Google’s Pixel 11 lineup is reportedly set for an August 12 reveal, with pre-orders opening the same day at 7 a.m. Pacific Time. According to leaks, the series includes four models — Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold — all powered by a new Tensor G6 chip reportedly built on TSMC’s 2nm process. The most notable change for buyers: leaked pricing suggests significant price increases across the board, and the 128 GB storage option appears to be gone entirely, with 256 GB becoming the new baseline.
What you need to know
- All four Pixel 11 models are reportedly launching August 12, with pre-orders the same day — earlier than the Pixel 10’s August 20, 2025 debut.
- The Tensor G6 chip is said to use TSMC’s 2nm process, and Google may be switching from a Samsung modem to a MediaTek modem.
- Leaked US pricing starts at $899 for the base Pixel 11 (256 GB), rising to $1,899 for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256 GB).
- A new feature called “HiLight” reportedly turns the camera flash into a multi-color notification indicator.
Google has reportedly prepared its most powerful Pixel smartphone yet
Launch date and pre-order timing
Google appears to be continuing its pattern of summer launches, but pushing the date slightly earlier each year. The Pixel 9 was announced on August 13, 2024, and the Pixel 10 on August 20, 2025. The leaked August 12 date for the Pixel 11 would make it the earliest in this sequence. Pre-orders are expected to open the same day at 7 a.m. Pacific Time.
Four models: how they differ
Google is reportedly continuing its multi-device strategy with four smartphones:
- Pixel 11 — base model, 6.3-inch display
- Pixel 11 Pro — compact flagship, 6.3-inch display
- Pixel 11 Pro XL — large flagship, 6.8-inch display
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold — foldable model with an 8.0-inch inner display
The design reportedly evolves from the Pixel 9 family’s visual language. According to leaked renders, the most visible change is that the rear camera bar is now entirely black, rather than matching the body color as in previous generations, giving it a more unified appearance.
Displays, batteries, and cameras
Display upgrades appear incremental, with slightly increased brightness being the main improvement according to leaks. The base Pixel 11 is said to feature a 6.3-inch OLED panel with up to 120 Hz refresh rate and 2,200 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 11 Pro reportedly offers the same screen size but at higher resolution, with a variable 1–120 Hz refresh rate and up to 2,450 nits. The Pixel 11 Pro XL scales up to 6.8 inches with the same peak brightness as the Pro.
The new smartphones are expected to feature increased display brightness
Leaked battery capacities are as follows:
- Pixel 11 — 4,985 mAh
- Pixel 11 Pro — 4,850 mAh
- Pixel 11 Pro XL — 5,115 mAh
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold — 4,806 mAh
Camera configurations reportedly vary significantly across the lineup. The base Pixel 11 is said to get a 48 MP main sensor, 13 MP ultrawide, and 13 MP front camera. The Pro models reportedly step up to a 50 MP main sensor, 48 MP ultrawide and telephoto lenses, and a 42 MP front camera. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is said to use a 48 MP main sensor with 10.5 MP ultrawide and telephoto modules.
Tensor G6 processor and new modem
The most significant internal upgrade is reportedly the new Tensor G6 processor. According to the source, the chip is being manufactured on TSMC’s 2nm process node, which typically translates to improved energy efficiency, reduced heat output, and more stable sustained performance.
The smartphone’s internals are expected to be completely new
Equally important for daily use is a rumored modem switch. Google is reportedly moving from a Samsung modem to a MediaTek solution. If true, this could address the unstable cellular connectivity that Pixel owners have complained about for years. The switch is also said to help reduce overheating issues. However, this remains unconfirmed.
HiLight notification LED and the loss of the temperature sensor
One of the more novel leaked features is called HiLight (previously referred to as Pixel Glow). Rather than a separate lamp around the camera module, the flash itself reportedly doubles as a multi-color notification indicator. The idea is that users can assign different colors to specific contacts or notification types, so even when the phone is placed face-down, the rear glow signals what kind of alert has arrived. The light is also said to activate during interactions with Google’s Gemini assistant.
Previously, this type of notification lighting was mainly found on Chinese smartphones
To accommodate this feature, Google has reportedly removed the rear temperature sensor from the Pro models. While some users found the sensor useful, the source notes it never became a widely adopted feature.
Leaked US pricing: increases across the board
Early rumors suggested Google would hold prices steady, but leaked retailer data tells a different story. Prices appear to have risen across nearly the entire lineup, and the 128 GB storage tier seems to have been eliminated entirely, with 256 GB as the new starting point.
Leaked US pricing (all figures unconfirmed):
- Pixel 11: $899 (256 GB), $1,019 (512 GB)
- Pixel 11 Pro: $1,099 (256 GB), $1,219 (512 GB), $1,449 (1 TB)
- Pixel 11 Pro XL: $1,299 (256 GB), $1,419 (512 GB), $1,649 (1 TB)
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold: $1,899 (256 GB), $2,019 (512 GB), $2,249 (1 TB)
Regarding RAM, the base Pixel 11 reportedly comes with only 12 GB, while Pro models may offer either 12 GB or 16 GB depending on the storage configuration. This tiered approach could be Google’s way of keeping the entry price lower through reduced specifications at the base level.
Evolutionary upgrade, not a revolution
The Pixel 10 may offer better value, as it is cheaper and reportedly quite similar to the Pixel 11
Based on the leaks, the Pixel 11 appears to be a steady evolution rather than a dramatic overhaul: a similar design, familiar displays, and genuinely new elements limited mainly to the Tensor G6 processor, the MediaTek modem, and the HiLight notification feature. With prices rising, the Pixel 10 may represent better value for buyers who don’t specifically need the new chip or improved modem — especially since previous-generation Pixel phones typically drop further in price once the new lineup arrives.
Important caveat: All specifications, pricing, and feature details discussed here are based on leaks and remain unconfirmed until Google’s official announcement, reportedly scheduled for August 12.
