The announcement many feared has arrived: the Pixel 11 is poised for a significant price increase.
A recent report indicates that Google plans to increase prices for all four models in the Pixel 11 series: the standard, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold versions.
According to the French website Dealabs, known for its accuracy in Pixel-related news, the base Pixel 11 will have a starting price of £879/€999. This represents a substantial rise of £80/€100 compared to the Pixel 10. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will start at £1,799/€1,999.
Nevertheless, if this information is correct, Google’s price hikes might not be as steep as they seem. Here’s why.
A real-terms price drop
The alarming figures are due to Google’s decision to reportedly discontinue the 128GB models.
This change implies that both the standard Pixel 11 and the 11 Pro will now start with 256GB of storage, aligning them with the Pixel 11 Pro XL and 11 Pro Fold.
Chris Martin / Foundry
At its launch, the 256GB version of the Pixel 10 was priced at £899/€999. In comparison, the Pixel 11 is £20 cheaper in the UK and remains the same in the EU.
The Pixel 11 Pro follows the same trend, with a starting price of £1,079/€1,199, which is £20 less in the UK and unchanged in the EU. So, it’s not as daunting as it first appears.
overall, this is a smart response to the ongoing ‘RAMaggedon’
Ideally, Google would avoid any price increases, and for most users, 128GB of storage suffices. However, the Pixel 11 Pro XL (starting at £1,279/€1,399) and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (from £1,799/€1,999) are more costly than their predecessors for equivalent storage, by £80/€100 and £50/€100, respectively.
In general, this strategy is a savvy response to the ‘RAMaggedon’ phenomenon, where the soaring demand from AI data centers has driven up RAM costs. Introducing substantial upgrades without raising prices isn’t feasible unless companies are willing to significantly reduce their profits.
Release date revealed?
Google has consistently launched its flagship models in August, and the Pixel 11 series is expected to follow this pattern.
Previously, there was no specific release date, but Dealabs now suggests that the new phones will start shipping on 20 August, eight days earlier than the Pixel 10’s launch in 2025. While the launch date remains uncertain, 11 August is a possibility.
Hopefully, all four models will be available in August, avoiding a delay for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold as experienced with its predecessor.
Regarding enhancements, the Pixel 11 series is anticipated to feature Google’s new Tensor G6 chipset and updated main rear cameras across the lineup. Some models may also include ‘Pixel Glow’ RGB lights, likely around the camera bar.
Google Gemini / Chris Martin
Dealabs has also disclosed the color options, including new ‘Moss’ and ‘Pine’ green shades for certain models.
For further details about the new phones, refer to our extensive Pixel 11 series guide.
