Google Announces Pixel 11 Series With Gemini Intelligence

Google revealed the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold during its Made by Google event today. The new phones are all powered by Google’s new Tensor G6 chip, which is more power-efficient than the previous generation and also enables faster wireless charging.

Unfortunately, the ongoing memory and storage crisis has led Google to raise the price of the Pixel 11 series. All models are $100 more expensive than their predecessors, and Google has also eliminated the 128GB storage option this year.

While the Pixel 11 series now start at $899, all models come with a minimum of 12GB of RAM, and they also support new camera and Gemini Intelligence features. There are also some nice design refinements on all models, including a new HiLight feature on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL.

Pixel 11

The Google Pixel 11 features a 40% thinner camera bar that will completely disappear when the phone is paired with Google’s official cases. The company’s new Tensor 6 runs the latest Gemini Nano model locally, and it enables 25% faster web browsing and 15% faster app launches.

“Packing 50% more TPU compute and paired with the latest Gemini Nano model, Google Tensor G6 processes on-device AI tasks up to 3.5 times faster while using up to 3.5 times less energy,” Google also said today. Overall, Google promises up to 30-plus hours of battery life across the Pixel 11 lineup. The Pixel 11 also supports Qi 2.2 25W wireless charging, which enables 25% faster wireless charging speeds compared to the previous generation.

The slimmer camera bar includes a 48MP main sensor that delivers 56% more light sensitivity, a 13MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens that support 30x Super Zoom. The Pixel 11 is available in two vibrant colors, Pistachio and Hibiscus, and two more neutral colors, Frost and Obsidian. It starts at $899 and will start shipping on August 20.

Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL

The new Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL now start with a minimum of 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. Last year’s models came with 16GB of RAM by default, and you can still get that if you opt for the 512GB or 1TB models.

Google highlighted today the brighter Super Actua display on the two models, offering up to 3,600 nits. A new anti-scratch display coating also offers more than double the scratch resistance compared to the previous generation.

The camera bar on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Pro XL now comes with a new HiLight feature that uses LED lights to notify users about Gemini activity, as well as calls from favorite contacts. “It’s one of the many ways our latest hardware will help you be more present. And you can expect to see more capabilities added to HiLight over time — like message notifications from your favorite contacts,” Google said today.

Besides this new HiLight feature, the camera bar features a main 50MP sensor and an upgraded 48MP telephoto lens with a larger image sensor with 30% more light sensitivity. The two phones will also support Pro Zoom at 120x thanks to Google’s new Tensor G6 chip.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are available in four color options: Canyon, Fog, Olive, and an all-matte Obsidian. The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, while the Pro XL starts at $1,299.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Google’s latest foldable Pixel phone features a thinner and lighter design with an increased focus on durability. There’s also an upgraded camera system, and the new HiLight feature on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL is also present.

“Pixel 11 Pro Fold is almost 10% lighter and about 1mm thinner than Pixel 10 Pro Fold, so it’s more comfortable to hold in your hand and in your pocket,” Google said today. “Paired with a new gearless hinge that protects the inner display and a new Super Actua outer display made of ultra-strong ceramic cover glass, this phone is three times more durable than last year’s device, and it’s our most durable Pixel Fold yet.”

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes with 16GB of RAM and a minimum of 256GB of storage, and it also supports faster Qi2.2 wireless charging speeds. On the camera front, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes with a new 48MP main camera and a telephoto camera with up to 30x Super Zoom.

Google’s latest foldable phone still supports exclusive features such as Drag and Drop, Split Screen, and Instant View. However, Google developed a new sign-to-text feature accessibility feature in partnership with the Deaf community to allow Pixel 11 Pro Fold users to “express themselves in Live Transcribe and Gboard in their native language.” Users will also be able to turn any app into a bubble that can be accessed from the bottom right corner of the screen.

The 11 Pro Fold is available in olive and black finishes, and it starts at $1,899 for the model with 256GB of storage.

New Camera and AI features

All new Pixel phones support Gemini Intelligence, which can perform multistep tasks across various apps. Pixel 11 users will also get proactive suggestions in various places, with new location-based insights also launching in preview. “when you’re waiting for a table at a new restaurant, your lock screen will proactively show that location and, with just a tap, offer insights — such as top menu items or the most popular seats — from hundreds of reviews and photos, right in Google Maps,” Google explained today.

In the Camera app, the new Magic Capture feature will be able to capture video and photos simultaneously to create “perfectly-timed” photos. “Magic Capture can even automatically apply edits like crop and unblur, so your moments are ready to share. Even better, you’ll also get a video without needing to go back and forth between modes,” Google explained.

The Camera Looks feature on the Pixel 11 series will let users choose a default aesthetic look for their pictures. Lastly, a new Creator Suite inside the Camera app will provide access to creator-focused tools such as social media gridlines, an on-screen teleprompter, and more.

The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL are all available for preorder starting today, and they will start shipping on August 20. Google also announced the Pixel Watch 5 and new Pixel Tag today, so stay tuned for more information about these products.