We’re beginning to be taught extra in regards to the Pixel 11 collection by way of leaks and rumours, and I’m cautiously optimistic that Google can rescue its 2026 after a poor begin.
Following final week’s Tensor G6 chip reveal and a recent batch of spec particulars from the identical supply, we’re beginning to construct a reasonably full image of what Google’s forthcoming smartphone launch goes to ivolve.
Whereas I’ve my reservations in regards to the firm’s continued efficiency blind spot, I’m feeling fairly optimistic that one in all these telephones goes to be in with a shout of being my cellphone of the 12 months.
And given how that 12 months began for Google, it will signify fairly the turnaround.
A poor begin
It’s honest to say that when the Pixel 10a rocked up in March, I used to be maybe rather less charitable in the direction of Google’s new mid-ranger than Chris was in his wonderful evaluate.
Don’t get me incorrect, I agree that it’s a superb cellphone. I simply can’t see why anybody would purchase one whereas the Google Pixel 9a continues to be offered as new.
The 2 telephones are nigh-on an identical and, with Google’s prolonged software program assist, you’re merely significantly better off shopping for the discounted Pixel 9a than its doppelgänger of a successor.
Google’s subsequent batch of smartphone {hardware}, alternatively, has me far more excited.
Mattias Inghe
Promising Pixel 11 leaks
This week, established tipster Mystic Leaks posted an inventory of specs for the Google Pixel 11 collection, which incorporates the Pixel 11 Professional (plus XL variant) and Pixel 11 Professional Fold.
In response to the leaker, Google is bringing a bunch of inside enhancements to the Pixel 11 collection. This features a a lot improved CPU, a brand new MediaTek M90 modem, a brand new TPU, and a brand new customized ISP.
The latter bit pertains to the actually attention-grabbing half: Google is revamping its digital camera {hardware} for the whole Pixel 11 collection.
Each the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Professional Fold will apparently be led by a brand new 50Mp sensor codenamed “chemosh”, whereas the Pixel 11 Professional and Pixel 11 Professional XL will achieve new essential and telephoto sensors codenamed “bastet” and “barghest” respectively.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
A change is pretty much as good as a relaxation
We don’t have particulars on how these digital camera sensors will differ, however the mere indisputable fact that they’re altering the digital camera {hardware} in any respect is noteworthy. We’ve now had a number of generations of relative stasis (and arguably regression with the common Pixel 10) on this entrance.
Google historically prefers to do its exhausting work within the software program and picture processing departments. It has yielded some fabulous outcomes, however expertise strikes on, and there comes some extent the place you merely want greater, higher sensors to make a significant distinction.
Rivals such because the Xiaomi 17 Extremely and Oppo Discover X9 Extremely are impressing with their cutting-edge {hardware}, so Google actually wanted to up its pictures sport. This newest leak has me hopeful that it’s getting ready to take action.
Chris Martin / Foundy
Pixel will get a Glow up
The opposite huge improve seems like a Nothing-style beauty flourish, and I’m not averse to that.
In response to rumours, Google will implement a so-called “Pixel Glow” system rather than the outgoing temperature sensor (which was fairly superfluous in itself) on the digital camera bar of the Pixel 11 Professional trio.
Just like the Nothing Telephone (4a) Professional’s Glyph system (however smaller), it’ll use a collection of LEDs to supply heads-up animations and superior notifications.
The draw back is that, on the flip facet of those telephones, Google’s rumoured safe Face ID-like system received’t be prepared for the Pixel 11 collection in any case. I’m not devastated by this declare, as Google’s non-IR-based implementation was already safer than most.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The remainder of the Pixel 11 specs
The remainder of the Pixel 11 spec leak is barely much less thrilling, however nonetheless presents purpose to consider that these telephones will signify some extent of progress.
The screens shall be a lot the identical as earlier than, it appears, however even brighter. The Pixel 11 will go from 2000 to 2250 nits, whereas the Pixel 11 Professional will go from 2200 to 2450 nits.
These relate to sensible excessive brightness mode (HBM) situations, too, somewhat than the misleading ‘peak’ HDR figures that many producers hand out. The Pixel 10 collection already presents a few of the brightest shows round, and it seems just like the Pixel 11 vary will proceed the great work.
I’m barely involved on the entry mannequin RAM allotments being downgraded (8GB within the Pixel 11, 12GB in the remainder), however that is comprehensible given the element pricing squeeze affecting the whole business and, if that is how Google chooses to implement a stealthy value bump, it wouldn’t be the worst information.
It’s definitely higher than the Pixel 10a various, which concerned not making any vital enhancements in any way.
The Google Pixel 10 Professional has been one in all my most-used telephones of the previous six months or so. If the Pixel 11 collection launches as marketed this August, then the Pixel 11 Professional might very effectively pull the identical trick as we head into 2027.