Google Pixel 11 Rumors: Release Date, Price, Specs, and 'Pixel Glow'

Google is preparing to launch its latest flagship smartphone lineup, the Pixel 11 series, with a "Made By Google" event scheduled for August 12, 2026, in New York City. The event, starting at 6 p.m. ET, will reveal the highly anticipated follow-up to the Pixel 10 models. Early reports and leaks indicate a potential for increased pricing across the range, alongside a new distinctive design element dubbed "Pixel Glow." Mashable will provide live coverage of the event.

The upcoming Pixel 11 family is expected to include four models: the standard Pixel 11, a Pixel 11 Pro, a larger Pixel 11 Pro XL, and a foldable variant, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. While official pricing has not yet been confirmed by Google, a significant leak from Amazon provided estimated figures. The base Pixel 11 is rumored to start at $899, the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099, the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at a substantial $1,899. These anticipated prices represent an increase of $100 for the non-foldable models compared to their predecessors and a notable $400 jump for the foldable version.

A key design innovation anticipated for the Pixel 11 series is "Pixel Glow." This feature, hinted at in leaks and even a pre-release teaser from Google, involves a multi-colored light module integrated into the horizontal camera bar. This module is expected to provide visual notifications for incoming messages and other alerts, even when the phone is screen-down. The teaser video, though brief, offered a glimpse of this new lighting system on what appeared to be a Pixel 11 Pro.

Pixel 11 Specifications and Features

Details surrounding the specifications for each Pixel 11 model have emerged from various sources, primarily the leaked Amazon listings and reports from leakers like MysticLeaks. The base Pixel 11 is rumored to feature a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2856x1280 and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is expected to be powered by Google's Tensor G6 processor, offering either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. The battery capacity is estimated at 4,985mAh, and camera specifications include a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP selfie camera. Color options are suggested to be Black, Gray, Pink, and Green.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models are also expected to utilize the Tensor G6 processor. Both are rumored to share a 6.3-inch OLED display with 2856x1280 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, though the Pro XL might feature a slightly larger 6.8-inch display with 2992x1344 resolution. RAM options for the Pro variants are speculated to be 12GB or 16GB, with battery capacities of 4,850mAh for the Pro and 5,115mAh for the Pro XL. Both are expected to have a 13MP selfie camera. Color choices for the Pro models reportedly include Olive, Obsidian, Canyon, and Fog. A potential shift in RAM configurations, with a 12GB option appearing for the Pro models, might signal an effort to manage manufacturing costs for lower storage variants.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google's next foldable device, is less detailed in current leaks. It is believed to have a 6.5-inch outer display and will also incorporate the Tensor G6 processor. The battery is estimated at 4,750mAh, with a 13MP selfie camera. Color options for the foldable are rumored to be Obsidian and Olive. Given the competitive landscape of foldable phones and the projected higher price point, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will face significant expectations to differentiate itself.

The incremental upgrades suggested for the non-foldable Pixel 11 models, aside from the Pixel Glow feature, point towards a refinement of the existing Pixel formula for 2026. The Tensor G6 chip represents a logical evolution from the G5, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. The tech industry is closely watching how Google will position these devices, particularly the foldable, against strong competition from manufacturers like Samsung. The upcoming launch event on August 12 will provide the definitive answers regarding the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and the rest of the lineup.