main camera than last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, with other brands rolling out foldables with sleeker designs, bigger batteries, and high-res camera systems — the Find N6 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are thinner, last longer, and take better photos — Google needs to do better with its 2027 launches.

This year's release is tame by industry standards, and while details are light on the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, there are a few things we can easily guess, and I'd like to see a few features on next year's foldable. I'll update this post regularly as and when new leaks emerge, but for now, this is what I'd like to see with the Pixel 12 Pro Fold.

Google Pixel 12 Pro Fold: Pricing and availability

Google increased pricing across the board this year, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold debuted at $1,899. It's a given that the Pixel 12 Pro Fold will launch at the same price — should things with the memory shortages continue as it is.

There are indications that suggest an even greater shortage next year thanks to memory makers selling out their inventory already, and if that's the case, 2027 could prove to be a difficult upgrade cycle, with brands having to raise prices. Regardless, I'm tracking memory trends, and will be monitoring how this evolves over the next 12 months.

As for when Google may launch the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, it should be around the same time next year. It's clear that an August launch window is a good time to release phones, and I have no reason to believe Google is switching things up in this regard next year.

Google Pixel 12 Pro Fold: What I want to see

I like the design of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and I want Google to continue using the same aesthetic — Pixels have a distinct visual styling, and it doesn't make sense to deviate from that. Also, I like the rounded design better than other foldables, and it makes using the Pixel 11 Pro Fold a little easier.

That said, Google needs to deliver a thinner and lighter design next year. While the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is lighter, it is still 239g, and that's at least 20g heavier than most other foldables. I get that Google is touting IP68 dust and water resistance as a unique differentiator — most other foldables only do IP48 — but that advantage is nullified if the phone is too heavy to use comfortably. With the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, I want Google to make a foldable that's under 220g.

Then there's the battery situation. The main reason Google was able to bring down the weight this year is because of the smaller 4,800mAh battery. This means the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has the unwelcome distinction of being the only foldable with a battery under 5,000mAh. While Google touts efficiency gains with the Tensor G6 as a way to deliver the same battery life as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, that just isn't enough in 2026, and the Pixel 12 Pro Fold needs to do better.

Lastly, there's the cameras. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets a new main camera, but the auxiliary lenses are unchanged, and Google has to deliver better cameras next year. Other brands have made better strides in this area, and Google needs to measure up. What's annoying is that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold misses out on some of the new camera features that the Pixel 12 Pro has — including 120x zoom — and Google needs to address these shortcomings next year.

Google's 2026 flagship lineup has been revealed, and I've been scouring the web in search of the best Pixel 11 preorder deals so you don't have to go looking. Most of these early offers simply discount the phones or give you a free gift card in exchange for your business, but there are actually four deals that give you the Google Pixel 11 Pro for 100% free when you meet the eligibility requirements. Here's everything you need to know.

• See my complete guide to the best Google Pixel 11 preorder deals

4 legit deals that get you the Google Pixel 11 Pro for FREE

The Google Pixel 11 Pro boasts a gorgeous 6.3-inch 120Hz Super Actua Display with IP68 water/dust resistance and Qi2 magnetic charging support, while under the hood you get the new Tensor G6 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of base storage. You also get Android 17 with seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed, not to mention all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Gemini.

The Pixel 11 Pro is also notable for the new HiLight LED light array that now borders the camera bar. This light feature can be used for notifications and AI assistance, plus you can customize the color settings for each of your contacts so you know who's calling when the phone is face down.

Sure, the deals above aren't for everyone, but if you need to update your wireless situation anyway, these offers present a great way to save major bucks on a powerful Android phone that hasn't even hit store shelves yet.

The Google Pixel 11 marks another year in which Google is reusing the design started with the Pixel 9 series, but if history is any indication, we could see a big shake-up with the Pixel 12.

Google's Pixel phones have been gaining traction in the market over the past few years, owing to Google's "iPhone-like" approach to the series hardware design and software leanings. Even Google's marketing looks a lot more like Apple's these days, but we're hoping Google continues to maintain its historic spirit of innovation in the next round of devices.

And that's where Pixel 12 comes in. Pixel phones have looked the same for the past three years, but they've always packed an experimental surprise that keeps everyone guessing. From squeezable sides to radar-powered gesture sensors, and even the new HiLight LED on the back of the Pixel 11, it's a wonder what Google will think up next. Let's explore all the leaks and rumors for Google's next device and see what they have cooking, shall we?

Price and availability

We fully expect the Google Pixel 12 family to debut next August, following a similar release cadence to the past few Pixels. Per one leak, Google will likely continue releasing four models for the Pixel 12 family: the base Pixel 12, the Pixel 12 Pro, the larger Pixel 12 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 12 Pro Fold.

Unless something drastically changes over the course of the next year, there's also a high likelihood that each model will see another price increase. RAM and storage are at a premium right now, and prices are expected to continue to rise throughout 2027 (and maybe beyond) as AI data centers hog the world's supply of RAM and storage modules. The trickle-down effect is more expensive consumer electronics, which everyone is familiar with at this point.

Spec bumps galore

Every year, people expect the usual spec bumps to occur. A faster processor, better battery life, faster charging speed, etc. So far, Google has always met that expectation, albeit Tensor processors have always been slower than competing chips from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung Exynos.

While we don't know too much about the Tensor G7 processor that will likely power the Google Pixel 12 series, a few leaks give us some clues as to what's possible on the next chip. First up is a potential RAM upgrade (via Reptalica), with Google reportedly testing out LPDDR5x and LPDDR6 versions of Tensor G7. Looking at the numbers over the years offers a sneak peek at what this could bring:

• Pixel 1 (LPDDR4): ~4.2Gbps
• Pixel 2-5 (LPDDR4X): ~4.2Gbps (same speed, lower power requirements)
• Pixel 6-7 (LPDDR5): ~6.4Gbps
• Pixel 8-11 (LPDDR5x): ~10.6Gbps
• Pixel 12 (LPDDR6 rumored): estimated ~14.4Gbps

Given the state of RAMageddon and the chipset crisis right now, it's entirely plausible that Google will remain with LPDDR5x for one more year just to save on costs. Still, we can hope for a sizable Tensor speed boost in 2027 if the cards line up right.

Next, we're looking at a potential battery capacity upgrade for the Pixel 12, if one comment from a Google rep holds any water. When asked about silicon-carbon batteries during the Pixel 11 event, a Google representative said the Pixel team was looking into implementing them.

Now, that comment doesn't say the company will definitely implement silicon-carbon into future Pixel batteries, and it doesn't specifically say Pixel 12, either. However, given that Samsung just began using 5% silicon-carbon content in the batteries on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, the likelihood that Google follows suit next year is pretty darn high.

What I'd like to see

Google once again is using an outdated PowerVR GPU in the Pixel 11, a mistake the company made with the Pixel 10 and appears not to have learned from. On the Pixel 12, we're hoping Google uses a modern GPU that supports the latest Vulkan standards and delivers the gaming performance people expect from $1,200+ phones.

I'd also like to see Google switch up the design to make it more ergonomic. For years and years, Pixel phones were known for their comfortable, rounded edges and contoured lines that fit nicely in a human hand. With the Pixel 9, Google went a very flat route all around, once again going with a very iPhone-like look.

Google has historically stuck with a specific design language for 2-3 years at a time, so if history repeats itself again, we should be in for a big redesign with the Pixel 12.

Additionally, I'd like to see Google take flicker accessibility more seriously. Pixel phones have had the worst PWM dimming rate for years, and while the Pixel 11 sports the same "sensitive eyes" feature that launched on some Pixel 10 models, that setting still doesn't go far enough in solving the problem for flicker-sensitive people like myself.

Google generally does a great job with bespoke accessibility features, like the amazing sign-language-to-text tool that launched with the Pixel 11, and I know they can get this one right if they want to.

Lastly, I'd love to see HiLight be a little more...interesting. I got super excited about the Pixel Glow leaks and what we thought was a tease at Google I/O in May, and it turned out to be a tiny LED on the camera island instead of a glowing statement. HiLight is also very basic so far, at least as of the Pixel 11's launch, so any improvement here is sorely needed to make this a useful (or even just interesting) feature.

It'll be some time before we see an official Pixel 12 announcement, but I'm fully expecting plenty of leaks to happen over the next several months. That's always been the case with Pixels, and there's no reason to think that'll dry up this time.

What you need to know

• Google is quietly dropping Pixel 11 discounts directly in the Google Play Store app.
• Platinum members get up to $175 off select Pixel hardware. That includes $150 off the Pixel 11 series, $175 off the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and $75 off the Pixel Watch 5.
• This offer is an instant upfront discount, meaning you can stack it on top of a standard phone trade-in to double down on savings.

Google has another Pixel 11 discount, but it is not sitting on the main Google Store page. Instead, the company is discreetly offering Play Points members an instant discount through the Google Play app, and you might be able to combine it with a trade-in.

It appears that the offer depends on your Google Play Points status. For example, the folks over at Droid Life have found that Platinum members can currently get $150 off the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. The discount also applies to other new hardware, with $175 off the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and $75 off the Pixel Watch 5.

Note that this isn’t a trade-in credit. It’s an upfront discount, so you could potentially stack it on top of a trade-in to increase your overall savings. In other words, your Play Points perk becomes more useful if you were already planning to upgrade.

The offer is a little less obvious than it should be. Open Google Play and tap your profile or the Play Points icon. Tap the Perks tab. If your account is eligible, you should see your Pixel offer there.

It’s not entirely new, as Google has used Play Points for discounts on Pixels before. But, with Pixel 11 preorders now open, you might want to check your Play Points before you pay to save a significant amount of money.

There’s another option you might want to consider. AT&T is selling the Pixel 11 Pro for $0 if you trade in any previous Pixel you have, though the deal does require an eligible service plan.

At the moment, the Play Points discount is just another reason to check out all the offers available before you pay. More importantly, look at the final price after trade-in, gift cards and plan requirements and not just the headline discount.

What you need to know

• A report states that Google is "interested" in implementing silicon-carbon battery technology in its future Pixel phones.
• An interview with a product manager for Google explains that while this tech is useful (more capacity, smaller package), there are downsides that it must recognize.
• Samsung brought silicon-carbon tech to its Galaxy Z8 foldables this year, pushing the Fold 8 Ultra to 5,000mAh from the Fold 7's 4,400mAh while keeping it thin.

Google is reportedly displaying interest in a new phone technology that Chinese companies have been doing for a while.

We're still unraveling everything involving the Pixel 11 launch and Google's less-than-stellar Made by Google event. However, Android Headlines sat down with a company product manager to discuss an important topic: batteries. The Pixel 11 series launched without the sought-after battery tech, but that might change. According to the publication, Google says that silicon-carbon batteries "are something it's looking at." However, there's a lot the company is reportedly considering.

There's a downside that Google is taking into account, and that's the tech's longevity. As the post notes, silicon-carbon batteries age (or degrade) more quickly than the standard lithium-ion battery. The other side of this is a handful of positives that this material brings to the consumer. Silicon-carbon helps OEMs pack more battery into a smaller package. Moreover, you'd find faster charging speeds overall compared to the current tech.

The only question now is which series could we see this take place in? The Pixel 12 or the 13 (or later)?

Can Google afford to wait long?

There's one thing to consider with this, and that's Samsung's recent inclusion of silicon-carbon tech. The company's Galaxy Z8 foldable series now features this newer battery technology, and it's the biggest upgrade Samsung has done in years. This is a boon to Samsung's foldables, especially the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold, which it's tried to keep thin and light. What's more, the Fold 8 Ultra's battery is now 5,000mAh, up from 4,400mAh on the Fold 7.

Samsung saw how the trends have changed. If you look at OPPO with the Find N6, Honor's Magic V6, or even the OnePlus 13, you'd find success stories. Many Chinese OEMs have adopted silicon-carbon tech far sooner than others. Samsung is now in on it, but Google is still lagging. There might be more to this—internally or otherwise—so we'll have to be patient.

Google's newest flagship lineup was just announced yesterday, but we've already seen some exceptional Pixel 11 preorder deals from carriers and big box retailers alike. Most of these offers get you a free or discounted phone when you meet the eligibility requirements, but Verizon is doing something particularly interesting with its Pixel 11 Pro promotion.

Bundle the purchase of the phone with the carrier's new Simplicity Plan and you'll get an incredible discount on both the Google Pixel 11 Pro AND the wireless. The phone drops to only $719.99 (as little as $14.99 per month if you pay over 48 months) while the Verizon plan will cost you just $30 per month. Unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband AND one of the best Android phones of 2026 for as little as $45 per month? That sounds pretty darn good, if you ask me.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro is a powerful flagship phone that comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 chipset, an upgraded camera system, and 256GB of base storage as standard. You also get 12GB of RAM, Qi2 magnetic accessory support, and a brighter AMOLED display, all while appearing in a lighter and thinner package than the previous generation.

The most interesting thing about the Pixel 11 Pro is probably the new HiLight LED light array that borders the camera bump. This little light feature glows when you receive a notification or trigger Gemini's AI features, and you can even customize the color that shows up for certain contacts in the phone's settings. You can set notifications from friends to show up as green, for instance, while calls from work or unknown numbers can be set to blue, red, or whatever basic color you want. It's not exactly revolutionary, but it's another fun feature that makes your Pixel 11 Pro feel unique to you.

So yes, Verizon's deal is special, but it's not for everyone. Some folks may prefer the simplicity of buying the Pixel 11 Pro unlocked, while others may want an unlimited plan with more premium features. But if you simply want a carrier deal that gets you a cheap phone AND some cheap wireless, this Pixel 11 Pro deal deserves a closer look.

Google launched its brand-new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 yesterday at 10 am, and then, eight hours later, re-announced the entire series in an awkward, 1.5-hour-long online presentation hosted by comedic sensation Trevor Noah.

The show was broadcast on YouTube, and at one point only 57,000 people were watching, but I think it did go up to 80,000. Comments were also turned off, and I’m not surprised why.

There were only two really amazing parts of the show: the first was when Joël Yawili, a Senior Product Manager for the Gemini app, appeared on the show, and the second was when the company announced a new accessibility feature called Sign-to-Text, which I’ll get to later.

I want to first focus on the show. There were some compelling moments when I thought it could have worked, but overall, I think what Google was trying to do wasn’t executed the way the company wanted.

Trevor Noah vs. Google

The whole point of a lifestyle show catered to consumers was to communicate how amazing Pixels are. And they are! In my hands-on with the Pixel 11 series, I wrote that the company has actually upped the game for AI on smartphones.

And asking Trevor Noah to host could have been a smart move.

But the whole show was a cringe fest. And I think it’s because you’re watching someone like Noah, who is super casual, a comedian who knows how to host a show, next to someone from Google who was clearly PR trained and was given a very specific script to follow.

Noah seemed bored, and at times seemed very uninterested in wanting to be there. He even tried to make a very obvious dick joke that clearly wasn’t well received by the Google product expert who was talking with him. The audience did laugh, though (and so did I).

What was Google trying to do with this event?

I think this show was a very obvious move by Google. It was a way to connect with consumers and help them understand their phones and what the new devices can do.

Traditionally, launch shows are hosted mostly to present to developers, tech enthusiasts, bloggers, influencers, and the media. And the message is then disseminated to the rest of the world through articles, photos, interviews, etc.

We’ve seen these shows evolve to something more spectacular, with special guests, celebrities, and even athletes to show off how they use these phones — all an effort to better connect with consumers. Because at the end of the day, that’s the biggest challenge for any tech company: How do you connect people with your product so they will buy it?

Last year was the first time that Google went completely out of the box, and to be fair, the company put on a pretty cool show. Jimmy Fallon hosted, and everything was pretty exciting… and it made sense because it was 10 years of the Pixel. So doing something spectacular was logical.

And I would have been completely fine if Google wanted to do the same thing again this year. What really threw me for a loop was the decision to host the show… eight hours after the phones were announced and made public.

At that point you’ve completely lost the audience. Consumers already know about the phones; they are reading our articles, they’re looking at what influencers are posting, and they have no real reason to go to a show, even one hosted by Trevor Noah.

While it makes sense to stream the event on YouTube, since Google controls the platform, a better move would have been to partner with a streaming service such as Netflix or Paramount Plus. An example of a showcase like this is Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look, premiering on Netflix later this month, showing that this is clearly an avenue other companies are exploring to showcase new and upcoming launches.

It could even have been something short-lived, like WWE’s annual WrestleMania, which is now streamed on Netflix. And it could have been titled “Trevor Noah presents … the Google Pixel 11.”

The best parts of the show

For me, when Joël Yawili, a Senior Product Manager at Google, came on the show, there was a visible positive shift in the conversation. At first, Noah once again came across as uninterested and even said, “another demo,” almost as if he were really bored.

But when Yawili began to speak, he didn’t start with a script. He decided to shift the focus to a genuine connection he seemed to have with Noah: They grew up in the same town, it turns out. It also helped that Yawili seemed to genuinely care about the product he’s worked on. The entire interaction and demo truly made me smile.

I also loved how, in Yawili’s demonstration, he brought in a text conversation he was having with his mother, and the way he did it was so casual that it made me want to keep watching.

The second time the show hit for me was when Google showed off its new Sign-to-Text feature. Watching how it was demonstrated was fascinating, and the two individuals on stage really seemed interested in what they were doing and how this should have a huge impact on many people in the hard-of-hearing and -speaking community.

I’ll end this by saying I don’t think Google did a bad job; I just think it wasn’t thoroughly thought out. I think the show could have been executed a bit differently, and I think it shouldn’t have been done eight hours after the products were announced.

Google was doing the right thing by wanting to connect with consumers, and I think it can — just with a few tweaks. Are there patches for a live event?

Google's 2026 flagship lineup has been revealed, and Android enthusiasts all over the globe are rushing to find the best Pixel 11 preorder deals before the phones' August 20th release date.

Not one to be outdone by the competition, T-Mobile has apparently decided to just give away the new Pixel phones for free, and all you need to do is add a line with an eligible data plan. That includes the base model Google Pixel 11, the super-powered Pixel 11 Pro, and the massive Pixel 11 Pro XL. No trade-in required!

It's unusual to find a preorder deal this simple on announcement day, but I'm not about to start complaining. Keep reading for everything you need to know about T-Mobile's Google Pixel 11 preorder deals.

• See my complete guide to preordering the Google Pixel 11 series

Google's makes only one, large-form foldable every year. This time around, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in just two colors, which is the same as every other Pixel foldable ever released. The shades aren't even radically different from the previous-gen Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which came in a light green option and another gray-ish colorway.

While the Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn't come in a lighter colorway, it does offer one safe and one bold option, so anyone looking to own it is sure to be pleased. These are your options.

Your choice is simple: It's either green or black

• Back to the top ^

When picking a Pixel 11 Pro Fold color, ask yourself how much storage you want first

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in two colors, with one being a staple black colorway and the other being a more fun option. Obsidian is the classic black hue that is favored by many, and it is also the only Pixel 11 Pro Fold that is offered with 1TB storage. This actually makes your decision a little easier, even if it displeases some folks.

Right off the bat, you can eliminate the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in Olive if you want 1TB onboard. It makes sense to want that much memory if you're going to shell out two grand on a smartphone. You don't upgrade a phone like this every year either, so a generous amount of storage is a dire need for many.

However, if you're happy with 256GB and 512GB options, and prefer to be more daring in your choices, Olive is all style and glamour. This deep green Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold colorway comes with golden hardware, giving it an incredibly chic and luxurious air. If you want to make a statement, this is certainly the color to get.

Google just announced its 2026 lineup of Pixel devices earlier today, but there are already plenty of preorder deals available if you know where to look. 

The Google Pixel Watch 5 isn't getting quite as much attention as the flagship phones, but I just found something interesting at Amazon: if you preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold ahead of the phone's August 20th release date, you'll get the Android smartwatch for 100% free.

This is pretty shocking for an upcoming device that's almost certain to rank among the best Android smartwatches released this year. If you want the latest and greatest in Pixel technology, now's your chance to get an innovative foldable phone AND a Pixel watch in one fell swoop, days before their official launch. 

Get a FREE Pixel Watch 5 when you preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold at Amazon

The new-and-improved Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold boasts two gorgeous Super Actua OLED displays with a sturdy folding hinge, IP68 water/dust resistance rating, and scratch-resistant glass. Under the hood, the foldable phone also comes equipped with the powerful Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, all while weighing 10% less than the previous generation.

The Pixel Watch 5, while not a massive upgrade from its predecessor, is a lovely watch with a sleek design and a suite of new software features. It still boasts IP68 durability with an efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, plus you get a ton of accurate health and fitness tracking features, 64GB of onboard storage, and up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge. 

This Amazon deal isn't for everyone, but if you were planning to preorder the Pixel 11 Pro Fold unlocked anyway, it's a great way to become fully equipped with the latest Google tech in a single instant. 

The Google Pixel 11 series consists of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. The large-form foldable, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, was also launched alongside the three main devices. The lowest tier flagship, the Pixel 11, comes in slightly different colors, whereas the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL share the same shades.

If you're wondering which Google Pixel 11 color you should buy, you've come to the right place. Allow me to walk you through all the colorways of the Pixel 11 trio to help you decide.

The petite little Pixel 11 comes in four lively colors

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL come in the exact same squad of colors

• Back to the top ^

Making the final decision about the right Pixel 11 colorway

All Google Pixel 11 models come with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, so you don't have to take that into consideration when thinking about which color to buy. However, when looking at the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, only Canyon and Obsidian come with 1TB, while all the colors are available in 256GB and 512GB variants. This complicates things, as you're stuck with only two colors if you want to max out storage when buying a Pixel 11 series phone.

I'll make this really simple for you. If you want a Pixel 11 device with 1TB of storage, your only option is the Pixel 11 Pro or Pixel 11 Pro XL in Canyon or Obsidian. Naturally, the 11 Pro is cheaper, but the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a larger display, bigger battery, and faster wired charging.

Those of you who are interested in 256GB or 512GB variants will be happy to know that all colorways of the Pixel 11 are open for you to pick from. Know that Obsidian is the only matte shade across all Pixel 11 models, so that's another factor that makes your choice clear cut. If you don't want a glossy phone, pick Obsidian, the only color that's available on all three Pixel 11 models.

If you're looking for bolder shades, the basic Pixel 11 is better for you as it comes in a hot pink Hibiscus and bright green Pistachio. Canyon is another exciting colorway that is anything but dull, and Google paired it with 1TB memory on both the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL. And remember, it's your hard-earned money, so don't be shy about your choice. Pick a colorway that excites you!

Charging speed of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has improved, but at a big cost

Google is boasting about how the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the thinnest and lightest foldable it has produced, yet, but these gains have come at the cost of battery capacity. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a 4,750mAh battery, which is 265mAh less than the 10 Pro Fold. While the weight has dropped drastically to 239 grams (from 258 grams), it's still not as light as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at 215 grams.

Battery life claims for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold seem to be the same as the 10 Pro Fold, where Google is promising "24+ hours" on one charge. Fast wired charging is the same as well as the previous model. The only real improvement that I can see if the addition of Qi2 (25W) wireless charging.

Google seems to be banking on the efficiency of the Tensor G6 SoC to make up for the loss in battery capacity, and I really hope it works out for its own sake. Google is on the back foot here when it comes to battery technology as Samsung and Motorola have both embraced silicon carbon battery tech for its respective 2026 foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery capacity, while the Razr Fold has a 6,000mAh battery.

I think Google took a big gamble here, putting a smaller battery in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Given its long-standing struggle trying to get Tensor to play nice with apps and its history with temperamental updates, this could go either way. I'm not sure if the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will make it to the list of the best Google Pixel phones, but maybe it will do better next year.

Everything to know about the Google Pixel 11's battery and charging specs

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 series during its star-studded Made by Google event on August 12. Google is giving all three models a boost in battery life and wireless charging speeds, but it has also made some questionable changes to battery capacity in a few of them.

Let's start with the Pixel 11. Compared to the Pixel 10's 4,970mAh battery, the 11's battery gets a minor bump to 4,985mAh. Google now promises more than 30 hours of battery life for the 11, which is slightly higher than the 24 hour claim for the Pixel 10.

Fast charging time appears to be the same though as the Pixel 11 is rated to charge up to 55% in half an hour. Wireless charging speed for the Pixel 11 gets a big boost as it's now up to 25% faster, thanks to Qi2 (25W) support. The Pixel 10 only supported up to 15W Qi2 charging.

The Pixel 11 Pro gets a 4,850mAh battery, which is actually smaller than the Pixel 10 Pro's 4,870mAh battery, though not by much. Wired charging claims for the 11 Pro are similar to the Pixel 11, but wireless charging is now up to 29% faster when compared to the 10 Pro.

Lastly, the Pixel 11 Pro XL gets the biggest reduction in battery capacity, to 5,115mAh, compared to the 5,200mAh in the 10 Pro XL. That's a big 85mAh difference. Just like the 10 Pro XL, the 11 Pro XL can once again charge the quickest in a 30-minute dash, all the way up to 75%. Wireless charging speed has also improved up to 17% compared to the 10 Pro XL, but the latter already supported Qi2 (25W).

The slightly smaller battery capacities in the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL doesn't seem to have affected Google's battery life claims, and I'm hoping the same is true during real-world usage as well. The improved efficiency claims of the Tensor G6 and faster wireless charging should help the Pixel 11 series become the best Google Pixel phones we've seen, yet.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Qi2 wireless charging: Everything you need to know

After a barrage of leaks and rumors over the past few months, the Google Pixel 11 series is finally official. Just like last year, we have four top-tier smartphones, with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold spearheading the line-up.

Even though it looks mostly identical to its predecessor, Google's newest foldable packs in a handful of noteworthy upgrades in comparison to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Helmed by the new Google Tensor G6 SoC, the device is claimed to be capable of delivering faster AI-powered experiences and improved general performance, all while being up to 20 percent more power-efficient than the previous-gen silicon. You also get a slightly larger cover display that can now dial down its refresh rate to a mere 1Hz, just like the inner foldable screen. But of course, all this good stuff needs power to be actually useful, so the question is, what (if any) improvements have been made in the battery and charging department?

Well, for starters, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold packs a 4,750mAh battery, which is actually a downgrade compared to the 5,015mAh powerpack of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Even so, it's worth noting that we were impressed with the last-generation foldable's endurance, so we're quite hopeful things will be the same (if not better) this time around, considering the energy-efficient chipset. Wired charging speed has also remained unchanged at a maximum of 30W, and you'll still need to buy a USB-C wall charger powerful enough to deliver that much juice.

However, you'll be happy to know that the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold fully supports Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and is (unsurprisingly) compatible with Google's Pixelsnap ecosystem of accessories, and third-party offerings. More importantly, the foldable can be juiced up wirelessly at up to 25W due to compliance with the Qi2.2 standard; this is a nice upgrade over the 15W wireless charging speed of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

All things considered, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold seems (at least, on paper) to be a worthwhile contender to the recently introduced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 duo, as well as other top-of-the-line foldable phones available in the market. That said, we'll reserve our verdict until we've put this thing through its paces.

Google Pixel 11 Qi2 wireless charging support: Here's what you need to know

If you've been thinking about getting a flagship Android phone soon, you just got a few more fantastic options to select from, as the latest Google Pixel 11 series has arrived. The line-up includes three feature-loaded slab-style smartphones, as well as a premium foldable. As you'd expect, all the devices bring a bunch of upgrades over their respective predecessors, both in terms of hardware and software.

When it comes to external design, the Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL are dead ringers for the trio they succeed, right down to dimensions. Arguably the biggest "Hilight" (pun intended) here is the multi-colored ambient LED array on the camera bar. Exclusive to the "Pro" models, the LEDs glow softly to provide you visual cues for interacting with the phone when it's lying face down. All three devices are powered by Google's freshest Tensor G6 SoC, which is claimed to be up to 20 percent more energy-efficient over the previous-gen chipset. Even then, everything from the triple-lens camera setups to the bevy of AI-powered goodies needs juice to work, so let's talk about battery and charging.

While the Pixel 11 does have a bigger battery compared to the Pixel 10, the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL oddly have smaller powerpacks compared to the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, respectively. Also, wired charging speeds continue to remain the same (up to 30W on the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro, and up to 45W on the Pixel 11 Pro XL) on the trio, provided you have/buy a USB-C wall charger up to the task.

However, it's wireless charging where some improvements have been made. All three smartphones comply with the faster Qi2.2 standard and support up to 25W wireless charging speeds, which should result in quicker top-ups. Also, integrated magnets allow full compatibility with Google's Pixelsnap and a range of other Qi2 accessories.

These might seem like modest enhancements, but we have no doubt the Pixel 11 family still has more than enough to take on some of the best Android phones in the business. Once we review them thoroughly, we'll have a better idea about the overall performance of the three smartphones in everyday usage scenarios.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Pricing and availability

While there are plenty of differences between these two foldables, the one area where they're similar is the pricing. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra costs the same for the 256GB model. Both foldables are available with up to 1TB of storage, and come with decent trade-in offers if you're in the U.S.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Design

Both brands have their own visual identity, and that's reflected in their latest foldables. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold looks nearly identical to its predecessor, and other than a slightly redesign around the rear camera island, the design is unchanged.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra shares a lot of similarities with last year's Z Fold 7, and that's a good thing. It's also 23g lighter than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at 215g, and that makes a difference. And at just 8.9mm folded, it is a lot thinner than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's 10.1mm. Clearly, Samsung has the advantage when it comes to quantifiable metrics, but I prefer the in-hand feel of the Pixel; Google's foldable has a rounded design that nestles better in the hand, and I like the design a little better.

Both foldables have 6.5-inch OLED outer panels and 8-inch OLED inner panels, and they have the same 120Hz refresh. I'll need to do qualitative testing, but the Pixel 11 Pro Fold should be brighter in real-world usage — this was the case last year as well. Both phones have a crease that isn't noticeable, and neither is quite as good as the Find N6 at this.

Google also wins when it comes to ingress protection; the Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets IP68 dust and water resistance, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra is IP48. I'm guessing the added resilience contributed to the increase in weight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Hardware and cameras

Like previous years, Samsung absolutely dominates the hardware side of things. Thanks to a bigger 5,000mAh battery, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra manages to last a day without issues. Google put a smaller 4,750mAh battery in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and I still don't understand why it did that — a bigger battery is always preferable.

There's also the small matter of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra being faster than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and even though Google went with the Tensor G6 this year, it isn't quite on the same level as Qualcomm's best silicon.