Over the past two generations of Pixel, Google has built its smartphone brand into one of the few brands able to find (relative) growth in an increasingly-stagnant arena. Today, we’re getting our first look at this year’s Pixel 11, and despite being an anniversary release, it’s looking like we’re getting a third take on Google’s current design.
Today’s leak come to us courtesy of OnLeaks and Android Headlines, revealing a base Pixel 11 model that appears practically unchanged from its predecessors. Based on these CAD renders, Google’s next phone will measure in at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm, identical to the Pixel 10 in every measurement minus a 0.1mm adjustment to its thickness. Before you run off and celebrate that Pixel might finally be getting slimmer designs, keep in mind that the Pixel 10 actually increased its thickness by 0.1mm, presumably to make space for the arrival of Pixelsnap magnets. If these dimensions are correct, the Pixel 11 will see Google returning to the exact size and shape previously used on 2024’s Pixel 9, though this time with Qi2 support in tow.
Allegedly, the Pixel 11 will also slim down the bezels surrounding its 6.3-inch display, although considering both its dimensions and screen size are unchanged, I’m unsure how noticeable this difference will be once the device is actually in users’ hands. Really, the only notable design change seems to be the lack of any camera bar cover, an element initially added to dial back on the Pixel 6’s lens flare issues. Whether the same problem will affect this design remains to be seen.
In terms of specs, the Pixel 11 should be built to run on Google’s Tensor G6 processor, previously rumored to potentially use TSMC’s 2nm process alongside a new Titan M3 security coprocessor. Today’s report suggests that might also include a shift away from Samsung’s modems for MediaTek’s M9. Google apparently plans to stick with 12GB of RAM alongside a starting configuration of 128GB, despite Apple selling its own base iPhone 17 at 256GB for the exact same price. Samsung also shifted its S26 series to start at 256GB this year, but it came with a $100 price hike.
The Pixel 11 apparently being so similar to its predecessor — and its predecessor’s predecessor — is simultaneously surprising and not surprising. Last year, in the wake of the Pixel 10’s launch, Chief Design Officer Ivy Ross told Bloomberg that the company plans to refresh its design language “every two to three years.” The Pixel 11 is squarely within that range, so in some ways, it’s difficult to be disappointed. At the same time, though, it’s a bummer to see Google keeping things so safe during an anniversary year. The original Pixel turns ten in October, and in comparison to Apple’s big tenth anniversary blowout — the iPhone X — the Pixel 11 in these early renders feels a bit like a shrug.
As for pricing and availability, it’s seemingly up in the air. Another August launch seems entirely possible, especially with Android 17 on track to release earlier in the summer once again. Presumably, Google would want to hold steady at $800, especially with relatively stiff competition from both Samsung and Apple on those storage configurations. Unfortunately, those aren’t the market conditions we live in — just ask anyone trying to buy a PlayStation 5 Pro this week.
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