What you need to know

• The Galaxy S26 FE leak reveals a familiar Samsung design with Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio colors.
• Samsung's Galaxy S26 FE could feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, Exynos 2500 chipset, and 4,900mAh battery.
• The Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto camera.

Now that the flagship phone season, including the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 series, is mostly out of the way, it's time to turn our attention toward some new budget Android phones. And now, an extensive leak has revealed almost everything you need to know about the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE.

The leak, shared by Android Headlines, gives us an extensive look at not only the Galaxy S26 FE's design, but also its specs and marketing materials. The publication has shared a total of 28 marketing images, revealing pretty much every major detail about Samsung's upcoming FE phone.

Starting with the design, the Galaxy S26 FE will reportedly look similar to Samsung's other recent smartphones. Like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the S26 FE appears to feature a vertical, pill-shaped camera module in the top-left corner of the rear panel.

In terms of colors, the phone is expected to be available in Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio. The Galaxy S26 FE will also reportedly carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Coming to the specs, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the phone will reportedly be powered by Samsung's Exynos 2500 chipset, the same processor the company used in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 last year.

The phone is also expected to pack a 4,900mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging. If that sounds familiar, it's because those numbers are pretty similar to what Samsung offered with last year's Galaxy S25 FE.

In terms of software, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to pick up the new My FanCam feature that debuted with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup, alongside features like Horizontal Lock for video recording.

On the back, the Galaxy S26 FE will reportedly feature a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto camera. The phone is also expected to ship with Android 17 and One UI 9 out of the box, along with Samsung's usual promise of seven years of OS updates.

The leak doesn't reveal anything concrete about pricing just yet. However, with RAM and other component prices continuing to rise this year, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Galaxy S26 FE launch at a slightly higher price than its predecessor.

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.

What you need to know

• Samsung's new Warranty and care menu in One UI 9 centralizes warranty tracking, diagnostics, repairs, and support inside Settings.
• See remaining warranty period and Samsung Care+ eligibility for your current device, plus coverage details for every Galaxy product linked to your Samsung account.
• Built-in Diagnostics tests battery, charging, sensors, touch response, and connectivity, then suggests fixes or points you to repair options.

Samsung is adding a new Warranty and care hub in One UI 9, giving Galaxy users a single place to check warranty coverage, run device diagnostics, access repair options, and get support.

The feature debuted on Samsung’s latest foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Now Samsung has made clear what the hub actually does, and it goes way beyond checking when your warranty expires.

Open the new hub and you can see the remaining warranty period for your current device, along with Samsung Care+ eligibility. If you have other Galaxy products linked to the same Samsung account, their warranty and coverage information can appear there too.

The hub also acts as a troubleshooting center. Its Diagnostics tool can test hardware and functions such as battery, charging system, sensors, touchscreen, and connectivity. If something does go wrong, Samsung can recommend fixes or point you to repair options.

Bixby is also baked into the experience for troubleshooting questions. If something doesn’t feel right, you can ask the AI without leaving the Settings app for troubleshooting steps. Samsung's warranty process has always been a nightmare — online forums are full of users stuck in an endless loop between Samsung and service centers, with warranty claims getting lost in a no-man's-land between the standard warranty and Care+ policies. This new hub is designed to cut through that bureaucratic black hole and give you one clear path forward.

When software updates don’t work, you can request repairs from a Samsung-authorized service center without leaving Settings. You can also get remote support and compare estimated repair costs with Samsung Care+ pricing.

Warranty and care isn't necessarily identical everywhere. Available services may differ by country, device, and coverage plan.

While this hub currently debuts across Samsung's newest foldables, keep an eye out for the streamlined experience coming to Galaxy S26 series phones and older flagships as One UI 9 spreads its wings.

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? 

Best Buy apparently just turned 60, and the retailer is celebrating this milestone by dropping some incredible tech deals all across its site. Whether you want a smartphone, tablet, or class-ready Chromebook, all of the best Android-based deals from the sale can be found in this guide.

The best part is that, unlike Amazon's big sale events, you don't need to be a member to enjoy the savings. Stock is limited and the sale ends on Sunday, however, so don't wait too long if a particular item catches your eye. Didn't find anything today? Fear not: I'll keep adding new Android deals to this list throughout the week.

• See the full list of deals from Best Buy's 60th Anniversary Sale

Phones

Tablets and Chromebooks

Wearables (mostly Garmin)

Headphones and earbuds

More deals today

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T
• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell
• Tablet deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Dell
• Headphone deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell
• Chromebook deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Lenovo | HP | Amazon

What you need to know

• Fairphone and Murena have teamed up to debut the Gen 6 Plus with /e/OS, a privacy-focused software based on Android.
• The Gen 6 Plus delivers 12GB of RAM, 12 replaceable parts for consumers, and a five-year warranty/five years of software updates.
• Murena Backup debuts with the Fairphone Gen 6 Plus, integrated into Murena Workspace Accounts, alongside the Advanced Privacy widget.
• The Fairphone Gen 6 Plus is available for $699 in a new Cobalt Blue colorway.

If Fairphone's Gen 6 caught your eye last year, the company's latest Gen 6 Plus is taking sustainability even further.

Together with Murena's /e/OS, Fairphone launches the Gen 6 Plus, categorizing it as its "latest achievement in the mission to make technology fairer, more modular, repairable and long-lasting while prioritising user privacy and experience." The original Fairphone Gen 6 launched in June 2025, but the company says the Plus model isn't anything to overlook.

The company states the Gen 6 Plus builds on "what already works" with the previous device. Fairphone is looking to "fight back" against current economic pressures, while improving the phone's lifespan. Repairability is a major highlight for Fairphone, and that's continuing with 12 replaceable parts in the Gen 6 Plus. Additionally, consumers will receive a five-year warranty and five years of software updates, carrying the Gen 6 Plus into 2033.

Elsewhere, Fairphone states the Gen 6 Plus comes equipped with 12GB of RAM and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. This is a mid-range chip; however, Qualcomm boosted the SoC with stronger, "flagship-level" gaming capabilities. The CPU has been boosted by ~7% over the 7s Gen 3, which the Fairphone Gen 6 debuted with.

Privacy-focused software

Murena stands tall with its privacy-focused software, and the Fairphone Gen 6 Plus will benefit from the latest updates. Murena states its source code is "fully open." This means that anyone can verify that it "does not collect user data" in the ways Google collects data. It states Google's OS (Android) has "tracking embedded in its source code and native apps that are constantly ‘pinging information to Google - with ambiguity surrounding how that data is used and where it ends up."

Murena does away with this. Moreover, /e/OS now has an Advanced Privacy widget. This will let users control the data collected by third-party apps installed on their devices. The Fairphone Gen 6 Plus announcement calls back to Murena's /e/OS 4 update, which rolled out in June. The patch focused on making it easy to switch from Big Tech. Users will find "one-click" migrations from Google that transfer their files, dates, emails, contacts, and more to Murena's systems.

One feature that was teased in June was cloud backups. That's not debuting with the Gen 6 Plus as "Murena Backup." It states this is "a new cloud-based backup and recovery solution fully integrated with Murena Workspace accounts."

Consumers can purchase the Fairphone Gen 6 Plus from Murena for $699. Fairphone highlights a new colorway: Cobalt Blue. However, you'll also find Forest Green and Horizon Black.

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.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly developing two wide foldables for 2027.
• One model could use an aspect ratio designed for movies and YouTube, addressing a major weakness of today’s squarer Fold displays.
• The company could make as many as six foldable models, including two wide Folds, a regular Fold, Fold Ultra, Flip, and TriFold successor.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is barely out the door, but the company may already be preparing to take its wide-screen experiment to the next level. A new report out of South Korea says the company is developing two wide foldables for the Galaxy Z9 generation in 2027, potentially giving buyers more than one way to escape the traditional tall-and-narrow Fold design.

According to ETNews, Samsung has begun development of two wide foldable phones and has shared these plans with suppliers. One of the devices is said to have an aspect ratio specifically for widescreen video, something that could make movies and YouTube content look more natural when the phone is unfolded.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a 4:3 inner screen with a more squarish shape that’s better for multitasking but not as good for most widescreen video.

There’s also a bit of fun history behind this. Earlier this year, a reference to a “WideFoldModel” in Samsung’s own test software for One UI 9 indicated that the company was working on a horizontally oriented Fold before these latest reports came out. Therefore, this isn’t something that just happened after the Fold 8 launched. Samsung has apparently been prepping the software for a different form factor for months.

The timing of this report makes sense. For example, it was said that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 accounted for about 70% of Galaxy Z8 pre-orders in South Korea alone, with the Z8 series setting a new record of 1.44 million pre-orders, compared to 1.09 million for the previous generation.

But the question will be whether Samsung can differentiate two wide Folds in a meaningful way. The report suggests a potential six-device foldable lineup for 2027, including the regular Fold, Fold Ultra, Flip, TriFold successor, and the two wide models.

None of this is confirmed, and display sizes or aspect ratios could still change in development. More concrete details should emerge closer to Samsung’s next-gen foldable launch. But if Samsung can get the balance right, the future of the Fold could be about making it genuinely better for the stuff people actually watch.

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.

Samsung did a thing this year, making its foldables exciting again with the launch of the smaller, wider Galaxy Z Fold 8. It's basically the little brother of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a larger foldable that follows the taller and more square design of its predecessors.

Apparently, the smaller Galaxy Z Fold 8 is very popular, as Samsung has highlighted a dramatic increase in preorders and has reportedly ramped up production. But should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8? Here are my thoughts after spending a few weeks with the phone and extensively testing its camera.

Why you should buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8

It really is the perfect size

I have an affinity for flip phones and have used one as my go-to. I like that they're small and pocketable, though they tend to be quite thick when folded. On the flip side, I tend not to care for larger book-style foldables, as they are quite tall and only open to a larger, square-ish display.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like a Goldilocks foldable, adopting the smaller size of a flip phone while offering the utility of a book-style foldable when open. It's actually the size of my passport when closed, and it's incredibly lightweight and easy to slip in my pocket. I honestly didn't think I would like the Fold 8 until I held it in my hand and something just clicked.

Open it, and it feels more like a tablet than traditional foldables, which I think adds to its appeal.

Additionally, both displays are gorgeous, vibrant, and easy to see outdoors. It also helps that the inner display is basically creaseless. Sure, you can see the crease from certain angles and depending on how the light hits it, but if you run your finger across it, it's pretty much not there.

If Apple really is working towards releasing a foldable, this should be the blueprint.

Multitasking and media

One of the most awkward things about multitasking on larger book-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is that they don't always handle multitasking as well as they should. Samsung's One UI can open three apps at the same time in a split-screen view, but due to the square-ish aspect ratio, only one app is open in full view on one side of the display, while the other two are split in half on the other side.

However, what I love about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is that you can run three full apps side by side or in a row, which makes it feel more like a tablet than its larger sibling.

What also helps is how the Galaxy Z Fold 8 handles media and content. Ebooks look great on the inner display, whether you read them in landscape or portrait orientation. Videos also look much better on the inner display than they do on the larger Ultra. They aren't any bigger when open full screen, but the black bars on the top and bottom are smaller.

It also handles vertical videos from TikTok and Instagram better, since you can rotate the phone in a portrait orientation. And you can always watch horizontal videos or videos on the external display, which also look great in either orientation and better fill the 16:10 aspect ratio.

Performance and cool AI features

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which is currently the most powerful mobile processor on the market. It's paired with 12 or 16GB of RAM, depending on your storage configuration, so there's little issue with performance. It is a flagship, after all, and it handles graphics-intensive games like Honkai: Star Rail quite well.

You'll also get plenty of cool AI features like My FanCam, which lets you reframe a video by focusing on a subject, making it the perfect way to share memories with friends or on social media. You also get plenty of Gemini Intelligence features, such as the ability to let the AI order food or book rideshares and hotels for you, and many of the Galaxy AI features can be processed on-device to keep your data as private as possible.

And the AI gets even more proactive by suggesting actions for you based on the context of your conversations, such as surfacing relevant photos for you to share, scheduling information, or your location.

The only downside I've noticed is that it can get a bit warm if you're gaming for an extended period, but this is lessened if you're using a Galaxy Z Fold 8 case.

Price (it's cheaper than the Ultra)

Foldables aren't cheap, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra. If you're trying to choose between the two, price is definitely something to consider, especially since you get roughly the same performance, storage and RAM options, seven-year software promise, and mostly the same feature set. And for the extra couple hundred that you save, you can get yourself some extras, like Qi2 charging accessories.

Why you shouldn't buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8

Price (it's still expensive)

That said, $1,900 isn't cheap, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is still a very expensive phone. Yes, I do love this phone, but I'm not sure if I would spend that kind of money on any smartphone (that's more than what I pay for rent in Seattle, WA).

If you're willing, you can always trade in an older phone or try to take advantage of Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals. Buying from carriers also makes it easy to spread the cost over time, but the fact of the matter is that you're paying nearly $2,000 for a smartphone.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is still better

For just $200 more, you can get a technically better phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers larger displays, a bigger battery, and a better camera system that incorporates a 200MP wide and 10MP telephoto sensor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra also supports the Flex Panel, a handy One UI feature that turns the bottom half of the display into a keyboard or shows various controls when the phone is folded at an angle, depending on the context of what's on the upper half of the display.

So, it's up to you to decide if the $200 upgrade is worth it.

Cameras are meh

I really wanted to like the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but they're just okay. You get two 50MP sensors that produce decent images, but they tend to lack vibrancy and detail compared to other similar camera systems. I tested the Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera against the Razr Ultra 2026 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the latter two phones produced more pleasing images of the same scenes.

It also doesn't do particularly well in low light, can be a little noisy, and zoom images lack detail compared to other cameras. Given the lack of a telephoto camera, that's understandable, but that adds to why you might wanna splurge for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

No S Pen support

If you're hoping for a return of the S Pen to foldable phones, you'll be disappointed with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Unfortunately, the S Pen remains elusive on Samsung's foldables once again. It's a strange omission, especially given that Motorola now supports an active stylus on the Razr Fold and Samsung continues to include an S Pen with the Galaxy S Ultra models.

It kinda feels like a waste of all that screen real estate, even though it would make for a great canvas and note-taking device, especially with the minimal crease.

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.

What you need to know

• Additional One UI 9.5 rumors surface online, as a tipster claims Samsung is chasing a glass aesthetic that delivers "visual depth" for its elements.
• It seems Samsung would apply this to its home screen widgets, such as Now Brief, as well as in its Phone app and more.
• One UI 9.5 rumors got underway as One UI 9 Beta 5 rolled out, claiming development had begun on the Galaxy S26.

Another round of One UI 9.5 rumors concerns its UI, but in reality, it feels like we're caught in a time loop.

Early this morning (Aug 14), SamMobile highlighted a set of leaked screenshots that tipster Fahad Ali posted on X about One UI 9.5's UI. The tipster calls out the software's UI "polish," and it seems Samsung is approaching its 9.5 update with a glass design in mind. Many elements, such as Now Brief and floating UI elements in Samsung-made apps, resemble shinier glass along the edges.

Certain elements reportedly offer a blur when over objects, which is something we've become accustomed to over the years of phones and software design. Another aspect Ali points out is the "subtle backdrop shading." It looks like Samsung is trying to facilitate more separation, detail, and "visual depth" between its UI and the background (or app).

The Phone app looks the same (so far); however, Ali states Samsung has moved the search icon to the floating navigation bar at the bottom. This icon is currently placed at the top of the app, between the new contact button and the three-dot menu. Another post on X claims Samsung could add App Lock in One UI 9.5 to secure certain apps with a password, biometric, or other verification method.

Clear as glass

Rumors about One UI 9.5 started earlier this week, which is funny since Galaxy S26 users don't have One UI 9 yet. Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 5 for S26 users, leaving testers with a 1.1GB download. A handful of fixes were detailed in its patch notes, alongside the August 2026 security patch. What we were most curious about was the 9.5 update rumors by a tipster on X. The tipster suggests Samsung has started developing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 far earlier than previously.

You shouldn't expect this update anytime soon, as rumors claim it might not debut until April or May 2027. What has us concerned is Samsung's history of software updates. One UI 8.5 was met with heavy delays throughout its development. There's also a chance that the 9.5 update Beta Program won't begin until late this year.

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

• A 24GB Snapdragon 8 Elite Nubia Z70 Ultra was rebuilt inside a custom acrylic case and sandwiched between two full-size CPU coolers.
• The oversized setup helps prevent thermal throttling, delivering 99% stability across 20 3DMark Wild Life Extreme loops.
• Termux with GPU acceleration lets the phone power an XFCE Linux desktop with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• The phone reportedly manages around 20–30fps, with the GPU reaching roughly 99% utilization.

Most smartphones hit a thermal ceiling the second you push them beyond casual mobile gaming. But someone took that limitation as a personal challenge and stripped down a Nubia Z70 Ultra, literally sandwiching it between two full-size PC CPU coolers inside a custom acrylic housing. The outcome is a franken-rig smartphone that doubles as a surprisingly viable desktop replacement.

The project, shared by Reddit user ntsow, takes a 24GB Nubia Z70 Ultra with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite and places the phone’s main hardware between two desktop processor coolers inside a custom acrylic case. The original display of the phone has been moved to the front of the case, but the coolers are in direct contact with the shielding over the Snapdragon chip.

Why go that far? Reliable performance. Smartphones can throttle their processors when temperatures climb, but this overbuilt cooling setup means the Snapdragon 8 Elite can keep up a much more consistent performance. In a 3DMark Wild Life Extreme stress test, the modified phone scored 6,980 on its best loop and 6,910 on its lowest with 99% stability over 20 loops.

Outside of benchmarks, the Z70 Ultra runs a full XFCE Linux desktop via Termux with GPU acceleration, enabling it to work with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Tools such as Wine, Box64, and GameNative can also make the setup run Windows software and games.

The experiment doesn’t really prove a phone can replace a PC, but it does show that sustained cooling might be just as important as raw silicon when you push modern smartphone chips into PC-class workloads.

And yes, it can run Witcher 3. The game apparently runs at around 20-30 frames per second at 1920 x 1080 with the Ultra preset, with the GPU hitting about 99% utilization. In some scenes, it can even push a little over 30fps.

However, there is a drawback to the performance. The phone is still working very hard, and a screenshot showed temperatures nearing 100 degrees Celsius. That was recorded in Nubia’s Diablo Mode, which pushes the hardware to its maximum power and allows overclocking, the builder says.

But it’s not a practical substitute for a gaming PC, and that’s almost beside the point. The experiment shows just how powerful modern phone hardware is when thermal limits are aggressively removed. The creator is still working on the software and intends to push the setup further, possibly turning one Android phone into an all-in-one machine for Android, Linux, and Windows workloads.

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.

What you need to know

• Honor launches its Robot Phone in China with a "fully motorized" Agile Gimbal and powerful AI that pans and tilts its 200MP camera to keep your subject in frame.
• The Robot Phone enters a "new era" of mobile cinema for users with Honor's ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership, bringing ARRI LogC3 and more.
• Honor states the phone features a 6.3-inch display, a 7,060mAh battery, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
• The Robot Phone is available for pre-order, starting at RMB 9,999 (~$1,482)

We've had teasers about it all year, and Honor's Robot Phone has launched in China with a price tag that's reportedly been a "pleasant surprise for consumers.

In a press release, Honor states that its Robot Phone is a "revolutionary, category‑creating device that shatters the physical boundaries of traditional mobile technology..." What's truly the highlight for the phone is its camera on a "fully motorized 3-axis mechanical gimbal." To nail the cinematic vibes Honor's going for, it says the Robot Phone combines ARRI Image Science with professional cinema workflows.

The attentive and curious Robot Phone camera features a 200MP duo. The main 200MP camera on the Agile Gimbal features an f/1.6 aperture within a 1/1.28-inch sensor. The other lens is a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 2.7x optical zoom. Consumers will also find a 50MP ultrawide lens with a 122° FOV. Honor drew attention to its ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership during its keynote, highlighting the combined use of ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3, and ARRI Looks with its in-house H1 Image Chip.

AI plays a major role in the camerawork, too. Honor says it's integrated AI noise reduction for videos and AI dynamic range optimization. You may remember the Robot Phone's teasers, showing its camera moving around curiously. Honor credits that to its YOYO Robot Phone mode, which delivers AI Subject Tracking and voice source localization.

These features breathe autonomy into the Robot Phone's cameras, so it can pan or tilt on its own to keep your subject in frame. Additionally, Honor's YOYO AI provides gesture recognition and physical movement comprehension.

Outside of the autonomous Agile Gimbal camera, Honor says the Robot Phone features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display. The display can reach a maximum of 120Hz refresh rate, 6,800nits of peak brightness, and 4,320Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Carrying its AI processes is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

To keep users going is a 7,060mAh silicon-carbon battery. Honor states its technology supports "all-day endurance." What's more, the phone delivers 120W wired charging and 50W wireless SuperCharge.

Robot Phone's turning heads

Honor's Robot Phone has continued to captivate consumers throughout the year. The company has brought its phone to several tech events, showing off its gimbal camera and AI capabilities. However, what's continued to captivate consumers in China isn't what it can do, but its price. Pre-orders have started for the Honor Robot Phone in China for its 12/512GB and 16/1TB options for RMB 9,999 (~$1,482) and RMB 12,999 (~$1,927), respectively.

Honor says consumers can expect the phone to launch officially on the market on August 18. If you're looking to get more insight, our hands-on dives into what makes the Robot Phone feel like a DJI Pocket 3, but still stand on its own.

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.

I LOVE my DJI Pocket 3, and since I bought it over two years ago, it has completely replaced two expensive full-frame cameras. Why? Convenience.

When you’re trying to create content – especially for social media – convenience matters. The DJI Pocket 3 is much, much smaller than a full-frame camera, but it’s still another device that you have to carry. Yet its value and popularity show that the category has the potential to delight customers, whether or not they’ve used a gimbal.

Building on this, the Honor Robot Phone takes smartphone cameras a huge step forward. Imagine the DJI Pocket 3 paired with a great smartphone camera like the Honor Magic 8 Pro, and you have one of the most unique smartphone cameras ever made. I went hands-on, and here’s why it’s so interesting.

The Honor Robot Phone is built for solo creators

Most people who create content do NOT have a large team following and filming them.

Gimbals like the Pocket 3 have long featured a mode with facial recognition and object tracking, and the Honor Robot Phone is no different. Like my Pocket 3, it can lock itself onto a face – whether near or far – and pan and tilt as needed to ensure the subject remains front and center,

That’s a considerable achievement given that the gimbal component size is around 65% smaller than a regular gimbal, but the Honor Robot Phone also features a much larger viewfinder in the form of the big screen, and everything else that makes it a flagship smartphone.

This is further complemented by the case in the box, which comes with a magnetic kickstand attached that ensures you can stand the phone up and have the camera follow you wherever you are, no additional tripod needed.

ARRI helps your creative juices flow

However, the Robot Phone also goes further in a way that surprised me: the partnership with ARRI, a designer of film and broadcast cameras for over 100 years.

The partnership doesn’t just improve the color science of all photos; it goes considerably further with a host of filters and effects designed to help you create the perfect look directly from the camera.

This is my first experience with ARRI, but I was quite impressed by the variety of options and the range of effects you can add while filming. You can also film entirely in LOG, and there's a range of preview filters in different styles, so you can see how your LOG footage will likely look after editing. The only downside is that you can't easily edit the filters after capture.

The upside? You get a gimbal built into a smartphone with a huge screen, which acts as a huge viewfinder.

The Robot Phone is also a flagship smartphone

Here's what's easy to forget, at least when using the gimbal: the Honor Robot Phone is a flagship smartphone. That means you get everything that makes the best Android phones; Honor is primarily known for making smartphones, and the Robot Phone delivers the same experience as other flagship Honor phones.

The Pocket 3 doesn't offer the fastest menu navigation or the fastest feature changes, and even newer gimbals like the Pocket 4 and Insta 360 Luna aren't much faster. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 means the Robot Phone is quick to switch features and navigate menus, making it far more enjoyable to use as well.

Then there's MagicOS, Honor’s software akin to Android 16. The Robot Phone is exclusive to China, so the software includes the Yoyo assistant and lacks Google services, but otherwise it's quite enjoyable to use.

The two other standout features

There are two features that make the Robot Phone stand out for me: the screen and the camera system.

First, the 6.31-inch screen. It's smaller than most flagships, yet larger than every gimbal, but still ergonomically friendly given its size. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, 4320Hz PWM dimming rate, and 6,800-nit peak brightness; in my brief time with it, the screen remained legible even under the harsh British afternoon sun.

The standout is the triple-camera setup. The 200MP main sensor has a smaller 1/1.28” sensor compared to the much larger 1-inch sensor found on the gimbal, and while this does show in footage, it's easily offset by the 200MP periscope telephoto — which offers 2.7x optical zoom and OIS — and the 50MP ultrawide. One of my biggest complaints about most gimbals is the lack of a true zoom, but the Robot Phone solves this.

The Robot Phone isn't perfect, but I really want one

After spending a couple of hours with it, I had one key takeaway: the Honor Robot Phone isn't a perfect gimbal, nor is it a perfect smartphone, but I really want one.

As someone who likes filming with a gimbal for on-camera footage, as well as b-roll of products with far less success, the Robot Phone gives me the gimbal experience in a phone that's 9.6mm thick, which is far more pocket-friendly than the Pocket 3, which measures 33mm thick.

As the adage goes, the best camera is the one in your pocket, and the Robot Phone is arguably the best for creators because it offers something that no other phone does. Now, let's see if the Robot Phone eventually launches outside China.

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?

What you need to know

• One UI 9 Beta 5 is rolling out for enrolled Galaxy S26 testers in a few overseas regions with a 1.1GB download.
• The patch carries a handful of fixes, alongside the August security update.
• However, rumors on social media claim Samsung has started developing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26, despite the main upgrade still in the Beta Program.

There's a lot happening today (Aug 12), but that's not stopping Samsung's beta program. Enrolled users, beware: Beta 5 is here.

This morning, the folks at SamMobile spotted the arrival of One UI 9 Beta 5 for the Galaxy S26 series. Currently, the beta has only been spotted in overseas countries: the U.K., South Korea, and India. This isn't unusual, as Samsung usually begins spreading its availability out little by little. Users in the U.S. should prepare for it to arrive later this week, if not the next. One UI 9 Beta 5 reportedly carries a 1.1GB download and the August 2026 security patch.

The publication highlights Samsung's patch notes, which highlight a few important fixes. It's fixing a "white screen" and "app freeze," which would occur for users when viewing "some menus" in Settings. What's more, Samsung is fixing a camera app issue when opened from the lock screen. Some users encountered lag or a black screen when attempting to open it.

Another fix is rolling out for the bottom floating bar when using the Phone app. Samsung received reports of it not appearing properly, which was reportedly patched. The remainder of the fixes are as follows:

• Improved issue where a blank screen is temporarily visible when entering the recent files list in the My Files app
• Improved issue where 1×1 size shortcuts are not added to the bottom bar of the home screen
• Improved issue where the preview screen position is misaligned or flickers in the Video Editor and Photo Editor
• Improved issue where the screen intermittently flickers in certain situations
• Fixed Wi-Fi connection errors and improved connection stability

If you're enrolled in the One UI 9 Beta Program, keep your eyes out for the update in your respective region.

While this is interesting and gets us closer to launch for the Galaxy S26, rumors are already looking ahead to One UI 9.5. On X, tipster Tarun Vats reports that Samsung has started developing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 (via GSMArena). Vats says the early build sports version ending CZH1. Samsung has started development on its next major software update even earlier this time. Vats and users on X were quick to highlight Samsung's earlier schedule.

Vats reminds us that One UI 8.5's development began around September, before the Beta Program started for the Galaxy S25 in December. It's hard to forget that One UI 8.5 was heavily delayed throughout its Beta Program. Here's hoping that Samsung can avoid that this time around. Vats adds that Samsung likely won't roll out One UI 9.5 any time soon, meaning we may see it arrive around April or May 2027.

The beta rolls on

It's been nearly a month since the last One UI 9 beta. In mid-July, Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 4, which included a host of fixes for early Android 17 problems. Much like what we're receiving in August, the July patch was ~1.25GB. One fix aimed to solve an issue with the S26 Ultra's Privacy Display routine. The feature would occasionally "not operate normally" while a routine was running. Other fixes involved an unstable UI for Live Notifications and other performance problems for the Quick Settings.

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.

Everything you need to know about Galaxy Z Fold 8 durability

First things first, no smartphone is completely waterproof. Many flagships are water resistant, but this does not mean they are fully protected against liquid ingress. Instead, the water-resistance level of a phone is measured using the International Protection (IP) standard. When you look at an IP rating like IP68 or IP69, the first digit signifies the device's dust protection while the second digit denotes the device's liquid protection.

IP68 and IP69 are currently the highest levels of the International Protection (IP) standard. The "6" in IP68 and IP69 means a device is completely dustproof. The number "8" as the second digit means a device can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater depth for up to 30 minutes. The number "9" as the second digit in IP69 means a device could survive high-pressure and high-temperature water jets in addition to the submersion depth and duration specified by the "8" in IP68.

With that background in place, we can evaluate the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's IP48 certification. This rating means neither the Galaxy Z Fold 8 nor the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are completely dustproof. Instead, both devices are merely protected against the ingress of dust particles larger than 1mm in size. But what about their water resistance?

The "8" in IP48 indeed means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra both meet the highest International Protection (IP) level for submersion. Both phones can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Note that your mileage may vary with salt water submersion (like in the ocean) or chlorinated water submersion (like in a pool). Additionally, these phones do not support IPX9, meaning they are not protected against high-temperature or high-pressure water jets.

Keep in mind that water resistance is not a permanent condition. Samsung only guarantees IP48 certification when your device leaves the factory and arrives at your door. As the company explains in a support document, you can expect the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's water resistance to diminish over time.

To sum up, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are highly water-resistant. However, this doesn't mean you should rush to use your foldables in the water. The phones' IP48 ratings only guarantee water resistance in specific conditions, and only at the time you buy them. Every drop wears down the rubber seals inside your phone that keep liquid out, and the seals degrade over time even if kept in perfect condition.

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.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has landed, and there are already several impressive preorder deals to check out ahead of the phone's August 20th release date. From trade-in opportunities to free gift cards, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals on the web (so far).

The long-awaited Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, 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 preorder 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 throughout the week.

Quick links

• Made by Google 2026: the latest updates from the event LIVE
• The best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro preorder deals
  
• T-Mobile: TBA
• Verizon: Up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• AT&T: TBA
• Amazon: free $350 gift card with preorder
• Best Buy: free $350 gift card with preorder
• Google Store: Up to $1,000 off with trade-in

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold come out?

Just like the rest of the Pixel 11 lineup, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to hit store shelves on August 20th. That means you have just over a week to explore the best preorder deals before they're gone.

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.

After months of leaks and rumors, the Google Pixel 11 lineup has finally been unveiled with an August 20th release date. Whether you want the base model Pixel 11, the powerful Pixel 11 Pro, or the super-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL, there are already a few preorder deals that could get you one of these AI-powered flagships for 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 preorder 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 preorder deals on the web (so far).

Quick links

• Made by Google 2026: the latest updates from the event LIVE
• Google Pixel 11 hands-on review
• The best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals
  
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro with eligible line
• Verizon: FREE Pixel 11 with eligible trade-in, new line
• AT&T: Pixel 11 phones from $5.43/month
• 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

When does the Google Pixel 11 come out?

The three main phones in the Google Pixel 11 lineup will hit store shelves on August 20th, giving you a little over a week to take advantage of the preorder deals in this guide.

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.

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.

Samsung arguably has better cameras; the 200MP main camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra stands out, and is one of the best you can get on a foldable today. Google is using a new 48MP camera on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (thankfully), and it's safe to say that it will be much better than what we got in the last two years.

That said, Google hasn't changed the auxiliary sensors, and Samsung has a distinct advantage. Google is touting unique features like Magic Capture and Camera Looks to differentiate its cameras, and I'll test how the foldable holds up against the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Find N6 soon.

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

Google always had the edge with software, and that isn't changing. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold debuts with Gemini Intelligence, an agentic AI that handles mundane tasks on your behalf. I'll have to use it to see if it's any good at doing so, but when it comes to on-device AI, there isn't another brand that can measure up to what Google is doing.

Samsung has its own suite of Galaxy AI features, and they're great in their own right. One UI 9 based on Android 17 also has a lot to like, but I prefer Google's take on software.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Which should you buy?

Samsung continues to lead the way in foldable tech, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a grand showcase. It has better battery life, cameras, and a sleeker design, and is the safe bet.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold may not look like it, but it is a good all-rounder too, and it's the one I'd want to use even if it doesn't have the best cameras or class-leading battery.

What you need to know

• With the Pixel 11 launch upon us, Google highlights a plethora of features, such as Gemini's Rambler for voice input, cutting out filler words, and "multi-step task" action.
• Gemini will also produce useful information as it happens, so if you're talking to a friend about a trip, the AI would offer flight details and more.
• The Pixel camera plays a major role, providing even quicker Instant Night Sight and "Camera Look," which lets users choose the ideal aesthetic for every photo they take.

The Pixel 11 series is finally here, and Google is highlighting a handful of features that tie its eventful debut together.

As you might expect, Gemini is taking center stage on Google's Pixel 11 series. The company highlights several updates for the phones that bring "personalized updates" with everyday tasks. Gemini Intelligence is taking a step forward on the Pixel 11 with the capability to handle "multi-step tasks" across "your favorite apps." Since Gemini Intelligence is expanding to over 40 apps with the Pixel 11, the company foresees even more usefulness from this personalized feature.

Rambler, Gemini's voice input feature, is included in this. Rambler can remove filler words from your speech, such as "um" or "ah." What's new with Rambler joins a set of updates for Gboard on the Pixel 11. Sign-to-text is the app's next major feature that lets users who rely on sign language uniquely send messages. Google states that it's bringing its SL2T (sign-language-to-text) AI technology to empower Live Transcription on the Pixel 11, beginning with American Sign Language (ASL).

It adds SL2T "enables Deaf users to sign to their phone anywhere they’d normally type. You can sign to search the web, draft messages or documents, and ask Gemini to solve queries or execute tasks." This feature will leverage your Pixel camera to convert ASL into regular text for messaging, searches, and more. Google says it trained its AI for over 100,000 hours in over 50 languages for sign language. ASL reportedly makes up "roughly a quarter of the data in ASL." Google is working to expand this to even more languages and generation capabilities.

On a helpful note, Google says Gemini can "offer timely, helpful information through easily glanceable cards in the apps you’re already using." It states that, if you're talking about a trip with a friend, Gemini might produce a card on your screen with booking details, stating whether your flight is on time or delayed. More suggestions based on the conversations you're having will be a constant for Gemini, whether you're chatting about a trip or about dinner.

Google teases one more thing: location-based insights. This is only launching in preview for now in the Gemini app. Google states that you might see insights about a restaurant you're at. If so, on your lock screen, Gemini would push menu items or where people commonly sit.

So much for this camera

You can't forget the Pixel 11's camera. The phones boast a series of camera-focused updates that should help users, such as "Camera Looks." Users can set how their pictures look by default, choosing among Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla (golden-glow aesthetic). If you're looking for "Natural," Google says you'll find more relaxed details, while "Shadows" offers deeper contrast. The options don't end there, as the Pixel 11 offers even more camera aesthetics: Digi, Black Tie, Minimal, Editorial, Classic, and Velvet.

You should always try to have enough light when you're taking pictures, but for moments when you don't, that's where the Pixel 11's Low-Light capabilities come into play. Instant Night Sight on the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL is ~4.5 times faster. Elsewhere, the Creator Suite has been enhanced to help content creators quickly find tools in the camera's viewfinder. Users can then save their content (i.e., captured videos) to video project folders for safekeeping.

Then, we have Magic Capture. Google says this feature is designed for those "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it baby smiles, playful pets, or hard-to-get action shots." Magic Capture leans on the phone's on-device intelligence and Gemini to capture 400 frames or "high-quality" 12MP photos that are ready to share. What's more, it will also provide a video for users.

Circle to Search is also headed to the Pixel camera, and real-time audio and video translations arrive for Live Translate.

What you need to know

• The Pixel 11 series is officially announced and available for preorder now, hitting shelves on August 20.
• Prices jumped by $100 across the board, but base storage doubled to 256GB with 12GB RAM standard, meaning most models cost the same per gigabyte as last year.
• All models run on the new Tensor G6 chip (built on a 2nm process with a new MediaTek modem) designed to boost power and solve long-standing connectivity issues.
• Screen sizes stay at 6.3 inches (Pro) and 6.8 inches (Pro XL) with higher peak brightness and standout colors like Canyon (orange) and matte Obsidian.

After months of leaks and teasers, the Pixel 11 series is official. The new phones made their debut ahead of the annual Made by Google event; Google is doing things a little differently this year by releasing details of the phones well ahead of the launch, and you can actually pre-order the devices now. Weird, I know.

Anyway, let's get to the devices. I'll charitably call the Pixel 11 a tame upgrade, as not much has changed this year. It has a similar design, same cameras, similar connectivity as the Pixel 10, and a battery that's about the same size.

Thankfully, the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL get a few upgrades. There's a new 50MP main camera that should take much better photos, and they're joined by dual 48MP wide-angle and tele lenses; these are unchanged.

There's plenty of new camera features. Google is debuting a Magic Capture mode that lets you get the best photo in any situation, and there's Camera Looks to alter the look of your photos to a greater extent. Oh, and Circle to Search is getting built into the camera, so you can easily look up stuff with ease.

Panel sizes are unchanged, so you get a 6.3-inch OLED on the Pixel 11 Pro and 6.8 inches on the Pro XL. Google says they get brighter, and while it's unlikely you'll see the 3,600-nit figure, the Pixel 10 Pro did a great job in this regard, and I don't see why it would be any different this year.

There are bold new color choices, and the Pixel 11 in particular looks great. I like the Canyon variant of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, and the orange hue looks delightful. And if you're team all-matte, you should get the Obsidian model.

Google is using 12GB of RAM as standard this year, indicative of the ongoing RAM crisis that's affecting every tech brand right now. But on the plus side, all models come with 256GB of storage, even the base Pixel 11.

What I like is that all models are powered by the new Tensor G6. I'll have to get my hands on the phones to determine if long-standing hardware issues have been addressed, but it is positive to see Google make some headway. The G6 is built on a 2nm node, uses new cores, and a new MediaTek modem, so it shouldn't have any connectivity issues (fingers crossed).

Google's main strength is the software, and Gemini Intelligence takes center stage with the Pixel 11. The idea of an agentic AI that can handle tasks on its own is pretty cool, but the feature is limited to the U.S.; other countries still get a few new Gemini tricks, but not the task-handling part.

Prices have increased by $100 across the board, with the Pixel 11 starting at $899, the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299. The good news is that with the base storage going up to 256GB, you're not paying any higher than last year, other than with the 11 Pro XL. The phones are now on preorder, and will go on sale starting August 20. We'll have plenty to talk about the Pixel 11, and if you want more right now, head to the hands-on post.

I get excited every year when we know there’s going to be new Google Pixel phones. I'm even more excited about these phones because I consider them the base hardware for other Android OEMs to follow. I got to try Google’s new Pixel 11 series, and nearly everything about this year’s phones is perfect, except that nothing really has changed with the hardware. So you may be thinking…are these phones even worth it?

In my opinion, this year is the year Google really should be focusing on perfecting Gemini, and these phones are proof in the pudding. Google spent less time on hardware modifications and more time refining, tweaking, and perfecting Gemini.

I think that’s what the future of smartphones is going to be. You’re either going to gravitate towards a dumb phone that has no access to anything AI-related, or you’re going to want a phone that makes your life easier.

Here are my initial thoughts after spending some hands-on time with the Pixel 11 series.

• We already found the best Google Pixel 11 preorder deals so you don't have to

The Pro and Pro XL are Pro-ing and Pro XL-ing

Anytime anyone asks me about which Pixel device they should get, I always recommend going Pro over the base model. Why? Because why not? Because the Pro phones are spectacular: convenient, beautiful, and packed with tools that I promise will make you question why you haven’t gone Pro before. And you can get it in the same size as the base, so you might as well go Pro.

The Pro and Pro XL models are basically the exact same models as last year, but really what you’re paying for is the hardware improvements and software upgrades.

If you’re going to get one of these devices, go for the Canyon or Olive variant. Google knocked it out of the ballpark with the new color options. I’ve generally liked the regular black, but these colors are gorgeous, and I love them so much!

At my content capture in Toronto, Canada, I spent time watching how some of these new features came to life.

I think HiLight is a pretty cool feature, but was it absolutely necessary? Probably not. That being said, watching my Google rep show me how it works was pretty cool. The feature itself is a small glowing LED light that is emitted on the camera bar. It turns on when you trigger Gemini, and you can use it for notifications as well.

As the Pro XL was face down on the table, my Google rep spoke out, “Hey Google, can you tell me the weather in Toronto?” Flashing between white and blue as Gemini was thinking, it responded without my Google rep ever having to lift his phone.

With Pixel devices, my attention is usually on the camera, and this year the features are exceptional.

I know my colleague Nick Sutrich will particularly enjoy playing around with Magic Capture. This new feature captures a moving subject and breaks it down into a sequence of sharp, crystal-clear still photos.

I also found the new Translate Video in real time super fascinating. My Google rep showed me a video in Spanish, and as the woman started speaking, the voice I heard was that of a person who dubbed the video into English.

Finally, my absolute favorite feature just got a huge upgrade. Circle to Search in camera mode. You can now take a picture within the Camera and directly use Circle to Search, a very convenient feature.

I’ll also add that the new devices have even more zoom capabilities: the base has 30x zoom, while the Pro models have 120x zoom.

The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, which is $100 more than last year’s Pixel 10 Pro, but you also get more base storage at 256GB, so the pricing still matches last year’s. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro XL now starts at $1,299 for the same base 256GB storage, so it gets a bit of a price bump, which should be no surprise given the current industry trends.

The Pixel 11 is cute, vibrant, fun, and that’s really what it’s about

I can’t really say much about the base Pixel 11 model because it really didn’t feel like it changed much from previous years. What did catch my eye was the colors.

Google really outdid itself with the fun and vibrant colors. I’m not a huge fan of pink, but the bright magenta pink stood out, and to me, if you were to give your teenage kid or even a young adult one of these phones, then I approve!

While other companies have launched phones this year with mild and muted colors, which I love and appreciate, I think Google had a little fun this year, and I’m glad they did.

Why I never care for the base model is because if I’m going to spend the money on a phone, I want it to have Pro features, and the base model rarely gets them. That said, like the Pro models, the base model is powered by the Tensor G6 with 12GB of RAM, so you’ll still get many of the same features, with some exceptions. That includes the new Gemini Intelligence, which lets the AI handle tasks for you or make suggestions based on your interactions in Messages, At a Glance, and other areas.

However, you’re missing out on other features, like the 120x zoom and HiLight, to name a couple. So, if you're getting this phone for your kid and want them to have a good experience without spending too much or exposing them to too much AI, this is the phone they should be getting.

What you need to know

• The Pixel 11 Pro Fold goes official, and it is nearly 10% lighter and about 1mm thinner than its predecessor.
• A glass-fiber composite back, ceramic outer cover glass, and new gearless hinge make the Fold three times more durable than the previous model.
• HiLight is one of the headline features, designed to use different colors for calls from favorite contacts and provide visual cues when Gemini is being used hands-free.
• The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is up for preorder and arrives on August 20.

If you were hoping Google would chase Samsung down the rabbit hole of razor-thin foldables, you're about to be disappointed. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is here, and while it’s much lighter and thinner than its predecessor, it’s not trying to win a slimming contest with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which weighs 201g.

Google says the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is nearly 10% lighter and about 1mm thinner than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, along with a new hinge and stronger materials. That said, it does weigh 239g, so Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is still a lot more portable. Samsung’s new Fold is also 9.7mm thick when closed versus the Pixel’s 10.1mm.

Google’s answer is durability. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a glass-fiber composite back, a ceramic cover glass on the outer display, and a new gearless hinge. The company says the combo makes it three-times more durable than its predecessor, while the bigger bend radius and thicker inner glass of the hinge are meant to improve the crease. The phone still has an IP68 rating, too.

The screens have been upgraded. You get a 6.5-inch 1080 x 2342 outer OLED and an 8-inch 2076 x 2152 inner OLED that both run from 1Hz to 120Hz and peak at 3,600 nits.

Powerful hardware

Inside, Google stuffs the Fold with 16GB of RAM, Tensor G6, and up to 1TB of Zoned UFS storage, a new flash storage technology for mobile devices that segregates data into separate logical “zones” to enhance long-term performance and boost storage longevity.

The battery capacity is 4,750mAh and is rated for over 24 hours, and 30W wired charging will supposedly get you to 50% in around 30 minutes. Pixelsnap also supports up to 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging.

Photography gets a substantial push, too. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide with autofocus and macro focus, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto, with up to 30x Super Zoom. That gives Google a clear zoom-focused angle against Samsung’s dual 50MP rear cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which offers up to 10x digital zoom.

Google is also making the new Fold feel more like a real productivity tool. App bubbles are designed for the big screen, and Split Screen, Drag and Drop, Instant View, and improved Made You Look animations are still here. The new sign-to-text translation leverages the camera, Gboard, and Live Transcribe to convert American Sign Language into text on the outer display.

Then there's HiLight, a new LED system built around the camera flash. It can flicker in a variety of colors for calls from your favorite contacts and provide visual cues during hands-free Gemini interactions, with more notification features coming soon.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is available to preorder now in Olive and Obsidian colorways. It starts at $1,899 and will be released on August 20.

If you asked me a few years ago about my thoughts on foldable devices, I would have given you the stank face and said they suck. I would then proceed to convince you that foldable devices feel cheap and aren’t worth the money.

I have since completely changed my mind on them. In the past two years alone, I have seen some of the most premium-looking and feeling foldables on the market. And, while I think Google has always nailed it when it comes to their foldables, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold really isn’t a nominal difference from what it was last year.

I had some early hands-on time with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and while there are a few upgrades, overall, I thought the phone itself was pretty much identical to its predecessor.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this is the year Google needs to focus on perfecting Gemini, and it did. I am glad that Google decided to really ensure that what you’re getting in the Pro models of the phones is what you’re really paying for.

Go thin or go home

This year’s trend across all companies making foldable devices is: how can we make our foldables even thinner? I much prefer a curvaceous body, but on a phone, I don’t want to compromise on thickness. The thinner the better, so long as the phone itself feels premium and comfortable.

The 11 Pro Fold is about 1mm thinner than its predecessor, which says one thing to me: companies are going to keep trying to push the boundaries to see how thin they can make a foldable without compromising on features.

You might not think this is going far enough, especially following the recent launch of the even thinner Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold still has some things going for it that the Ultra doesn’t have, such as built-in Qi2 magnetic charging, which definitely adds to its thickness.

But in addition to making the phone thinner, Google also launched the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in a new colorway. The beautiful Olive variant similar to the Pro and Pro XL models. And my god, the color is stunning. Holding it feels so sexy; it is truly a beautiful phone.

Crease? What crease?

Part of why I really didn’t like foldable devices in the past is because the inside screen has to be some sort of plastic; it can’t be glass; that is the only way it’s going to be a device that can fold. But I found that this felt so tacky and low-grade, and when you’re spending an arm and a leg for a device, why would you want a big screen that looked…cheap?

I can say without a doubt that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s crease is near non-existent. And even the actual feel of the screen feels so lush, premium, and gorgeous. After closing and opening the phone a few times, you can barely tell that there’s a crease, and I think that the phone itself feels so exquisite.

When folded laptop style on your desk, I can see how convenient it would be to watch YouTube videos and whatnot.

That said, using the Pixel 11 Pro Fold while folded flat still feels a bit awkward to me. I get the appeal of doing it; you have a much larger screen, and I think if you folded it flat and held it in your hands, you’d be fine. But when placed on a table, that protruding camera bump makes your camera feel like a wobbly table that annoyingly moves around when you’re sitting at it.

Features galore

Like the Pixel 11 Pro phones, the Fold will also get all of the same premium features that are super fun to use.

HiLight is going to be a fun feature to use when you want to ask Gemini something or when you get notifications. The feature itself is a small LED glowing light that emits from the LED module on the camera bar.

Google also highlights a new sign language-to-text feature for Google Translate, and while I didn’t get to try this during my hands-on, it’s a very compelling feature that should make Pixels much more accessible.

I can’t stop thinking about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

It’s been a busy several weeks of new launches, and coming from just having played around with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra…I can’t help but say that I think that phone has my heart.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is much thinner than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold; it’s sleeker, and I actually think it looks and feels like a much more premium device than the Pro Fold. This isn’t me hating on the 11 Pro Fold at all… but when I was at my content capture, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

I kinda felt like I was cheating on it with the 11 Pro Fold. I kept thinking about the beautiful deep purple color variant, and how gorgeous she was as a device.

Thinking so much about the Z Fold 8 Ultra and the smaller Fold 8 made me wonder if Google needs to think about how it plans on evolving the form factor of its foldable. And maybe that’s something the company wants to think about for 2027. Because I will say, as gorgeous as the 11 Pro Fold is, it’s still boring. And if I am thinking about a different device the whole time, then something is wrong.

What you need to know

• Motorola has confirmed 50+ devices for the stable Android 17 update.
• Newer Razr and Edge models are expected to receive Android 17 before older devices.
• Several Moto G models, including the G Stylus 2026, G Power 2026, G87, G86, G77, G67, G57, G47, and G37, are eligible.