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Google is getting ready to show off its next generation of Pixel phones, and we’ve got the inside scoop on what to expect.
Google isn’t playing hide-and-seek with the launch date. Here are the key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Made By Google |
| Date | August 12, 2026 |
| Time | 6:00 PM Eastern Time |
| Location | New York City |
| Where to Watch | Live on YouTube or follow along on Mashable |
Important: Last year Jimmy Fallon hosted the event, so expect some surprises this time too! The phones should hit store shelves less than a month after the announcement.
Just like last year, Google plans to release four different models:
Important Callout: Price Increases Across the Board
According to a massive Amazon leak (accidentally posted store pages!), every single model is getting more expensive compared to last year’s Pixel 10 lineup:
| Model | Leaked Price | Increase from Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 | $899 | +$100 |
| Pixel 11 Pro | $1,099 | +$100 |
| Pixel 11 Pro XL | $1,299 | +$100 |
| Pixel 11 Pro Fold | $1,899 | +$400 |
The Fold’s $400 jump is especially eye-watering. We’ll have to see if it’s worth it!
This is the one design change coming to ALL four phones this year.
Imagine a tiny, multi-colored light strip built right into the camera bar on the back of your phone. It can shine in different colors to tell you things without you even picking up the phone.
Google already teased this! They posted a short video showing a Pixel 11 Pro with a colorful light pulsing in the camera bar. It’s definitely real and coming to all models.
All specs come from leaked Amazon product pages and a leaker called MysticLeaks. Small differences exist between sources — we’re using Amazon’s numbers here.
Colors: Black, Gray, Pink, Green
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3 inches |
| Brain (Chip) | Tensor G6 (Google’s own chip, sequel to last year’s G5) |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh |
| Front Camera | 10.5 MP |
| Back Cameras | Details still under wraps |
TL;DR: Very similar to Pixel 10. Incremental upgrade. The Tensor G6 chip is the main internal change.
Colors: Olive, Obsidian, Canyon, Fog
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3 inches |
| Brain (Chip) | Tensor G6 |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB (new 12 GB option!) |
| Storage | 128 / 256 / 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Battery | 4,950 mAh |
| Main Camera | 50 MP |
| Ultrawide Camera | 48 MP |
| Zoom Camera | 48 MP (5x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | Not confirmed yet |
Colors: Same as Pro (Olive, Obsidian, Canyon, Fog)
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.8 inches (bigger!) |
| Brain (Chip) | Tensor G6 |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB |
| Storage | 128 / 256 / 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh (biggest battery!) |
| Cameras | Same triple-camera system as Pro |
| Front Camera | Not confirmed yet |
Why two RAM options? The 12 GB version might come on lower-storage models to save manufacturing costs. 16 GB stays for the top-tier versions.
Colors: Obsidian, Olive
| What We Know | What We Don’t Know |
|---|---|
| Price: $1,899 (leaked) | Screen sizes (inner/outer) |
| Colors: Two options | Battery capacity |
| Competes with Samsung’s latest foldables | Camera specs |
| Durability improvements |
The Challenge: Samsung just released amazing new foldables. At $400 more than last year’s Pixel Fold, Google has a lot to prove on August 12.
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Pixel Glow light bar | NEW – All models |
| Tensor G6 chip | NEW – All models |
| 12 GB RAM option on Pro | NEW – Cost saver |
| Design overhaul | No – Same camera bar shape (plus Glow) |
| Camera hardware | Mostly same as Pixel 10 |
| Battery life | Similar sizes to last year |
| Prices | UP on every model |
Bottom line: 2026 looks like an incremental year. The star of the show is Pixel Glow. Everything else is "same but slightly faster."
If your current phone works fine, wait 3 weeks for the August 12 event. You’ll see the real deal, not leaks. If you need a phone today, Pixel 10 prices might drop after the announcement.
Could be! But think about it: your phone face-down on a table, lighting up green for a text from your partner, red for work email, blue for a timer. No need to flip it over. We’ll reserve judgment until we test it.
Two words: "RAMageddon" (memory chip shortage) + inflation. The Fold’s $400 jump might mean better hinges, screens, or durability — or just higher margins. Time will tell.
Almost certainly yes. Google Pixels sold in the US work on Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and all their sub-brands (Visible, Mint, Cricket, etc.). Unlocked models work everywhere.
Pre-orders usually start right after the event (August 12). Shipping/in-store typically begins 2-3 weeks later — so early September 2026.
Google’s Pixel 11 lineup is shaping up to be a "refine and shine" release:
Mark your calendar: August 12, 6 PM ET. Mashable will be there live. We’ll tell you exactly what’s worth your money — and what’s just marketing fluff.
Stay tuned!