This year's Labor Day sales are just around the corner in the US, and Black Friday won't be far behind in the UK, so it's safe to expect big deals ahead for the best Pixel phones.

We've just reviewed the Google Pixel 11 Pro, and were mightily impressed by its new Magic Capture feature — but I'd still recommend picking up the Google Pixel 10 Pro this sales season, for reasons I'll explain in a moment.

Magic Capture on the Pixel 11 Pro automatically takes high-quality stills while you're shooting a video. Simply press the shutter button once, hold the phone as if you’re shooting a video, and press it again when you’re finished — you'll then be presented with a regular video and photos showing key moments from the scene.

In other words, this camera mode removes the need to choose whether you want photos or a video, and gives you both instead. You can see how Magic Capture plays out in the photos and video below, all of which were captured with a single tap of the shutter button when Magic Capture mode was selected:

Magic Capture is hands-down my favorite feature on the Pixel 11 Pro, and it’s something I can imagine most people making frequent use of. But despite its exclusivity to Google's new flagship, I'd still say the Google Pixel 10 Pro is the better buy this sales season — for several reasons.

A cheaper choice

Firstly, unlike the Pixel 11 Pro — which is brand new and probably won’t be reduced for a while — the Google Pixel 10 Pro is likely to be heavily discounted for Labor Day in the US, and it’s already available at a reduced price from many retailers in the UK (it's just £649 at Amazon, for instance).

That makes the 10 Pro a much better bargain than the $1,099 / £1,079 / AU$1,849 Pixel 11 Pro, especially as, even at full price, it’s still the cheaper phone (Google doubled the 11 Pro's starting storage, but kept the 10 Pro's 256GB price, effectively hiking the base cost of the Pixel 11 Pro by $100 / £80 / AU$150).

And if you’re worried about missing out on things — don’t be. There’s a good chance Magic Capture itself will land on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL within a few months, as Google’s software features tend to trickle down to the previous generation of phones over time. That 'exclusivity' I mentioned earlier may be short-lived.

Similar smartphones

And beyond Magic Capture, there’s really not that much to get excited about with the Pixel 11 Pro. HiLight under-delivers, and you actually get less RAM here, at least in the starting capacity, with the Pixel 11 Pro starting at 12GB, while the Pixel 10 Pro has 16GB in all configurations.

The new phone has a slightly more powerful chipset, sure, but for the average user, the Pixel 10 Pro should deliver strong performance anyway. And there’s little difference in their respective camera hardware, batteries, or screens (other than a higher peak brightness on the new phone).

So, if you’re in the US, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for Pixel 10 Pro sales this holiday season, before settling on the new model. And while the Labor Day sales won’t apply elsewhere, it’s still worth seeing if anywhere’s offering the Pixel 10 Pro at a heavily discounted price outside the US too — because if so, you should probably grab that rather than the Pixel 11 Pro.

Shop more of today's best Labor Day sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $99
• Appliances: up to $1,200 at Samsung
• Best Buy: 60% off appliances, TVs, laptops & more
• Casper: up to 30% off mattresses
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• DreamCloud: up to 60% off mattresses, 66% off bundles
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lowe's: $1,000 off appliances, patio & tools
• Nectar: up to 50% off mattresses, deals from $349
• Saatva: up to $625 off luxury mattresses
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off 4K, QLED & OLED TVs
• Target: 45% off clothing, tech & furniture
• Walmart: 58% off back-to-school, furniture, & clothing

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Two-minute review

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, like the rest of the new Pixel 11 phones, doesn't offer much in terms of huge upgrades over the Pixel 10 line. The Pixel 11 Pro XL's design is only slightly altered versus that of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, with a new all-glass camera bump and an LED light in place of the temperature sensor that I'm convinced no one ever used anyway.

The new color options are fun, including the matte black, despite yours truly being bored of black phones.

Inside the 11 Pro XL is Google's new Tensor G6 processor. Storage options start at 256GB, then double to 512GB and 1TB. With the base model doubling in storage from last year's 128GB entry, Google didn't lower the price to match. Instead, you're going to pay $100 / £80 / AU$150 more than last year for the entry-level XL.

Not only does it cost more to buy a Pixel phone, but Google also dropped the base model's memory from 16GB to 12GB (you'll get 16GB if you choose the 512GB or 1TB storage variants). It's unclear how much of an impact this has on the overall performance, but Google says it's made optimizations to get more out of less memory.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL's cameras are fantastic, as usual. There's a new Magic Capture mode that takes the guesswork out of recording video or snapping pics of precious moments, and is surely something parents will use a lot. However, 120x Pro Zoom is more of a parlor trick than something useful. I found that, after 30x, you're not really getting good results.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are nearly identical phones, with the XL having a larger footprint, battery, and display. As such, virtually everything I said about the 11 Pro in its review applies to the 11 Pro XL. Be sure to read my Google Pixel 11 Pro review to get a full picture of what to expect from either phone.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Price and availability

• Starts at $1,299 / £1,279 / AU$2,099 for 256GB + 12GB RAM

Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL was announced in mid-August 2026, alongside a revamp of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The new line started shipping on August 20.

Like the Pixel 11 Pro, the XL version is available in Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian. There's no longer a 128GB storage option, with Google instead bumping up the starting storage amount to 256GB. Other storage options include 512GB and 1TB. The 256GB comes with 12GB of memory — a downgrade from last year's equivalent — while the rest of the portfolio has 16GB.

Google kept the price of the 256GB model the same as last year — $1,299 / £1,279 / AU$2,099 — effectively raising the price of the 11 Pro XL by $100 / £80 / AU$150. The 512GB and 1TB models are $1,419 / £1,399 / AU$2,299 and $1,649 / £1,629 / AU$2,649, respectively.

The same base-model price hike happened across the entire Pixel 11 lineup and is becoming commonplace industry-wide. Smartphone makers like Apple, Samsung, and now Google seem to have adopted the same pricing approach, with the Pixel 11 Pro XL priced to match the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Last year's iPhone 17 Pro Max still starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149. However, that's likely to change on September 9 when Apple announces the iPhone 18 line; price increases seem inevitable.

• Value score: 3 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Specs

Here's a breakdown of the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL's key specs:

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Design

• Nearly identical design to the Pixel 10 Pro XL
• Camera bar is all glass
• Obsidian (matte) looks great

You wouldn't have to try very hard to convince me that Google recycled last year's Pixel 10 Pro XL design with the Pixel 11 Pro XL. The two phones are nearly identical, with the biggest noticeable differences being an all-glass camera bump and new colors.

I've been using the matte black model, or Obsidian (matte) as Google refers to it, and I'm obsessed. Black phones are boring, sure, but the matte finish on every single surface of the 11 Pro XL looks really nice.

There's a new scratchproof coating on the display glass that's — surprise! — supposed to make it very hard to scratch. And while I haven't been gentle with the 11 Pro XL over the last week or so, I haven't purposely tried to scratch the screen, and I don't plan on doing so.

The 11 Pro XL measures 162.6 x 76.2 x 7.6mm and weighs 226g. On the right side is a volume rocker with a sleep/wake/Gemini button just above it. Other than those buttons and a USB-C port on the bottom, the Pro XL's exterior is unblemished. It'll survive an accidental splash or two thanks to its IP68 rating.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Display

• 6.8-inch Super Actua panel
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Smooth, bright, and vivid

If you pull up Google's phone comparison tool and look at the Pixel 11 Pro XL's screen compared to the 10 Pro XL, you'll be hard-pressed to find many differences. It's still a 6.8-inch Super Actua display with a resolution of 1,334 x 2,992 and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

There's that new anti-scratch coating I previously mentioned, along with a boost in HRD and peak brightness. Peak brightness now maxes out at 3,600 nits and HDR at 2,400 nits, up from 3,300 and 2,200, respectively.

The display looks sharp and is easily viewable outside on bright days. The OLED panel does a great job with both dark and bright colors, making it easy to feel as immersed as you can on a phone.

I appreciate the larger display of the Pro XL over the Pro's smaller panel, but that's a matter of personal preference. Both are great.

• Display score: 5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Software

• HiLight needs a rethink
• Proactive Assistance is missing in action
• Rambler is just too cool

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL have the same software tricks. Android 17 is preinstalled and brings with it many Gemini features.

You can read my Google Pixel 11 Pro review for a more thorough take on the software features found in this year's crop of the Pixel Pro models, but the gist of it is this: Proactive Assistance is still something I've yet to see in action. I haven't seen a dish recommendation at a restaurant, and the conversations I've had in various apps have yet to trigger any sort of Gemini suggestion.

HiLight, a new notification light that takes the place of the temperature sensor in the camera bump, is pretty pointless in its current form. It only works during hands-free conversations with Gemini or when you receive an incoming call — when your phone is face down.

Rambler, the Pixel's new voice dictation tool, feels like a step forward for voice dictation as a whole. Talk how you normally would, make mistakes, correct yourself, and stammer through your thoughts, and Rambler will make sense of it all. It's pretty great.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Cameras

• 50MP main camera
• 48MP ultra-wide
• 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

The Pixel 11 Pro XL boasts three rear cameras: a 50MP main, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide.

I appreciate the larger screen on the 11 Pro XL when taking pictures simply because it's a larger viewfinder, and it makes framing shots easier.

One thing I noticed when testing the 11 Pro XL's 120x Pro Zoom feature is that its AI rendering powers are hit and miss.

Several photos have obvious AI-like qualities to them. For example, the smokestack I took various pictures of at different zoom levels suddenly has two ladders — one white, one black — the closer the zoom gets.

Another photo of several American flags on top of a building looks like a really bad Photoshop job, with strips placed where the stars should be, and other blatant mistakes.

I also used Pro Zoom to capture some pretty cool pics of the 96% lunar eclipse, but I'm not sure I trust what I see. Nonetheless, they look pretty darn cool.

Interestingly, to me, the photos I captured with the 11 Pro XL didn't have the same flat look as those I snapped with the smaller 11 Pro. I'm honestly not sure what's caused that difference; I took nearly identical pictures on both phones.

For my full thoughts on the Pixel 11 Pro's new camera setup, including the impressive new Magic Capture feature (which automatically takes high-quality stills while you're shooting a video), be sure to read my Google Pixel 11 Pro review.

• Camera score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Camera samples

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Performance

• Google Tensor G6 chipset
• 12GB or 16GB of memory
• 256GB starting storage

On paper, the Pixel 11 Pro XL matches a mid-range phone in the performance department. Its benchmark performance isn't impressive; it beats out three-year-old processors but falls short of current flagship models.

For example, the Pixel 11 Pro XL's Geekbench 6 single- and multi-core scores are 2,721 and 7,305, respectively. The same test on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 produces results of 2,625 and 8,430. So, the Pixel 11 Pro XL wins on single-core performance, but there's a notable drop-off in multicore, which is indicative of performance during resource-heavy tasks.

But benchmarks aren't the complete story. In my daily use with the Pixel 11 Pro XL, I haven't run into a single performance-based issue. Apps open without delay, and bouncing between multiple apps while streaming a video in picture-in-picture mode or listening to music is a process the Pixel 11 Pro XL handles without issue.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL uses Google's Tensor G6 chipset, and as previously mentioned, it comes with 12GB or 16GB of storage. Like the Pixel 11 Pro review sample, I received a 512GB/16GB sample of the Pixel 11 Pro XL. As such, I can't vouch for what the experience is like on the base model.

• Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Battery

• 5,115mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 25W wireless charging

The Pixel 11 Pro XL comes with a 5,115mAh battery and is capable of wired charging up to 45W. Support for the Qi2.2 standard also brings 25W wireless charging to the phone; Google claims 30 hours of battery life, and my experience has matched that with regular use.

My days start at 6am and usually end around 10pm, with lots of messages sent in several apps — Slack, BlueBubbles, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc. — too much doomscrolling, and plenty of interacting with Gemini.

When connected to a 65W charger, the Pixel 11 Pro XL went from completely drained to 25% in 15 minutes. At 30 minutes, it was at 49%, and it took 1 hour and 32 minutes to fully charge.

I experienced the same charging cadence with a 45W charging adapter, which I suppose is to be expected. During both of those tests, I monitored the charging output and never saw it go above 28W.

However, there's a new Extreme Charging Mode that you can enable in the quick settings panel. When running the same charging test, going from 0-100%, the Pixel 11 Pro XL charged much, much faster.

At the 15-minute mark, it was at 38%; at 30 minutes, it was at 73%; at 1 hour and 3 minutes, it was fully charged. I recorded a peak charging speed of 38W with Extreme Charging Mode turned on, which limits background activities while your battery is below 50% to increase charging speeds.

I would love to see a permanent toggle to always have Extreme Charging Mode turned on, instead of having to enable it every time you want to use it. Hopefully that's something Google implements in the future.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: Also consider

How I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro

After wrapping up my Pixel 11 Pro review, I switched to the Pixel 11 Pro XL. The phones are nearly identical, save for the latter's larger size, and as such, I didn't spend as much time with the Pro XL as the standard Pro.

That said, I went through the same testing process, just in a condensed timeframe. I chatted with Gemini, took plenty of photos, texted, scrolled, and even gamed a bit.

In other words — I lived with the phone, treating it as my daily driver.

Read more about how we test here.

• First reviewed: August 2026

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Two-minute review

Google's Pixel 11 Pro doesn't move the needle very far in terms of new design, hardware, and features. It looks almost identical to the Google Pixel 10 Pro, save for a new all-glass Camera Bar. The temperature sensor has been replaced by an LED that lights up when you're talking to Gemini or you're getting a phone call, but it's about as useful as that temp sensor was in the first place.

Inside the phone is a new Tensor G6 processor, and either 12GB or 16GB of memory. Performance during daily tasks and gaming isn't an issue, despite what Pixel naysayers may like to claim. That smaller RAM allotment is reserved for the entry-level 256GB option, while more storage means more memory for both the 512GB and 1TB models. Google didn't double the storage for nothing, however, as the 256GB model keeps its predecessor's 256GB price, effectively hiking the base cost of the Pixel 11 Pro by $100 / £80 / AU$150.

The cameras are mostly the same as those on the 10 Pro, but with some new software features that are mostly good. The new Camera Looks lets you tailor the 11 Pro's camera performance to your liking and makes it easy to switch between different settings on the fly. Magic Capture, meanwhile, makes it super easy to capture both photos and video of special moments. The new 120x Pro Zoom feature is cool, but only in limited situations; we're still trying to figure out exactly what those are.

Battery life is good enough to last all day, and if you're in a hurry, you can enable a new Extreme Charge Mode feature to top off the 11 Pro faster than non-extreme charging does.

Software-wise, the 11 Pro is loaded full of AI and Gemini features. The new Rambler voice dictation tool is really cool and will let you talk like you used to in middle school, but get rid of all the fluff and make you sound coherent.

Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro is a solid phone that doesn't move the Pixel line too far forward. Most of the new features are software and could very well come to older Pixel devices in due time. Only Google knows if or when.

That said, it's a great phone that's sure to make any older Pixel owners happy. Or, if you've been tempted to jump into Samsung or Apple's ecosystem, come on over; the Pixel 11 Pro's water is fine.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Price and availability

• Starts at $1,099 / £1,079 / AU$1,849 for 256GB + 12GB RAM

Google announced the Pixel 11 Pro alongside a refresh of the entire Pixel lineup — except the Pixel 10a — on August 12, with an official launch date of August 20.

The Pixel 11 Pro is available in four colors: Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian. Google did away with the 128GB base storage model, and instead is offering 256GB and 512GB storage allotments with 12GB and 16GB of memory, respectively. The base model has less RAM than the Pixel 10 Pro, dropping from 16GB to 12GB.

However, instead of keeping the previous starting price of $999 / £999 / AU $1,699 for the base model, the Pixel 11 Pro now starts at $1,099 / £1,079 / AU$1,849 for 256GB or $1,219 / £1,199 / AU$2,049 for 512GB. Sure, you're getting double the storage, but you're also getting less memory and paying more.

Price increases are something we're seeing across all smartphone makers, and even though it's our new reality, it doesn't make it any easier to accept.

That said, the Pixel 11 Pro's starting price is in line with comparable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 Pro.

• Value score: 3 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Specs

Here's a breakdown of the Google Pixel 11 Pro's key specs:

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Design

• Similar design to the Pixel 10 Pro
• Camera bar is now all glass

There isn't much to talk about in terms of design changes between the 11 Pro and the 10 Pro. It's hard to tell the two apart unless you look closely. I'm undecided if that's a bad thing — I rather liked the design of the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL.

The biggest difference is the camera bar that now features an all-glass design instead of a mix of glass and metal. The thermometer sensor has been replaced with a notification light, which Google calls HiLight. I go into more detail about HiLight in the software section, but after under a week of use, I'd say it's just as useful as the thermometer sensor. As in — there's really no point to it right now.

Along with a revamped camera bar, Google claims the display has a new coating that makes it twice as scratchproof. I haven't put that claim to the test.

The Pixel 11 Pro measures 152.7 x 71.9 x 8.4mm and weighs 204g. The volume and sleep/wake buttons live on the right edge, with a USB-C port on the bottom edge of the phone. It's IP68 rated, meaning it should have no issues surviving a plunge in the pool.

It's available in four colors, all of which I happen to rather like. Google sent me the Olive version of the 11 Pro and the Obsidian (Matte) version of the 11 Pro XL. I've grown rather bored of black or white phones, so I'm pretty fond of the Olive option and imagine I'd be just as happy with Fog or Canyon. They're fun colors. I like fun.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Display

• Direct sunlight isn't an issue
• Crisp, clear and sharp

The Pixel 11 Pro's display is nearly a 1:1 match to the Pixel 10 Pro's on the spec sheet. It's a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1,280 x 2856 resolution and a 1-120Hz refresh rate.

Where the 11 Pro breaks away is with brightness, offering a 2,400-nit HDR peak and up to 3,600 nits outdoors. That's up from 2,200 and 3,300, respectively, on the Pixel 10 Pro.

I had no complaints about the Pixel 10 Pro XL's screen, and the same can be said about the 11 Pro's. I can use it outside in direct sunlight without issue, and the small bump in overall brightness helps ensure content remains visible.

There's really nothing groundbreaking about this screen, but the bar was already high. Colors are bright and vibrant for binge-watching videos on YouTube, while text and graphics look clear and sharp when scrolling Reddit. You won't have any display-related problems with the Pixel 11 Pro.

• Display score: 5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Software

• HiLight is pretty pointless
• Gemini is everywhere you look
• Rambler feels like a leap forward for voice dictation

The Pixel 11 Pro ships with Android 17 and is chock-full of Gemini features — including Proactive Assistance, which Google says will proactively make recommendations and surface information without you explicitly requesting it throughout the operating system.

For example, if someone asks you about an upcoming flight, it's supposed to find and present your flight time without you leaving the conversation. It's also capable of showing meal suggestions for the restaurant you're at in the At a Glance widget.

After over a week of use, I can't tell you whether or not anything I've experienced on the Pixel 11 Pro has been from Proactive Assistance. I certainly haven't seen any meal recommendations when at a restaurant, and nobody's asked me about an upcoming flight. I'm sure, eventually, maybe, perhaps, I'll see a recommendation and the promised magic will make sense, but right now: Meh.

The same can be said for the new HiLight feature. Google swapped out the temperature sensor in the camera bump and replaced it with a multi-color light. The indicator light is reminiscent of my BlackBerry days, when I'd have specific colors set for important contacts and on an app-by-app basis.

Right now, HiLight's only triggered during two very specific scenarios: when you're interacting with Google Gemini hands-free, and when one of your contacts saved as a favorite is calling. It's only active when your phone is face down.

I've triggered Gemini a few times with the Pixel 11 Pro sitting on my desk for the sole reason of invoking HiLight. The animations and various colors are fun to look at, but I rarely talk to Gemini hands-free. And if I do, it's usually while holding the phone, when I long-press the side button and ask about something on my screen (super handy), so the light doesn't come into play at all.

But where HiLight really falls short is the fact that it's limited to just phone calls right now. I can't tell you how often my phone rings, but I can say it's not a lot.

That said, my most used and loved Pixel feature has long been the ability to place the phone face down on my desk during meetings and instantly have do not disturb turned enabled. It effectively cuts me off from the outside world. So when I first read rumors about HiLight, I wasn't very happy.

"Google is ruining my favorite Pixel feature!", I yelled alone in my office.

So, part of me is glad the LED light is so crippled. I'd surely fall victim to enabling it beyond phone calls and be far more distracted during meetings than I'd like.

Google hasn't said if it plans on bringing more apps to HiLight, including those made by third parties, but a developer has already figured out how to do just that. You need to be comfortable with sideloading and reactivating the feature every time your phone reboots — but it's possible with HiLight Studio.

If you're someone who often uses voice dictation instead of tapping on a glass display, you'll love Google's new voice-input tool, Rambler. I rarely use voice dictation, simply because it's historically been so bad, often requiring extra time to fix mistakes.

However, Rambler feels like it's a big step in the right direction. You activate it following the same steps you always have, start talking, and when you're done, you're given a clean block of text, without any awkward pauses and filler words. If you say 'um' a lot, or repeat words while trying to finish your thought, Rambler strips all of that out.

After reviewing your text, you can then tell Rambler which words to fix or ask it to rewrite the entire thing with a different tone.

I don't know if it'll get me to start using voice dictation more often, but I can say it's pretty darn cool.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Cameras

• 50MP main camera
• 48MP ultra-wide
• 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
• Magic Capture is a nice addition

The Pixel 11 Pro has three rear cameras: a 50MP main, a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide.

There have been slight changes to the sensors and image processor of the Tensor G6, but the most notable improvements to the camera setup of the Pixel 11 Pro lineup this year come in the form of new features.

There's a new 120x Pro Zoom for far-away shots, a new Camera Looks option for fine-tuning photos based on your preferences, and a Magic Capture feature that eliminates the need to decide when to take a video or photo.

I've tested the 120x Pro Zoom on a wide range of subjects, from people to random ducks to buildings — and it's hit or miss. There's a clear degradation of image quality and an increase in the AI-like look to the pictures the more you zoom. I'd say it's nothing but diminishing returns after you get past 30x.

When taking a 120x photo of my son from across five tennis courts, he ended up looking more like a watercolor painting than a standard photo. However, a 120x photo of the spire on our town hall — well, it doesn't look terrible. Not great, but not terrible.

The new Camera Looks feature is neat, and something the iPhone has had for a couple of years now, in that you can preset your preferred settings for things like contrast and brightness, save it as a look, and use it going forward. Google includes a few Looks to get you started. I'm not sure how many people are going to dive into tweaking and creating their own look, but the option is good and welcome.

Magic Capture is by far the most notable new feature on the Pixel 11 Pro; it's a dedicated shooting mode in the Camera app. When selected, you press the shutter button and hold the phone and frame the subject as if you're recording a video. Tap the shutter button again when you're done.

Then, when you go into the Photos app, you'll see a series of photos and videos from the session. It's very much like Google Clips, the standalone camera Google released in 2017 and abandoned soon after.

I used Magic Capture to get pictures and videos of my niece playing volleyball, and I was totally skeptical going into it. However, after letting Magic Capture do its thing — which also requires some processing after the fact — I was pleasantly surprised to see short video clips of her in action and not just standing around waiting for the ball. There were also several photos of her diving for or setting a ball that made sense — situations I would have tried to capture on my own, sometimes successfully and sometimes not.

Here's an example of Magic Capture being used to snap a moving train:

Overall, the photo quality of the Pixel 11 Pro sticks to Google's tried-and-true results. That said, I do have to admit that the pics from the 11 Pro feel a little flat to me. Colors aren't as bright and vibrant as I'd normally see, but with some small tweaks to create my own Look, I'm sure I could boost saturation and get the results I wanted.

Then again, there's nothing really wrong with the settings out of the box.

• Camera score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Camera samples

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Performance

• Google Tensor G6 chipset
• 12GB or 16GB memory
• 256GB starting storage

I'll get the potentially controversial part out of the way: I don't have any issues with the Pixel 11 Pro's performance. It's handled everything I've thrown at it with ease.

That includes watching YouTube live streams while scrolling through Reddit, triaging my inbox, the occasional gaming session in Asphalt Legends, and fumbling my way through a Fortnite match using only touch controls. I'm so bad.

Before I go much further, let's cover the basics. Inside the Pixel 11 Pro is Google's Tensor G6 processor, which boasts better and faster image processing and improved on-device Gemini capabilities. The amount of memory you get is based on how much storage your phone has. If you order the 256GB base model, you're getting 12GB. If you order anything above that, you're getting 16GB.

Google claims it's made improvements to memory usage, and Pixel owners with 12GB of memory shouldn't have any performance issues.

I received a 512GB model with 16GB of memory. As such, I can only speak to my experience with that specific build. I don't know if Google really has optimized Gemini and the rest of the AI features to leverage less memory.

The entire reason there's an industry-wide memory shortage, along with rising costs, is because AI relies heavily on memory. Reducing the amount of memory in a phone that boasts a lot of AI features seems counterintuitive.

But I digress.

On paper, Pixels have never been the fastest phones. The same goes for the Pixel 11 Pro compared to other current flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S26.

The latter beats the Pixel 11 Pro across the board in Geekbench 6 and 3DMark benchmark testing, and while Google's phone does actually beat something like the Motorola Razr Plus 2026 in the same tests, the Razr uses a processor that debuted three years ago. Google's Tensor G6 chipset is box-fresh.

However, in daily use, the Pixel 11 Pro delivered consistent, reliable performance no matter what I was doing. I haven't had a single moment where it felt underpowered or like it wasn't living up to what I'd expect from a flagship phone in 2026. Benchmark scores can be useful, but they rarely tell the whole story.

• Performance score: 3 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Battery

• 4,850mAh battery
• 30W wired charging
• 25W wireless charging

The Pixel 11 Pro has a 4,850mAh battery and supports up to 30W charging. That battery is only slightly smaller than the Pixel 10 Pro's 4,870mAh cell, but Google estimates battery life at over 30 hours (up from 24 hours last year), and I'd say that's mostly accurate.

On days when I streamed far too many YouTube videos or played Asphalt Legends, battery life still lasted the entire day, but I had to charge overnight.

To test the Pixel 11 Pro's charging speed, I completely drained the battery, plugged it into a 45W power adapter, waited for the phone to boot up, and then turned on Extreme Charging Mode — a new feature, making its debut with the Pixel 11 line.

When enabled — and while your battery is under 50% — Extreme Charging Mode limits background activities to increase charging speeds.

At the 15-minute mark, the 11 Pro reached 25%. At an hour, it was at 86% and reached 100% in under 90 minutes.

And the result? Extreme charging does make a difference in charging speed.

I ran a charging test without it enabled, and the Pixel 11 charged to 24% in 15 minutes, 71% in an hour, and fully charged in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Even though the 15-minute results were nearly identical, the rest of the charging process was faster. It's worth enabling if you're in a hurry.

In addition to the new extreme fast charging feature, the Pixel 11 Pro now supports 25W wireless charging and the Qi2.2 standard, and it includes the required magnets in the phone itself (unlike Samsung devices) to attach any compatible accessories like wallets, mounts, or to hold it in place on magnetic wireless charging pads.

I'm an avid user of all things MagSafe/PixelSnap/whatever marketing name you want to apply to a ring of magnets on the back of a phone.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: Also consider

How I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro

I was on a road trip dropping my daughter off at college when the Pixel 11 Pro arrived at my house. It was waiting for me when I got back home, and I immediately set it up and started testing it. I've spent just over a week using it for work and play, as if it was my personal device.

That means I spent a lot of time chatting with Gemini, taking photos and the occasional video, texting with friends and family, and playing the occasional game. I also spent my fair share of time doomscrolling on social networks I should have ditched long ago.

I even have a BlueBubbles server set up at my house, which allows me to continue my iMessage conversations — the platform of choice for my entire family — while testing Android phones.

Read more about how we test here.

• First reviewed: August 2026

Just a quick PSA, folks. Amazon's excellent opening promotion on the new Google Pixel 11 series is still available this week, but it likely won't be for much longer now that the initial preorders phase has passed.

For those who don't know, you can currently get a gift card of up to $200 in value when you pick up one of the latest devices. That's eligible for all sizes and colors, but the value of the card may differ depending on what model you go for.

For example, the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL both have a $200 gift card, whereas the standard Pixel 11 is available with a $100 gift card. That's still a very handy bonus, however.

If you've got an older phone ready to hand over, you could also consider trading it in for an additional discount. Right now, the rebates are capped at $600 off, which isn't bad considering this Amazon listing is for an unlocked device. Unlike with carrier promotions, there's no plan or other criteria needed to be eligible for a discount.

Get a $200 gift card with the Pixel 11 Pro at Amazon

• See more: check out all of today's phone deals at Amazon

Amazon has offered similar discounts on previous releases from Google and Samsung recently, but the gift cards have tended to disappear pretty quickly after the initial pre-order phase. I don't expect this promotion to be any different on the Pixel 11 series, so it's definitely worth considering getting a gift card 'while stocks last', so to speak.

It's also worth mentioning that Amazon could host another Prime Day event for 2026 later this year. Previously, the retailer has tended to host one event in the Summer and one in the Fall, usually around mid-October. If that's the case again this year (and I expect it will be), then the $200 gift card here could be very handy indeed for some pre-Black Friday shopping.

If you're interested, I've also rounded up a few more of this week's best Pixel 11 deals just down below.

More of this week's best Google Pixel 11 deals

Pre-orders for Google’s new Pixel 11 range have now wrapped up, with most retailer offers and deals finished, and you can now get your hands on them immediately.

All three Pixel 11 bar-style phones get a newly redesigned camera bump, along with brand-new LED notification lights within the flash module called ‘HiLight’. They also get a new Tensor G6, and now all start with 12GB of RAM — a decrease from the 16GB of RAM that the base Pro models had in last year’s Pixels.

Like many flagship releases thus far, the Google flagships have higher starting prices compared to their predecessors — like AU$1,499 for the base Pixel 11 — although thankfully storage options now start at 256GB instead of 128GB in last year’s handsets.

If you're keen to get one of Google's latest smartphones, then, understandably, paying one off in monthly instalments will likely be a popular option, instead of paying the full amount outright.

If you’re going the telco route, you’ll be pleased to hear that most of their pre-order specials have been extended to as late as October, with savings of up to AU$1,000. We’ve compared all the deals on offer and have highlighted the best ones below.

Best Pixel 11 plans

The best overall Pixel 11 plan

The best premium Pixel 11 plan

Compare Pixel 11 plans

Best Pixel 11 Pro plans

Compare Pixel 11 Pro plans

Best Pixel 11 Pro XL plans

The best Pixel 11 Pro XL plan overall

The best premium Pixel 11 Pro XL plan

Compare Pixel 11 Pro XL plans

Outright Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL deals

Spending up to AU$2,299 in one go on a phone isn't viable for everyone, but if you can swing it, you will end up saving more in the long run. The Pixel lineup also often gets regular discounts — sometimes even just a few months after launch (like the Black Friday sales). If that’s the route you're looking to explore, we recommend pairing your new phone with one of our best SIM-only plans to keep costs down.

Multiple retailers stock the Pixel 11 lineup, with some stores running their own discounts at various times of the year. This gives you plenty of options for purchasing any of the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro models outright, and you can compare retailers’ prices in the widget below:

What’s new with the Google Pixel 11 lineup?

Google has kept its four-phone lineup this year, comprising the standard Google Pixel 11, the Google Pixel 11 Pro and larger Pro XL, and Google's premium foldable, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. What are the new worthwhile features and how do they compare? Here's a quick breakdown.

Let's start with the Tensor G6 chipset that powers the entire range of new Pixel 11 phones. This is a direct upgrade to the previous G5 chip, boasting a 20% faster CPU, 50% faster TPU and a 20% improvement in power efficiency. That means faster overall performance, a more efficient battery and speedier processing for AI features.

Google phones have always been good for photos, too, and that theme continues with the Pixel 11 range. The base Pixel and the Pro Fold can now zoom in 30x (up from 20x), while the Pro and Pro XL get a whopping 120x zoom, up from 100x in last year’s handsets, thanks in part to a new 48MP telephoto sensor (that also has a 30% increase in light sensitivity.

You also get a new Magic Capture feature, which uses AI to automatically pull the best individual frames from video recordings as high-res HDR photos. You can also choose to reduce heavy photo processing or emulate retro camera styles with the new Camera Looks feature.

One notable feature is HiLight: a multi-colour LED light array in the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL’s camera flash module that glows when Gemini is activated or lights up with a chosen colour assigned to a specific contact.

Altogether, there are some decent upgrades across the new Pixel 11 lineup. With frequent discounts, you could come away with an awesome new phone at a great price, too.

Google Pixel 11 and 11 Pro specs comparison

As TechRadar's Cameras Editor and a professional photographer, I regularly have my hands on top-rated camera gear. However, my absolute favorite photo that I took this month was casually snapped with my Google Pixel 8 Pro smartphone.

I used my Pixel's dedicated Long Exposure photography mode, which, unlike the latest iPhones, has its own space in the camera app and makes what is otherwise a fairly complicated technique with my pro mirrorless camera really quite simple.

Is my photo technically perfect? No. I took it and several similar shots handheld while taking a walk on a beach with a friend. If you look closely at the fine detail, it's a little blurry in parts. To really get the best out of this mode, a tripod support or firm surface would have yielded technically better results, but it really wasn't the moment for serious gear.

And considering these images were made with my phone, handheld, the results really are something. I'm not surprised, mind you — the Long Exposure mode was made available to Pixel phones a few years ago, and I have regularly been using it ever since.

If you use a Pixel phone, it's a mode well worth playing around with — you might just bag a frame-worthy shot. And if you shoot with an iPhone, I'll quickly explain how to get this effect in the camera app.

Long exposure, explained

There's very little to run through with the Google Pixel's Long Exposure mode. It has its own place in the camera app, and you simply try to keep the camera as steady as possible during capture, much like you would with the Night Sight mode.

Long Exposure blurs movement, while keeping stationary subjects in sharp focus. It works particularly well for blurring fast movement, say, of moving water or traffic light trails at night, but a Pixel is less suitable for truly long exposure photography — of moving clouds, for instance — because there's a limit on the time of exposure.

Once you've taken a photo using the Long Exposure, the image appears in your gallery alongside the standard photo without the effect applied (see below). For some of the photos in this article, I've taken them into the editor and played around with the exposure and color settings — I think the black and white edit looks particularly striking — and made other edits such as straightening the horizon.

If you shoot with an iPhone, it is possible to get the same effect, but not through a dedicated mode like Pixel has — instead, it's buried in the Live Photo interface (or you can try the Spectre app). At night, iPhone also has Night Mode Max for long exposure astro shots.

For daytime long exposures, you'll need to enable the Live Photo mode (which effectively takes a three-second video and selects the best frame for your gallery). Next, hit the Live button in the top left of your photo in the gallery, select Long Exposure, and your iPhone will produce a long exposure shot from the frames in that Live Photo sequence. This handy YouTube Shorts explainer takes you through the process.

The same advice for technique applies — keep the camera steady. However, we've played around with the iPhone's Long Exposure editor in the TechRadar office, and it's not quite as effective as the Pixel's.

Hopefully, one day we'll see Apple release a dedicated mode for this shooting style, because iPhone users are missing out — it really is the kind of effect that can bag you framable shots.

Have you tried long exposure photography with your Pixel, iPhone, or other camera gear? Do share your experiences in the comments below.

• The Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature can't do much out of the box, but a new app changes that
• Called HiLight Studio, this lets you use HiLight with any app and customize the colors and patterns
• However, setting it up requires jumping through far more hoops than a typical app

HiLight seems like it should be the big new addition for the Google Pixel 11 Pro series. This LED on the back of the phone can light up in a selection of colors, alerting you to calls from favorite contacts and letting you know when Gemini is active, but out of the box, that’s all it can do.

It can’t interact with any other app, and even for Gemini and favorite contacts, it’s limited in its customization, leading our Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review to describe HiLight as “not a must-have,” while some other publications went even further, with Android Authority calling it “pointless,” and GSMArena describing it as “borderline useless.”

Clearly, then, HiLight isn’t the headline addition it could and perhaps should have been — but an app developer has taken it into their own hands to change that.

X user @Dhananjay_Tech has created an app called HiLight Studio that lets you activate the HiLight LED for notifications from any app, or when launching an app. You can also customize the color or pattern of the LED, and the app is free of both charges and adverts.

A hassle to install

That said, there are some potential issues here. For one thing, it was reportedly vibe coded using AI, which doesn’t fully inspire confidence, and it’s also not available as a download from Google Play. Instead, you need to download the app from GitHub, install the Shizuku app, and then activate HiLight Studio through that, by finding the downloaded GitHub file on Shizuku and selecting Setup > Request access.

This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s a lot more hassle than a typical app, and the app also needs restarting manually each time you reboot your phone.

These requirements have led to mixed reactions on Reddit, with one user saying “this is so much better” than the standard HiLight functionality, while another argued “requires Shizuku... so complete non-starter,” and other comments taking a similar mix of perspectives.

The hope, regardless, is that Google might soon embrace HiLight’s full potential through an update, so you don’t have to turn to third-party apps. But for now, this at least is a way to get more out of what could have been a really cool feature.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Two-minute review

In our fast-moving and AI-juiced world of technology, the Google Pixel Fold 11 Pro Fold poses this question: is mere refinement good enough? After all, at a glance, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is indistinguishable from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold — at least until you take a closer look.

This new flexible-display phone is a cleaner and more elegant-looking device than its predecessor. It has tighter curves, thinner black bezels, and a smaller, refashioned camera bump. The 6.5-inch cover screen is larger, while still fitting within the same-size chassis.

Even the hinge is trimmer, appearing more flush with the overall body, which also happens to be considerably lighter than the last model. The hinge mechanics have been reengineered for smoother operation, and the main display is flatter and less noticeably creased.

The refinements continue under the hood, with a more powerful Google Tensor 6 CPU with a refreshing 2nm process. There's also the unusual addition of a HiLight LED module on the back that, when the phone is face down, can tell you about incoming calls, or give a visual complement to your hands-free Gemini interactions.

None of these elements, though, add up to a sea change for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and, while the latest Gemini AI enhancements give it some exciting and powerful new features, you might be hard-pressed to justify an upgrade from the last-generation 10 Pro Fold. The leap from, say, the OG foldable Pixel, which had a shape more closely resembling the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, or even 2024's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be more significant.

This is still, though, a foldable that operates in the shadow of both the exciting new Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the quite powerful and larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which I also just reviewed. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold lacks the CPU power and camera performance of the Ultra, and the thinness and lightness of both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, and so falls short of being a head-turning alternative.

I still like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold for its large and bright screen, generally strong performance (despite lower benchmark scores compared to Samsung's new foldables), and overall strong photography, even if its cameras don't quite match up to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's. When compared to the similarly priced Galaxy Z Fold 8, however, it's the clear camera winner (adding a nice 5x optical zoom camera).

It also handily beats virtually all other foldables on dust resistance, achieving an IP68 water and dust protection rating, while Samsung's folds can only promise IP48 for water. In addition, the Pixel Fold is the rare Android to support MagSafe-style charging with Pixel Snap, which is an embedded magnetic ring that connects to virtually any MagSafe wireless charger and Google's PixelStand accessory lineup.

Overall, Google has nudged the Pixel Fold forward to a visually pleasing and performance-satisfying space — but I still look forward to a big leap in design and camera performance next year.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Price and availability

• Flagship-level foldable at a slightly more reasonable price
• It is more expensive than last year, though that's likely due to RAM shortages and pricing issues
• Only two color options

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold alongside the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL on August 12. The phone costs $1,899 / £1,799 / AU$2,770, which, in the US, is $100 more than the previous model. With RAM prices squeezing everyone, the price hike is unsurprising, and is unlikely to dissuade potential buyers.

That price, by the way, also puts it in alignment with the smaller and rather interesting Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which which has a list price of $1,899.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,699.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is on sale now, as is available in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Olive. Our test unit arrived in Olive, which I think looks more like Sage, and it's a nice-looking color.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Specs

Here's a breakdown of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold's key specs:

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Design

• Cleaner look with tighter hinge
• Slightly thinner that 10 Pro Fold
• Much lighter
• Camera bump is smaller

For some, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be an acquired taste. The asymmetrical design, which features a flat edge and corners on one side and curves on the other, has not always been everyone's cup of tea. It's a design that's been around for a few generations now, but it still only makes full sense when you unfold the phone so that the larger 8-inch display is surrounded by four gently curved corners.

On one edge is a power/sleep/Gemini button that also doubles as an effective fingerprint reader (you can, as I did, also register your face for biometric security and add a PIN). Below that is the volume rocker. The SIM slot has moved from the top edge of the device to the bottom (eSIM is supported as well). On opposite edges are the stereo speakers, which can get loud enough to fill a room with clear sound that, no surprise, is mostly lacking in bass.

When I hold the folded phone in one hand, though, any dissonance quickly disappears, especially because the front features a full-sized 6.5-inch display, one that is wider than the cover screen on the similarly sized Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. While I get into the displays later, it's worth noting here that the appearance of the cover display is far more elegant now that Google has trimmed back the black bezel running around the cover display.

At 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches / 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm when folded, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is virtually the same size as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but looks can be deceiving. It is ever-so-slightly thinner and, more importantly, the phone has somehow lost 19 grams and now weighs just 239g. That makes the phone much more comfortable to hold. Despite this, it's still not as light as the Z Fold 8 Ultra (215g) or the Z Fold 8 (201g). So if weight is a factor for you, you might want to investigate the Samsung line.

The phone is built out of a combination of high-strength aluminum and aerospace-grade steel. On the front is ceramic glass, and on the back is a composite material with a truly pleasing satin finish. I really like that the back of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is slightly rougher than the last model; it feels wonderful in the hand.

The overall cleaner look is enhanced by the redesigned hinge. When the phone is folded, the hinge back sits almost flush with the rest of the phone's rear edges. Going deeper, Google reengineered the mechanism. While the phone is easier to open, the action feels somehow surer. That new hinge helps make the phone almost perfectly flat when open, and has helped to reduce the crease visibility (though it is still visible and, yes, you can feel it when you run your finger over that area).

One slightly concerning thing I did notice is that when I unfolded the phone and then flexed the display a tiny bit (basically pushing back on either side to force it open a tiny bit more), I heard a clicking sound coming from the flexible display. There was nothing wrong with the screen, and while I could not see what was making the sound, I was able to repeat it. Fortunately, the sound eventually stopped; perhaps it was just the phone settling in.

On the bright side, this is the only foldable I know of that, with an IP68 rating, can withstand water and dust. Would I take the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the beach? Maybe. I'd certainly have more confidence taking the Pixel than a member of the Galaxy Z 8 lineup, all of which are only rated IP48 for water protection. By the way, my test unit handled a test-dunk in the iconic fountain in Manhattan's Bryant Park like a champ.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Displays

• Larger cover screen
• Both displays go to a bright 3,600 nits
• Resolution of each display slightly beaten by Z Fold 8 Ultra

Like so many other things with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the device's pair of displays are not radically different from the last model's, but there are enough incremental improvements to still make them competitive and appealing.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the slightly larger OLED cover screen, which is now, thanks to a much thinner black bezel around it, 6.5 inches instead of 6.4 inches. The flexible main OLED panel is still eight inches.

Resolution on the two screens is virtually unchanged, with the larger cover display somehow losing a few pixels and ppi. On the 10 Pro Fold, it was a 2364 x 1080 display at 408ppi. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is 2342 x 1080 and 399ppi. Trust me, you won't notice the difference. The main 8-inch flexible screen is 2076 x 2152, which is the same as the last model. Neither screen matches the resolutions of the displays found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Both screens get a nice brightness bump, with a max brightness of 3,600 nits. In direct sunlight at the seemingly always-sunny Bryant Park, both the cover and main screens did an excellent job of shining through the sun, so that I could easily navigate any menu, and effectively use the phone in folded and unfolded modes.

Both screens default to adaptive refresh mode, which extends from 1 to 120Hz. With it on, scrolling is silky smooth. It's also not bad in non-adaptive mode, which I assume is 60Hz, and which has the added benefit of saving on battery life.

Consuming virtually any kind of content on either screen is a pleasure, although for a sit-back-and-enjoy experience, nothing beats the unfolded 8-inch display. I used it to play games, browse the web, and stream Netflix (outdoors over a strong T-Mobile 5G connection).

That screen is large enough to support multitasking. I easily split the screen in two to have a website on one side and photos on the other. There's also a bubble feature that essentially allows you to have a third app running (as long as it supports the function), which you can drag to one side of the screen or the other. That bubble app will continue running in the background unless you actively shut it down (you can drag it to the trash).

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Cameras

• Three good cameras
• 5x optical zoom is much appreciated
• Google is in danger of falling behind on the camera front
• Tons of photographic tools
• Magic Capture shows potential

No smartphone category has more cameras than folding phones, as in addition to the typical maximum of three lenses on the back of the phone, and a selfie camera, you get an extra selfie lens on the main screen. In total, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has five cameras; unfortunately, they are mostly unchanged from the last model. Here's what you get:

• 48MP wide
• 10.5MP ultrawide
• 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical)
• 10MP selfie (main screen)
• 10MP selfie (cover screen)

There's nothing wrong with these lenses and, with a larger sensor on the main camera compared to the 10 Pro Fold, Google has promised better low-light performance.

Still, when I compare this with what I can get on, say, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (200MP main and 50MP ultrawide), it all seems a little lacking. At least the Pixel outdoes Samsung on the zoom front, offering 5x optical zoom on a 10.8MP sensor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra tops out at 3x optical with a 10MP sensor. The Pixel's two 10MP selfie cameras are good, if unremarkable.

In a vacuum, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent photos — images you'd be proud to show off to friends and family and share on social media. I also, though, did some quick comparisons with my iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

There was a time when Google was credited with the best smartphone camera quality — its Pixel line even won MKHBD's Blind Smartphone Camera test between 2022 and 2024. In the past I've kept my praise of Pixel phone cameras somewhat muted, though I would have credited them with being generally on par with Apple, and usually surpassing Samsung.

In recent years, though, Apple, and especially Samsung, have upped their image-processing games, and this year I'm noticing that while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes excellent shots, they are not necessarily better than, and sometimes not as good as, similar photos from the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Some of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold photos are grainy or a bit flat, especially those from the ultrawide. I think this is mostly due to the lack of pixels. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, has 48MP to work with, though it defaults to shooting at 24MP. Even so, that's simply more information in each pixel.

While I got mostly punchy, clear colors, the photo I took of a bright-pink crash helmet on a printed car track surface was disappointing. The orange from the track lines seems to have affected the helmet color, giving it an overall faint orange tint (an effect you may not be able to detect on your screen), something I did not detect in the same image from the Z Fold 8 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

I took a bunch of portrait-mode shots, and while I liked them, I also noticed that the Pixel could be a little heavy-handed with the cutouts. In one case, the bokeh cut away a tuft of my subject's hair. The iPhone seems to take a more subtle approach here.

There are a lot of AI-assisted photo features, including Camera Coach, which guided me on how to get a better picture of the fountain by reframing to cut out a distracting person, and the Magic Eraser, which I can apply by using my voice. I asked it to remove a guy in a blue shirt from one of my photos, and it did such a good job that you couldn't even tell the guy was ever there.

I also tried out one of the newest features: Magic Capture. This is an interesting hybrid capture feature that essentially uses video to help you capture — or not miss — the perfect shot.

As I was walking through Bryant Park, I came across some bocci ball players. I set myself up opposite them, and selected the Gemini icon next to the camera icon to enable Magic Capture. This opens an interface that is essentially video capture. You point your camera at the subject, hit record, and then stop recording when you think you might have your shot.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold analyzes the video using AI, and identifies the perfect frames. In my case, I shot as the men were pitching their bocci balls. The AI presented me with a few best shot options I could save, and I was pleased to see that it always managed to capture the bocci balls mid-flight for the most dramatic shots. It also, however, holds onto low-resolution video of the entire capture. I'm not sure I need or want that.

Macro shots and low-light shots look generally good, though the latter are not necessarily better than what I get from other flagship-grade smartphones. Video shot up to 4K also looks good.

Overall, I think this is a good camera system that should satisfy most casual photographers. But I also think it will leave some wishing for more megapixels.

• Camera score: 3.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Software

• Android 17
• Easy access to Gemini
• No duplicate apps

Google's Pixels may be my favorite Android phones because they're the closest thing we have to a pure-play Android interface. There's no duplicate gallery or web browser. The RCS messenger is the only one. It's a simplicity I've always appreciated.

Like other Pixels, the 11 Pro Fold also gets the latest Gemini technology, with a host of AI features that you may or may not use.

There are live translations for video, location-based suggestions, proactive actions, and automations in chats. Some of these tools work better the longer you've been using the phone, or when you allow Gemini to, say, connect to your other Google apps, so they can learn more about you and be, well, proactive.

Some, like Rambler and ASL-to-Text (for American Sign Language), are truly impressive. Rambler is the perfect speech-to-text tool for the mumblers among us, and while I have not used ASL-to-Text, I did see an inspiring demonstration during the Pixel launch. The phone and AI's ability to not only see and interpret the signs, but also facial expressions for emotional intent is kind of mind-blowing. I keep thinking that this is what technology and, especially, AI are really for.

Gemini remains a great tool for on-the-fly insights and, assuming you give it access, can see what's on your screen or even in your files, if you enable functions like Connected Apps and Gemini Live screen-sharing.

I especially like hands-free use, where I call out "Hey Google," and Gemini responds.

The new HiLight module (the white LED on the camera bump that's usually reserved for a flash) is a nifty little visual cue that Gemini is in use. It only works when the phone is face down. While I initially struggled to make it work, Google applied some backend updates, and now, when I say, “Hey Google,” the LED lights up in blue and white, animating as I ask questions, as it thinks, and then as it gives me answers (its voice and those answers come through the phone’s speaker system).

HiLight’s other purpose is letting me know when someone I know is calling me. To activate that, I went into Contacts and assigned my wife one of five HiLight colors. Now, when she calls — when my Pixel 11 Pro Fold is face-down on the table — the HiLight pulses in a very visible green.

HiLight is a cool, playful addition that might become even more useful when Google adds notifications like Messages for your high-priority contacts and other third-party app alerts. For now, though, it's more of a curiosity, and not necessarily a reason to buy or upgrade to this phone.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Performance

• New Google Tensor G6
• 16GB of RAM
• Base storage of 256GB is a necessary upgrade

Google has never produced the fastest ARM chips, but they are powerful and well-equipped for our AI reality, and the new Tensor G6 is no different. It posted strong GeekBench 7 benchmarks, but also ones that fell short of results I can get from Apple's A19 Pro and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. The differences are not vast, and I'd contend that in most day-to-day use scenarios you'll never notice the difference. Most modern flagships now have more processing power than they can use.

It's also good news that the SoC is backed by 16GB of RAM, a hearty amount to support local AI operations, and 256GB of storage (to start — you can go up to 1TB) to give you enough room to store all your photos, videos, files, and, yes, AI creations.

The Tensor G6 is, by the way, one of the first 2nm process chips in a flagship device. That could translate to better performance and, especially, more efficiency, which might mean better battery life.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Battery

• 4,806mAh battery
• Yes, the battery is smaller
• Google is still promising all-day battery life

Yes, the battery has dropped from approximately 5,000mAh to 4,806mAh, but somehow you can still anticipate a full day of battery life — although how you define a full day will vary from user to user. With intermittent use, I got more than 24 hours of battery life. Our harsher Labs-based battery run-down test (with screen smoothness on) recorded about 12 hours.

Still, I suspect the generally decent battery life despite the smaller battery pack is in part due to the Tensor 6 processor and its 2nm process. As I mentioned, the 2m process is more efficient, and can help the SoC sip power as opposed to suck it away.

Your mileage, though, will certainly vary.

The other standout benefit of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's battery system is its Pixel Snap support. Think of this as Android's answer to Apple's MagSafe charging. As with all modern iPhones, there's a hidden magnet inside the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's chassis that will magnetically hug a Pixel Snap Qi-based charge stand — and, yes, it works perfectly with all MagSafe ones, too. Why Samsung has not added this feature to all its phones is beyond me.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Also consider

How I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrived late and to the wrong house, which meant I had a little less time with it than I would have preferred. Still, between my early hands-on time and my days of testing, I've gotten a clear sense of the qualities, and minor deficits, of Google's only foldable device.

I've used it for work, play, and communication. I spent time with Gemini and took a lot of photos, focusing on how this camera array compares to some of the best smartphone camera systems on the market.

I've been testing foldable phones for several years now, and I'm still impressed with how each new model improves year on year. And while I appreciate the work Google has done to improve its foldable, I can't help but think about what's next. Google, like the rest of the field, should soon be facing some formidable competition from Apple. So, as I test, I keep what's coming in mind — and pretty good may not be good enough.

I'm putting all this in the context of decades of phone-testing experience and 40 years as a journalist, which means I know how far we've come and understand the leaps we can make, sometimes, in a very short period of time. The folding space is, in some ways, just getting started.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

If you haven't secured yourself a Google Pixel 11 preorder, then I've got one more potential option to throw in the ring. In fact, it might be the best option if you're looking to buy an unlocked device outright.

Amazon currently lists the Google Pixel 11 for preorder with a $100 gift card on all colors and storage sizes. That's a gift card to spend anywhere on Amazon, so it's definitely a very handy little bonus, even if it's not an outright discount.

The closest deal I've seen to this gift card is a bundle deal over at the Google Store, which gets you $200 of store credit with either the Pixel 11 Pro or Pixel 11 Pro XL. It's technically a better deal, but the fact that you can't get it on the standard Pixel 11 — and the fact that the Google Store's inventory is more limited than Amazon's — makes it more restrictive.

Amazon also has a trade-in program that can get you up to $600 off, in addition to the $100 gift card offered here. This is definitely worth exploring, but the discount isn't as good as those you'll find at the major carriers right now. If you're interested in comparing, I've attached a few more of this week's best Pixel 11 preorders below.

Amazon's Google Pixel 11 preorder deal

• See more: check out all of today's deals at Amazon

More Pixel 11 deals this week

The Google Pixel 11 range is here with preorders officially underway in Australia, and we’ve covered all the best offers from both retailers and telcos across the country.

While there are plenty of great options out there, for our money, the best preorder deal comes from Vodafone. The telco is quite literally giving away a Sony PlayStation 5 Slim console and an extra DualSense controller for free when you preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL until August 19.

Given that the PS5 Slim has seen multiple price increases since launching in 2020 and discounts are getting harder to come by, this deal is hard to pass up for any gamer looking to upgrade their phone and console at the same time, all from as low as AU$103.30p/m for a 36-month contract.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL brings some notable upgrades from its predecessor, headlined by the new Tensor G6 chipset, a brighter display with 3,600 nits peak brightness (up from 3,300 nits) and a new LED notification light in the camera flash module called HiLight.

The cameras also get upgrades, with the main shooter having a new sensor designed to improve low-light performance, as well as boosting the zoom capabilities up to 120x, up from 100x in the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

It’s not all good news, unfortunately, as the base 256GB model only gets 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB in last year’s model (despite the price increase from AU$1,999 to AU$2,099), but it was to be expected given the current climate of component shortages.

Fortunately, this bundle with a PS5 thrown in for free could go some way to softening the blow, and is a deal that you can’t miss if you’re in the market for a new Pixel phone and a new gaming console. The convenience of a monthly payment instead of shelling out AU$3,108 for both devices and a spare DualSense controller makes it an even more compelling buy.

Be quick, as Vodafone is only running this promotion until Wednesday, August 19.

Ahead of its official debut in today's Made By Google event, preorders for the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold are now open. The manufacturer is the latest to launch a new foldable following Samsung's Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, so competition is seriously heating up in the space. I've rounded up all of the best preorder deals if Google's offering has tempted you to lock in an order before launch on August 20.

We've already spent a few hours with the device for our Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold hands-on, and while it may not be a revolutionary upgrade over the previous model, it does make some tweaks that improve upon the already solid foldable.

Most notably, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is thinner and lighter, with a larger 6.5-inch Super Actua display, slimmer bezels, the efficient Tensor G6 chip, and a new HiLight feature — a set of LEDs on the back that work as a Gemini interface and notification option for important callers. Expect the same impressive camera array and emphasis on AI features.

Priced at $1,899 / £1,799, it's $100 / £50 more expensive than the previous model, mostly due to increases in the cost of components rather than any significant hardware upgrades — outside of the G6 chip. That's why I'm here to help you find the best deal on the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, as it's important to really make back that difference.

I'll keep an eye on all of the major retailers and networks right here for the rest of the week to bring you more of the best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals as and when they go live. If you think you're more interested in the traditional devices, we've gathered up all the best Google Pixel 11 preorder deals as well.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold - US preorders

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold - UK preorders

The latest Google Pixel 11 was unveiled just a few weeks ago, and you can still get most of the excellent deals from the initial preorders phase this week. All three devices (four, if you count the Fold) are currently available with excellent discounts from leading retailers and carriers.

As an overview, the new range starts with the standard Google Pixel 11 for $899 / £879. Then, you have the mid-range Pixel 11 Pro for $1,099 / £1,079, the up-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL for $1,299 / £1,279, and the high-end Pixel 11 Pro Fold for $1,899 / £1,799. Just down below, you can see where to preorder the three non-foldable devices in both the US and UK - for the Fold, check out our separate page here.

A few highlights for prospective upgraders include trade-in rebates of up to $1,300 at major US carriers - enough to cover the entire cost of the Pixel 11 Pro XL. Meanwhile, UK readers can get similar trade-in rebates in their region, cheap plans, and an exclusive Currys gift card at Carphone Warehouse - a small bonus gift for TechRadar readers specifically.

To read more about these devices, scroll down to see a short overview of the new range. Alternatively, head on over to our Pixel 11 hands-on or Pixel 11 Pro Fold hands-on pages to see our initial thoughts, plus

Google Pixel 11 preorders in the US

• AT&T: up to $1,100 off with a trade-in
• Google: up to $600 off with a trade-in
• Verizon: up to $1,100 off with a trade-in
• T-Mobile: Pixel 11 Pro XL included with switch

Google Pixel 11 preorders in the UK

• EE: Pixel 11 Pro with plan for £38/mo
• Carphone Warehouse: get £300 extra with a trade-in
• Google: up to £850 off with an eligible trade-in
• Mobiles.co.uk: Pixel 11 Pro w/ 100GB plan for £29/mo
• Sky: up to £937 off with a trade and plan
• Three: save up to £1,634 with a trade and plan
• Vodafone: up to £1,574 off with a trade and plan

What's new with the Pixel 11?

• Tensor G6 chipset with 12GB of RAM
• Upgraded 48MP camera on the Pixel 11
• New 'HiLight' LED notifications on the Pro

Google’s Pixel 11 lineup is more of a refinement than a reinvention, polishing up a familiar formula rather than completely switching it up. All three models get the new Tensor G6 chip, built on a 2nm process, with a faster processor and more efficient AI-focused TPU designed to improve responsiveness and reduce battery drain during AI tasks. They also all start with 12GB of RAM. The standard Pixel 11 gets a larger 48MP main camera sensor, a 40% thinner camera bar, and new colours including the striking Hibiscus, while retaining its compact 6.3-inch size.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL bring the more substantial upgrades, with brighter, higher-resolution displays, more premium finishes, improved camera hardware and a new main sensor aimed at better low-light photography. Their camera systems include 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide and 48MP telephoto cameras, with zoom extending to an ambitious 120x, assisted by AI processing. The Pro XL is essentially the same experience as the Pro but with a larger 6.8-inch display and bigger battery. The Pro models' standout new feature is HiLight, an LED array around the flash that can glow in different colours - for example, indicating when Gemini is listening or identifying calls from specific contacts even when the phone is face-down.

Overall, the Pixel 11 range seems to be about polishing Google's existing formula rather than changing it: better efficiency and AI performance, refined cameras and displays, slimmer hardware and more interesting colours. Of the three, the Pixel 11 Pro looks like the sweet spot, combining the best features in a relatively compact 6.3-inch phone. HiLight is arguably the most genuinely new idea, although its usefulness will depend on whether Google expands what it can do.

After many months of leaks, renders, and even actual device photos shared by Google itself, the technology giant is making its latest lineup of phones officially official. And while Trevor Noah, of The Daily Show fame, and Alex Cooper, of Call Her Daddy fame, will take the stage later this evening, August 12, to help unveil the lineup, I've already spent time with the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

And this isn't a year where Google is going back to the drawing board and starting from scratch. Instead, the Pixel 11 lineup feels like the company is doubling down on a design language it has spent the last few years developing.

There are fresh colors, some upgraded hardware, and an even faster chip under the hood, but don't expect a revolution here.

All three phones are powered by Google's new Tensor G6 chip, which could help the Pixel lineup put up a stronger fight against Qualcomm's latest silicon, including the chips powering the latest Galaxy phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

I haven't put the Tensor G6 through extensive testing yet, but Google is promising a faster processor for things like web browsing and app launches, alongside a more efficient neural processing unit (called the TPU) that should let the Pixel 11 series handle AI tasks faster without draining the battery as quickly.

The Tensor G6 is also built on a 2nm process for better efficiency overall, and all three phones start with 12GB of RAM.

My early experience is that everything feels suitably quick and responsive, but I wouldn't make any sweeping performance claims just yet. For now, the bigger story is that Google seems to be building on the Tensor formula, focusing on efficiency rather than simply chasing speed.

That approach is perhaps most obvious with the standard Pixel 11. Of the three, I think it has the best color options. The new Hibiscus (above) is particularly eye-catching — a bright, almost neon pinkish berry that gives the phone considerably more personality. There are also Obsidian, Pistachio, and Frost options, but Hibiscus is the one that immediately caught my eye.

It's still a 6.3-inch phone, making it a comfortable size for anyone who doesn't want a massive flagship in their pocket.

Around back, there's a welcome change. If you've never loved the sheer thickness of the Pixel's camera bar, Google has slimmed it down by 40%, and the difference is noticeable.

The rear panel remains glossy, while the edges have a matte finish. Still, after spending time with the Pixel 10a, I can't help but wish Google would bring that phone's fully flush camera design to its higher-end models.

The Pixel 11 gets a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor that Google says should improve overall performance, alongside a 10.8-megapixel telephoto and 13-megapixel ultrawide.

But there's nothing here that feels radically different from what Google has been doing with Pixel, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

If you want a little more from the hardware, the Pixel 11 Pro is where things start to get more interesting. It's the same 6.3-inch size as the Pixel 11, but gets a display that's higher resolution and brighter, plus a more premium build and improvements to all the rear cameras.

I particularly like the finish, with Google sticking with a matte rear panel and glossy edges. It looks best in Canyon, a mix of pink, orange, and gold. You can also get it in Olive and Fog, as well as Obsidian, which gets a glossy treatment.

At $1,099 (about £1,079 / AU$1,560), the Pixel 11 Pro isn't cheap, but this feels like the model that could hit the sweet spot for people who want Google's best features without carrying around a massive phone.

If you do want something bigger, there's the Pixel 11 Pro XL for $1,299 (about £1,279 / AU$1,840), with a 6.8-inch display and a bigger battery under the hood. Otherwise, it's essentially the same Pro experience, just larger.

Both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL also benefit from a new main camera sensor designed to improve low-light performance. The setup remains a very robust one: a 50-megapixel main camera paired with a 48MP ultrawide and 48MP telephoto.

But Google is pushing the zoom capabilities considerably further this time around, with up to 120x zoom.

Is a 120x image really a photograph, or is it an AI-generated interpretation of what Google thinks should be there?

Google is using specialized AI processing to make those extremely zoomed-in images look better, so that's something I absolutely want to put through its paces before passing final judgment.

The biggest hardware change on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, though, lives around the flash.

Google calls it HiLight — yes, with that interesting capitalization — and it's an array of LEDs surrounding the flash that can glow in various colors. It doesn't impact your photos or replace the flash; instead, it's a smart little indicator that Google can use for different things.

At launch, its capabilities are relatively limited, but I think Google might have something interesting here.

Flip the Pixel 11 Pro or Pro XL face down on a table, and HiLight can spring to life when Gemini is listening, giving you a visual indication without needing to turn the phone over and look at the screen.

It's a small thing, but I like it. There's also a more personal use that seems more helpful: You can assign specific colors to select contacts, and those alerts can break through Do Not Disturb or silent modes.

So, for example, you could assign a particular color to your partner, parent, or kid. If that person calls while your phone is face down, HiLight can glow in that color and tell you who's trying to reach you without you needing to pick up the phone.

That feels particularly clever because flipping a Pixel face down has traditionally been a way to disconnect from it and silence notifications.

HiLight doesn't completely undo that idea. Instead, it gives you a way to stay disconnected while still knowing when something important is happening.

Notification lights are nothing new, but this feels like the clearest and smartest implementation of one yet that doesn't involve just putting a second screen on the back — I just hope Google does more with it, because it feels like Google is playing it safe so far.

And that's really my takeaway from the Pixel 11 lineup. Google doesn't seem particularly interested in reinventing the Pixel this year.

The design is familiar, but more refined. The camera bar is thinner. The colors are excellent. The Tensor G6 promises meaningful gains in performance and efficiency, while the Pro models get better displays and cameras and a genuinely new hardware trick in HiLight.

The Pixel 11 Pro feels like the sweet spot, offering a true flagship experience that feels very much like a Pixel and tosses in some flair with HiLight.

So, that's an early look at the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. It might seem underwhelming if you were hoping for a complete rethinking of Google's flagship phones, but I think this lineup also shows that Google has landed on a design and formula that it's really starting to hit its stride with.

For Pixel loyalists, that's probably a good thing. Google is keeping what's working, refining it where it can, and adding a few new tricks along the way. I just wish HiLight was coming to more of the lineup, and perhaps Google had one or two extra tricks up its sleeve that really felt 'new' like that.

Google has had a big day of launches — not only did we get our first official look at the Pixel 11 series, which have leaked extensively over the past few weeks, we also got a new Pixel Watch, and even an AirTag rival.

Those leaks and rumors meant we already had a good idea of what to expect, but that doesn’t mean there weren't any surprises.

This year's Made by Google 2026 event takes place later today, at 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST on August 12 ( that's 8am AEST on August 13) — here's how to watch it. But we've already had some hands-on time with the new devices, and below we’ve picked out the seven biggest things we learned about the Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag...

1. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL should be the best models yet — and even have lights on the back

Google’s non-foldable flagships for 2026 are the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, and they have numerous upgrades over their predecessors. But the most interesting element is arguably ‘HiLight’.

This is an array of LED lights built into the camera’s flash module, which can alert you to calls from favorite contacts via customized color glows when your phone is face down and silenced. And these lights will also pulse when Gemini is listening, thinking, or responding.

Beyond that, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL also boast some camera and chipset improvements that we’ve detailed below, plus brighter screens that can reach 3,600 nits.

Not everything has been upgraded though — in fact these phones have a starting RAM capacity of 12GB, while their predecessors came with 16GB as standard. You can still get 16GB here, but you’ll have to pay for the privilege.

Read more: I tried the new Pixel 11 range, and Google's made loads of improvements, with a surprising 'HiLight'

Check out the best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro preorder deals

2. The cameras have received numerous upgrades, including a new Magic Capture mode

At first glance the cameras on this year’s Pixels might look much the same as their predecessors, given that the megapixel counts haven’t changed. But look closer and there are plenty of upgrades.

For example, the Pixel 11’s 48MP main camera now has a larger sensor for 56% more light sensitivity. The Pro models also gain some new sensors, plus a 120x digital zoom — up from 100x on the Pixel 10 Pro series.

And there are new modes, like Magic Capture, which with a single tap will capture both a video and multiple images of a scene — complete with automatic cropping and unblurring.

There’s also a new Camera Looks feature, which allows you to create a set of personalized film styles and photo aesthetics.

3. The new Tensor G6 chipset is faster and more efficient

It’s no surprise that the Pixel 11 series sports a new chipset, but the Tensor G6 sounds like quite an upgrade in some areas, with up to 20% better power efficiency, 25% faster browsing, and 15% faster app loading, as well as boosting image processing and Gemini performance.

So these phones should be noticeably faster and more fluid than their predecessors, across a range of tasks.

4. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is brighter and thinner than its predecessor

Google’s priciest new phone is the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and this of course benefits from the Tensor G6 chipset and some of the camera upgrades detailed above, along with the new HiLight feature.

But it also has a peak brightness on its foldable screen of 3,600 nits — up from 3,000 nits on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and it’s slimmer and lighter too, coming in at 10.1mm thick when folded, 5.0mm thick when unfolded, and 239g.

For comparison, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is 10.8mm thick when folded, 5.2mm thick when unfolded, and 258g.

Read more: I spent a couple of hours with the new Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold — it’s not a reinvention, but a nudge toward perfection

These are the best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals

5. The Pixel 11 got a storage boost

The Pixel 11 also has a Tensor G6 chipset, plus the camera upgrades highlighted further up, and on top of that it’s received a storage boost, now starting at 256GB rather than the 128GB of its predecessor.

That said, the starting price has actually increased too, so you’re paying the same as you would have for a 256GB model last year, there’s just now no option of a cheaper 128GB version.

Many of the specs — camera and chipset aside — are also very similar to the Google Pixel 10’s, and you don’t get Google’s new HiLight feature with the Pixel 11, so it will be interesting to see whether this tempts many buyers.

6. The Pixel Watch 5 is Google’s most advanced health and fitness wearable yet

This event wasn’t just about phones — we also saw the Pixel Watch 5, and this is very much focused on health and fitness upgrades.

On the health side, that includes being able to track blood pressure patterns before they can put strain on your heart, and track insulin resistance over time. For fitness, Google claims this offers its most accurate GPS yet, and it also sports a new Key Metrics view, which helps you analyze your performance after a workout.

And when you’re sleeping, the Google Pixel Watch 5 has a Sleep Breathing Quality feature that analyzes minute-by-minute variations in your blood oxygen levels. And of course all the core Pixel Watch 4 features have made a return too.

Read more: I test smartwatches for a living, and the Google Pixel Watch 5 beats Apple and Samsung in 5 key ways

7. The Pixel Tag has landed as an AirTag rival

Google has also launched its first tracker, called simply the Pixel Tag. There’s not too much to say about this yet — if you’ve used an AirTag, Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag, or anything along those lines you know basically what to expect.

But it comes in a ‘Fog’ shade, has a built-in speaker, includes ultra-wideband for precision finding, has an IP67 rating (so it’s moderately water resistant), and is powered by a replaceable coin cell battery that should last over a year. It’s also light, at just 11.8g.

Read more: The Pixel Tag is here — but it won't be an AirTag for Android until Google fixes these Find Hub issues

I’ve always liked the Google Pixel Fold. It was, for a time, one of the thinner and more interesting folding phones on the market, but it’s since been nudged aside by ultra-slim Samsung Galaxy Z Fold devices, and now the still-fresh and oddly shaped Galaxy Z Fold 8. The new Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is, however, an exciting new entrant in the growing foldable field.

It's not just thinner (slightly) and a lot lighter than its predecessor. Google has cleaned up the design, shrinking bezels, enlarging a screen, reducing the size of the hinges, vastly reducing the size of the camera array island, and even adding an unusual hardware notification feature.

In my brief hands-on time with this new foldable, I found the Pixel 11 Pro Fold surprisingly intriguing.

Unfolding more price hikes

Like so many other consumer electronics gadgets this year, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is more expensive than the last model ($1,899 versus $1,799 in the US). One might assume that this is due to design and feature enhancements, but I think it’s all down to the rising cost of memory and storage, which we can mostly blame on the demands of AI — which I guess we can also blame in part on Google itself. After all, Gemini is now at the heart of almost everything the company makes and does, including the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It’s packed with Gemini-related features, most of which I did not have the chance to try out during our jam-packed hands-on session.

At a high level, Google has obviously taken notes on all the ways the Pixel 10 Pro Fold didn’t quite hit the mark, and refined in this new foldable to seriously compete with the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Fold 8.

On the cover screen, the black bezel around the display has shrunk significantly to accommodate the now 6.5-inch Super Actual display. The main, flexible screen is still eight inches, but the bezels around it also look thinner.

Folded, the phone’s hinge looks even more well-hidden, now sitting essentially flat against the two folded halves. Google tells me the internal panels under the folding display feature a Titanium plate and flexible hinge panel under layers of polymer, slightly thicker and stronger Ultra-Thin glass, and the OLED panel. The hinge mechanism itself is wider on the inside to further reduce deformation. When unfolded, the phone looks virtually flat, and the crease is harder to detect than on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

While not as thin as the 4.1mm-thick Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has slimmed and trimmed a bit compared to its predecessor. It’s now just 5mm thick, as opposed to the roughly 5.1mm of the 10 Pro Fold. More notable is the 239g chassis weight; that’s almost 20 grams lighter than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and I can tell you that in my hand the weight loss is noticeable. This is now a relatively lightweight and quite attractive device that also still happens to be IP68-rated, something no other foldable can claim to be at the moment.

As with virtually every other smartphone on the planet, the thinner profile is broken by a camera island that juts out of the back to accommodate, among other things, the three lenses. I was, though, pleased to discover that Google has shrunk this island considerably, so that it no longer looks like a giant block slapped onto the back of an otherwise attractively smooth and flat surface.

The other big and noteworthy design and hardware addition — and one that lives in that island — is HiLight.

HiLight is a collection of multi-colored LEDs that sit on the back of the phone, inside the space typically devoted to the LED flashlight. It’s designed to be used when the phone is face down on a table; HiLight won’t even work when you're holding the phone in your hand (we tried).

For now, HiLight has just two jobs. One is to be an animated Gemini interface. It glows and flows in shades of blue, like the standard Gemini interface, to let you know it’s listening and working with you. The effect is quite nice, and indicative of more than just the work of a handful of LEDs.

HiLight’s other job is to let you know when someone who matters to you is calling. You can assign different colors (there are maybe five options) to various family members and even groups. When they call, your HiLight, which is also found on other Pixel 11 phones, pulses in that color. Again, it’s a compelling effect, though I’m not sure how many people will use it; after all, most of us, for better or worse, live with our phones in our hands.

Camera snapshot

Google hasn't upgraded the headline camera specs, leaving us with the 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultra-wide, and 10.8MP telephoto, but the main camera now has a new sensor that offers, according to Google, 50% better low-light performance, a potential boon for night photography.

There are also a pair of 10MP cameras for selfie shots on the main and cover screens.

I do wish Google had upped the megapixels of the cameras to better compete with the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (its main camera is 200MP), but at least we have that 5x optical zoom camera with optical (and electronic) image stabilization.

I took a few photos with the cameras, but not enough to draw any conclusions, though I would say the ultra-wide seems pretty good for macro photography.

There are some new camera features of note (AI-powered and otherwise) that, as is usually the case, will set the Pixel line apart until Google gifts them to partners like Samsung. One is called Magic Capture, which lets you photograph the peak moment without really thinking about how to capture the moment. Google says it analyzes 500 frames to find the right shot, and then crops and even unblurs it to turn it into a usable photo. I did not get to try this feature out.

Camera Looks applies aesthetic filters during capture, which is something I’m not sure I’d ever use. I prefer to see the unvarnished image, and then decide if it needs some adjustment to give it more drama or punch.

I am excited to try the Creators Suite, which is adding, among other things, an on-screen teleprompter. That would be a huge help for me when I film video reviews and need to read off a script.

Good looks and smaller battery

Everything from websites to maps and photos looked great on both screens. Neither display is significantly different to those on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but both do enjoy a nice peak brightness bump, up to 3,600 nits from 3,000. I pushed the screens to peak brightness, although being indoors I could not tell if they were sunlight beaters.

I was a little surprised to learn that the battery size has dropped from 5015mAh to 4750mAh, a fact that may account for the Fold’s lighter weight — this change might have made more sense if Google had switched to the denser silicon carbon battery technology (same charge in less space) now found in the entire Galaxy Z8 line. While I’m worried that the smaller battery might result in shorter battery life, Google is still promising 24 hours of use on a full charge.

On the bright side, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold still has Pixel Snap, a MagSafe-style magnetic charge ring that lets the phone magnetically snap onto Qi charge stands and phone grips. I tried it on the new device, and it's just as satisfying to use as ever.

In my brief time with the phone, I enjoyed smooth performance (helped in part by a 1-120Hz display), which is mostly due to some impressive specs. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrives with 16GB of RAM (even more than you get with the base Pixel 10 Pro), and starts with 256GB of storage, going up to 1TB.

More exciting, though, is the Google Tensor G6, the first 2nm-process mobile CPU. I don’t expect the processor to be wildly faster than the best Apple and Qualcomm have to offer, but that 2nm might make it far more efficient. In fact, it could be the reason why Google felt comfortable reducing the size of the battery.

Overall, I’m encouraged by what I see. This is easily the best-looking Pixel Fold to date. It’s lighter, thinner, possibly faster and more efficient, and, of course, should be a fantastic showcase for Gemini. My one Gemini experience, by the way, was taking a macro photo of a floral array and then giving Gemini screen access so I could ask it to identify the flower. It did so quickly and effortlessly.

As for how the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold competes with the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the unusually shaped Z Fold 8, well, it stands nearly toe-to-toe with the Ultra model, though I think the Ultra has it beat on photo capabilities. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is also considerably lighter, making it feel like a no-compromises flagship with a secret 8-inch display. It’s harder to compare the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The aspect ratios are so different, and the camera capabilities are quite far apart (favoring the Pixel). Ultimately, I think the two foldables are for completely different customers.

If you’re thinking about a pure Google and Gemini experience on the biggest screen you can fit in your pocket, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a pretty good bet, and may make you happier than the pricier Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which might overwhelm you by packing no fewer than three on-board AI systems.

Hot on the heels of Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, there’s now a big Google hardware launch to look forward to, with the brand set to unleash its new Pixel devices at today's New York-set Made by Google event.

We’re expecting to see not just the Google Pixel 11 series, but also the Pixel Watch 5 and potentially other devices, too.

You’ll find full details of the possible announcements further down this article, but first, we’ve covered exactly when this launch is taking place and how to tune in.

How to watch the next Made by Google event

The Google Pixel 11 launch event starts at 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST on August 12, which is 8am AEST on August 13 for those of you in Australia.

The event is being held in New York, but as with most big tech launches, it will also be streamed online, and you can tune in on YouTube, or by watching the embedded video below. If you click the ‘Notify Me’ button on that video, you’ll also get a reminder when the event is starting.

Of course, those timings won’t be ideal for everyone, but you don’t need to tune in live. You’ll also be able to watch a recording of the launch afterwards. Alternatively, just head to TechRadar’s home page for our expert analysis of what's unveiled.

What to expect at the Google Pixel 11 launch

As well as the Google Pixel 11 itself, Google is also almost certainly going to unveil the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

These phones are all expected to have a new ‘HiLight’ feature, previously referred to as ‘Pixel Glow’. This seemingly takes the form of colored lights on the back of the phones that can switch on to alert you to notifications, or when you’re interacting with Gemini.

Beyond that, these phones are also likely to include a new Tensor G6 chipset to give them a power boost over the Google Pixel 10 series, and in the case of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, a 120x camera zoom, up from 100x on the Pixel 10 Pro series.

However, these phones could also be more expensive than their predecessors, and the Pro models might start with less RAM.

Other than phones, Google is also likely to announce the Pixel Watch 5, which might have double the storage of the Pixel Watch 4 at 64GB, and 50% more RAM at 3GB. It will reportedly also have a slight battery boost, but could stick with its predecessor’s Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 chipset.

We’re also hearing that Google could launch the Pixel Tag at this event. That would be the company’s first AirTag rival.

Plus, there’s a chance we could hear more about some upcoming Android XR glasses, and we might also finally see the launch of the long-awaited Gemini 3.5 Pro model.

• Some leaked Pixel 11 marketing materials suggest that Pixel Glow could instead be called HiLight
• This new feature might work with both Gemini and notifications
• We've rated the likelihood of this and various other Pixel 11 series rumors

The Google Pixel 11 series is just a week away now, with the phones set for an August 12 launch. But as ever with phone launches, plenty of details have leaked in advance of that date, so we already have some idea of what to expect.

The latest of those leaks details a brand-new feature, reportedly dubbed HiLight, but we’ve heard all sorts of other things recently too about the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

So, below, we've listed the most interesting of the latest Pixel 11 leaks, and rated how accurate we think they are.

1. New HiLight feature

Pixel Glow is officially called HiLight, I'd say.

— @rquandt.bsky.social (@rquandt.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-05T15:55:13.608Z

For a while now, we’ve been hearing that the Pixel 11 series might have lights on its rear panel, seemingly to power a feature previously thought to be called Pixel Glow. But now it seems that Pixel Glow might actually be called HiLight.

In a post on Bluesky, reputable leaker Roland Quandt has shared what appears to be an official French marketing image for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and it refers to this feature as HiLight, explaining (once translated) that “when your smartphone is face down, HiLight lights up discreetly when your favorite contacts call or when you chat with Gemini.”

So, it looks to be an evolution of the old-school notification light, though we still have questions about it — images show it displaying multiple colors, so we wonder whether specific colors or patterns can be set for specific kinds of notifications.

In any case, Google itself has officially teased this feature too, so while we can’t be 100% sure of the name, we’re certain that at least some Pixel 11 models will have lights on the back.

• Likelihood: 10/10

2. Higher prices

Not all of the Pixel 11 rumors are good ones, as we’ve also heard that these phones could have higher prices than their predecessors.

Specifically, according to Android Headlines, the Pixel 11 will 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 $1,899.

That, in all cases, represents a $100 increase on last year's models, though in the case of the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro, you’re also apparently getting a storage boost, with 256GB said to be the starting capacity rather than 128GB. The other two models, though, come with the same starting capacity as their predecessors according to this leak, so it would just be a straight price rise.

We don’t have UK or Australian price leaks, but we’d expect Google to apply increases globally. For reference, the Pixel 10 starts at £799 / AU$1,349 in those regions, the Pixel 10 Pro at £999 / AU $1,699, the Pixel 10 Pro XL at £1,199 / AU $1,999, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold at £1,749 / AU $2,699.

So, if this leak is right, you can expect higher prices than that this year, and there’s a good chance this leak is correct, given the ongoing RAM price crisis.

• Likelihood: 8/10

3. New colors

New models usually mean new colors, and the Google Pixel 11 series looks to be no exception, with a whole selection of shades having leaked on Amazon.

These include Midnight (black), Fuchsia (pink), and Moss (green) for the Pixel 11, Dune (a pale pink), Sterling (a grayish lavender), Pine (green), and Light Fog (a pale blue) for the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, and Midnight and Pine for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Those — at least in terms of their names — are all different to what you’ll find with the Pixel 10 series, though in practice some of them will probably be similar.

Still, it’s a largely appealing bunch going by the pictures, with a mix of bright and understated shades. The leaked images of them look fairly official too, so there’s a good chance these are what we’ll get.

• Likelihood: 7/10

4. New chipset

The one spec upgrade you can be almost certain of in a new phone is that it will have an improved chipset, and so we fully expect the Pixel 11 series to replace the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 chipset with a Tensor G6, and leaks agree.

From what we’ve heard across various leaks, this chipset could pair a significant upgrade in CPU performance with a rather small improvement in GPU performance. So, it might not be a complete home run for Google, but it should still deliver plenty of power overall.

• Likelihood: 9/10

5. Fewer cameras for the Pixel 11

As well as costing more, the Pixel 11 could have at least one spec downgrade compared to its predecessor, as Android Headlines reports that it will have just two cameras on the back — a wide and an ultra-wide, with no telephoto.

The Google Pixel 10 had these and a telephoto camera, so this would be quite a reduction in specs if it’s correct.

We would therefore take this rumor with a pinch of salt, since usually we expect upgrades from new models. But it might help Google keep the costs down in the face of rising component prices, and that would still keep it in line with a key rival in the iPhone 17, which also lacks a telephoto camera.

• Likelihood: 5/10

6. Less RAM

That’s not the end of the possible downgrades, as we’re also hearing from the same Android Headlines report that the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL could come in configurations with just 12GB of RAM, whereas the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL came with 16GB.

There will apparently still be 16GB models, but these will of course cost more, pushing prices up even higher.

A price increase combined with a RAM reduction could be a tough pill to swallow, but this is somewhat believable given that RAM pricing is increasingly out of control.

• Likelihood: 6/10

7. 120x zoom

Thankfully, there is still another major potential upgrade to talk about, as some Pixel 11 Pro marketing images shared by Evan Blass — a leaker with a superb track record — mention 120x zoom. And if the Pixel 11 Pro has this feature, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL almost certainly will as well.

Now, this wouldn’t be an optical zoom, of course; instead, you can expect it to be some kind of AI-boosted digital zoom. And it’s a believable claim, since not only does the source have a great track record, but the Pixel 10 Pro series already offers 100x zoom.

Still, that extra 20x would mean these phones could zoom further than almost any other handset.

• Likelihood: 8/10

• Software support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro ends soon
• The Android QPR1 will be the final update for these phones
• They were first launched by Google back in October 2021

If you're rocking a Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, launched in October 2021, then your five years of software updates are coming to an end: Google has confirmed that these devices aren't going to get access to the latest Android QPR2 Beta 1.

"Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users will not be getting this OTA since the device will reach End of Life and Android 17 QPR1 beta series will be the last for these devices," says Google in the release notes of the latest beta, via Android Police.

That means no more beta updates for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, with the final stable software release officially Android 17 QPR1, set to be part of the September Pixel Drop. That should land just before the five-year anniversary of these phones in October 2026.

As with every end-of-life situation like this, your handset isn't suddenly going to stop working. However, it will no longer get new features or security updates — the more time passes, the more vulnerable it will be to bugs and malware attacks.

Apps may start slowing down and misbehaving, and the recommended course of action is to upgrade as soon as possible. Google is all set to unveil the new Pixel 11 series on Wednesday, August 12, so maybe you could treat yourself to one of those handsets.

There's life in the old phone yet

You've got options for what to do with your old phone. Your network operator may recycle it for you and even give you some cash back (check the website for details), but if not, you can find numerous third-party services that will — just run a web search for them.

You can also repurpose your old Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro and turn it into something else. These ideas will all work without needing regular Android software updates:

• Dedicated e-reader — get the Kindle app (or something similar) up on your old phone and you can keep it exclusively for getting through your e-books.
• Car dashcam — get your old phone mounted on your car dashboard and plugged in, install an app such as Droid Dashcam, and you've got yourself a dashcam.
• Alternative webcam — sticking with cameras, your old phone probably offers a higher resolution and better angles than your current webcam. Here's how to set it up.
• Portable power bank — both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro can work as chargers for other phones when connected via USB-C (they can also charge smaller devices wirelessly).
• Wi-Fi extender — if part of your home can't get Wi-Fi, use your old Pixel as a Wi-Fi extender for your router via the hotspot option (under Network and internet in Settings).
• PC console — with an app like Touch Portal installed, you can get a Stream Deck-like experience for gaming and streaming with your old Android phone.

There's no excuse for leaving it gathering dust in a drawer, or just throwing it in the trash (and adding to our growing e-waste problem). And you've still got a couple of months to decide what you'd like to do.

It seems Google is taking a page out of Samsung's book by launching sign-ups for a new generation of smartphones today. The Google Pixel 11 has already been confirmed via a new landing page on the official retailer's store page, with preorders for the new device (or devices) landing on Wednesday, August 12.

Interestingly, Google is offering an 'exclusive offer' for new subscribers who sign up for email alerts ahead of preorders. This is a first for Google's product launches, but it's something we've seen quite a lot with Samsung's big phone launches.

The usual drill is to sign up for email alerts ahead of the keynote event — in this case, Google's 'Made by Google' event in August — and you'll get a small bonus when you preorder. There are no details on what this bonus is yet, but I've attached some speculation just down below.

In terms of the devices, again, we don't know much here. Google has confirmed that it's the Google Pixel 11, but hasn't specifically said how many devices there will be. I would personally be shocked if there wasn't a Pro or Pro XL device, though. There might even be a new Google Pixel 11 Fold, so we could in fact be in store for four new Google phones.

What could the 'exclusive offer' be?

The only tidbit of information I've been able to glean from the Google Pixel 11 announcement page is that you can 'sign up and save'. That's pretty vague, but I can realistically see this going two ways, based on similar promotions from Samsung recently.

First, this exclusive offer could be a small bonus on top of the various trade-in rebates we'll undoubtedly see featured when the devices are available to preorder. It could be something like getting a $100 / £100 extra discount when you trade in an older device.

Secondly, and more likely, is some kind of Google Store credit as a bonus. When Samsung has offered this previously, we've seen the official store bundle in a bit of credit to spend on things like phone chargers, cases, and even other devices.

If a new Google Watch appears during the event, then it could be the case that you could use the credit to get a nice little discount. If memory serves, the credit is usually $30 to $50 / £30 to £50, so it's not a huge deal, but it is a nice little bonus.

What do we know about the Google Pixel 11?

Right now, the biggest rumor surrounds a new ‘Pixel Glow’ feature, which is supposedly a new kind of ambient lighting alert system. If you take a look at Google's landing page for the Pixel 11, you can see a teaser image of the device featuring a multicolored lens on the camera hump. Some have suggested that this could be a confirmation of Pixel Glow, and that seems likely to me too.

The teaser also has a rather striking shiny gold color, which is something we haven't seen before on Google devices. Dare I say this color reminds me of the iPhone 16 Pro, which had a very, very similar gold option.

Speaking of colors, an Amazon leak a few days ago seemed to suggest multiple new colors on four devices. It appears like these leaks could be legit, but it's worth treating them with a pinch of salt because the listings appeared to suggest that the devices will be launching with Android 16 when they'll almost certainly be Android 17.

• Google has shared a teaser video showing a phone in the Pixel 11 series
• You can see it in a gold shade, with a colored light that must be the rumored 'Pixel Glow' feature
• The company has also confirmed that pre-orders open on August 12

We’re now less than a month away from the August 12 announcement of the Pixel 11 series, and Google is in full teaser mode. The tech giant has just posted a short clip showing off a phone in the Pixel 11 series in a gold shade.

You can mostly just see the gold-colored sides of the phone, but the camera block is also visible, and this houses a circular multicolored light. This then, must be the rumored ‘Pixel Glow’ feature, which will presumably be able to light up in different colors — or different patterns of colors — to alert you to different kinds of notifications.

Perhaps, for example, a WhatsApp message would appear in blue shifting to pink, while a calendar event might be a single block of yellow.

A Nothing idea

How customizable this will be, and whether it’s capable of anything else, remains to be seen. But at least now we have a sense for how it looks, with this being a bit reminiscent of Nothing’s Glyph lighting systems, just rather smaller and more subtle.

That makes sense coming from Google, as its phone design is never as flashy as Nothing’s — a brand which almost makes gaming phones look visually tame.

But if you’ve missed the notification light that phones used to have, then this could appeal as a modern upgrade of that. And while it’s probably not going to be super innovative — given that it looks reminiscent of what Nothing handsets have and is an evolution of an old feature — it’s still not the sort of thing you see in most mainstream phones, so it’s nice to see Google try something a bit different here.

Beyond all this, the teaser page also mentions that Pixel 11 series pre-orders will open on August 12 — so presumably right after the announcement. And if you sign up for emails from that page you’ll receive an unspecified discount on the new phones, which is always appreciated, especially with everything getting more expensive lately.

The prepaid carrier Mint Mobile has been making headlines recently with its huge discounts on the latest Android flagships. Last week, I was shouting out the carrier's $500 discount on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, but I've just spotted another great option.

It's a record-breaking $650 upfront discount on the latest Google Pixel 10, which is just $150 at the carrier today without the need for trading in. While you'll still need a plan, Mint Mobile is also offering a full year of unlimited data for just $180. That means a device and plan for just $329 upfront.

Getting such a decent phone for so cheap isn't to be ignored, and these types of deals have been incredibly popular at Mint Mobile over the past few months. Just a few weeks ago, the Galaxy S26 series sold out at the carrier, so I wouldn't be surprised if this Pixel 10 series deal did too.

This particular deal is listed as exclusive to new customers, though, so you may be excluded if you already have a line with Mint Mobile. As always, these deals are very much aimed at people looking to bundle up one of the latest phones with a super-cheap plan that really undercuts the traditional big carriers.

Record-breaking Google Pixel 10 deal at Mint Mobile

• See more: check out all of today's deals at Mint Mobile

While you can technically get the Pixel 10 alongside any plan at Mint Mobile, the carrier has every plan listed at $180, so it makes sense to go for the option that's usually the priciest. And, it's a good plan, too. You get unlimited talk, text, and 50GB of high-speed 5G data per month for one of the most competitive prices on the market.

Note, if you're just interested in the plan and not the phone, then Mint Mobile also has some great 'bring your own device' summer specials currently. I've listed those out, alongside today's deal on the Galaxy S26 series, just below.

Also available at Mint Mobile this week...

• Early listings for the Pixel 11 series were spotted on Amazon
• These include renders of the phones in various shades
• Some of the listed specs would be a downgrade

We’ve just seen perhaps the biggest Google Pixel 11 series leak yet, as listings for the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold have all appeared on Amazon.

These were spotted by 9to5Google and — while they’ve now been removed — the site claims that they appear to be part of the ‘Google Store’ seller, which suggests they might be official listings, albeit a bit early.

In any case, you can see some images taken from the listings below, with the Pixel 11 itself being shown in Midnight (black), Fuchsia (pink), and Moss (green) shades. The Pro and Pro XL meanwhile appear in Dune (a pale pink), Sterling (a grayish lavender), Pine (green), and Light Fog (a pale blue), and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is listed just in Midnight and Pine.

There’s a mix of bright and understated shades here, and reactions to the images — particularly the brighter ones — seems quite positive so far. Over on Reddit, comments include “those non-pro colors are incredible if true. That’s green and pink are just perfect,” “in pink omg,” and “Dune is pretty nice.”

That said, some reactions to the Pro shades are a bit less positive, including “Why can't the pro like get some fun colors too?,” and “imagine seeing the popularity of the bold orange iPhone Pro color and STILL choosing to offer the same boring muted colors for the Pro.”

And when it comes to the other details in these listings, reactions are more universally negative. According to the listings, the standard Pixel 11 will have a 6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 screen, a 4,985mAh battery, 256GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM for $899 (probably £899 / AU$1,149 based on Google Pixel 10 pricing in these regions).

That’s the same price as the 256GB Pixel 10 launched at, though that’s also available in a cheaper 128GB version, and it’s unclear whether there will be a 128GB model this time. The listed specs are also identical, except the battery which is 15mAh higher capacity this time.

Less RAM and smaller batteries

As for the Pixel 11 Pro, that’s listed with 12GB of RAM, down from 16GB in the Pixel 10 Pro, and 9to5Google also mentions a 5,115mAh battery in the Pixel 11 Pro XL (down from 5,200mAh in the Pixel 10 Pro XL), and a 4,750mAh one in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (down from 5,015mAh in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold).

So these incomplete specs lists point to a mix of similar specs and downgrades, with Reddit responses including “people already thought the 10 Pro was a small upgrade,” and “iPhone 17 is such a better value.”

Still, while these early listings seem like they might be the real deal, there are some red flags, with 9to5Google highlighting that Android 16 is mentioned on them, when these phones are certain to run Android 17.

So there’s a chance these aren’t in fact official listings, and even if they are, that error means other details could be wrong too. We should find out for sure on August 12, as that’s when Google is unveiling these phones.

• Google has sent out invites for an event on August 12
• It says we'll see “the next generation of Pixel” there
• We expect the brand to launch the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Watch 5, along with some price rises

It’s official — the Google Pixel 11 series will be launching on August 12, as Google has started sending out invites for an event on that date, promising to unveil “the next generation of Pixel.”

The launch starts at 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST, which is 8am on August 13 for those in Australia’s AEST time zone. The event will be held in New York, but we fully expect it to be streamed online too.

But what will Google actually unveil? Well, while no specific models were mentioned in the invite, we have a very good idea of what to expect.

1. The Google Pixel 11

The Google Pixel 11 itself will almost certainly be announced at this event, with this phone rumored to have a new ‘Pixel Glow’ feature, which could take the form of colored lights on the back that can alert you to notifications.

Beyond that, the design might be similar to the Google Pixel 10’s, but there are sure to be changes to specs, with leaks pointing to a new Tensor G6 chipset, a new 50MP camera, and a new M16 OLED panel, which could improve the quality of the screen.

That might be about it for notable upgrades — though some new colors are likely to be offered too — so the Pixel Glow feature could be the standout change.

2. The Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL

Alongside the vanilla Pixel 11, Google will almost certainly launch the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

These phones should have many of the same upgrades — including Pixel Glow, a Tensor G6 chipset, and an M16 screen. But additionally, we’re hearing that they could also get two new camera sensors, and possibly a boost in charging power for the Pixel 11 Pro, bringing it up to 45W, in line with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (and likely the Pixel 11 Pro XL).

Less promisingly, there might be both 12GB and 16GB models of these phones, where the Google Pixel 10 Pro series came with 16GB of RAM as standard. But this might be necessary to keep the starting prices palatable in the face of rising RAM prices.

3. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

We’re also expecting a new foldable phone, in the form of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. And this phone, as with the rest of the Pixel 11 line, will probably have a new Tensor G6 chipset and an M16 screen, though it’s unclear whether it will get the Pixel Glow feature rumored for the rest of the line.

What it might get, though, is a removable battery — but while this feature has been quite widely reported, the only evidence for it seems to be a patent, so we wouldn’t count on it, since patents often don’t turn into anything.

Beyond all that, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could be similar to last year’s model, with the same screen sizes and a similar battery capacity, but we’ll know for sure soon.

4. The Google Pixel Watch 5

It’s not just phones we’ll see on August 12, as we’re also expecting to see the Google Pixel Watch 5.

Key rumored upgrades here include a Tensor chipset in place of its predecessor’s Snapdragon one, a brighter screen, smaller bezels, and potentially better battery life — though the latter will probably come as a result of optimizations rather than a higher capacity battery.

Some new AI and fitness tracking features may also be offered, but it’s likely that the Pixel Watch 5 will largely retain its predecessor’s design, so expect a circular screen and both 41mm and 45mm sizes.

5. Higher prices

That’s probably all of the products we’ll see at Google's upcoming event, but one other notable element could be their prices, as unfortunately, they may well be higher than we’ve seen from current models.

According to Dealabs, all four Pixel 11 series models will start at €100 more than their predecessors in Europe. Now, in the case of the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, Google is apparently doing away with the 128GB starting capacity of their predecessors and starting them at 256GB of storage instead, with this new price being the same as what you’d already pay for a 256GB model of those phones.

So, in other words, the price of a 256GB model might be the same as last year; you just apparently won’t have the option to get a cheaper 128GB one.

But for the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, that €100 price increase isn’t offset by a storage bump, with these phones reportedly starting at 256GB, just like their predecessors.

So, what will that mean in other regions? Well, if this information is accurate, then it likely means an $899 / £899 / AU$1,499 starting price for the Pixel 11 and a $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 starting price for the Pixel 11 Pro, since that’s what their 256GB predecessors launched at.

For the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, we have to take more of a guess, but based on how Google tends to adjust its pricing for different configurations, it could mean a starting price of $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,149 for the former and $1,899 / £1,849 / AU$2,849 for the latter — which would be $100 / £100 / AU$150 more than their predecessors.

We’re now halfway through the calendar year (yes, really), so what better time to round up our favorite phones of 2026 so far?

I say ‘our favorite phones’, but I really mean ‘my favorite phones’ — I’ve collated five models that may not have perfect TechRadar review scores, but either surprised me in testing or offer something unique in today’s busy smartphone landscape.

The reviews for each model (which I’ve included in each entry) may have been written by someone else, but I’ve personally used all the phones listed below for specific feature deep-dives, video shoots, or general device comparisons. Don’t agree with my list? Let me know your favorite phone(s) of 2026 so far in the comments below.

5. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Release date: March 11
• Review rating: 4.5 / 5

Any phone-related ‘best of’ list has to include Samsung’s latest Ultra-branded Galaxy device. This year’s edition is the feature-packed Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and while it’s not the most surprising phone I’ve tested this year (hence its place at number 5), it is the most powerful and versatile of the bunch. It’s an everything phone — an all-you-can-eat buffet of top-end hardware and software.

Chief among the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new software features are Privacy Display and Super Steady Horizontal Lock. The former stops prying eyes from viewing content on your screen, while the latter stabilizes videos even when you turn the phone a full 360 degrees. I’m a die-hard Apple fan, but the iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t have either of these features, nor classic Samsung tools like DeX and the S Pen, so the Galaxy S26 Ultra feels like a cut above the current best iPhone when it comes to productivity.

Add in some customarily premium hardware specs, and you’ve got a formidable pocket companion — albeit one that will cost you an arm and a leg to own.

Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

4. Google Pixel 10a

• Release date: March 5
• Review rating: 4 / 5

Like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Google Pixel 10a is the definition of ‘iterative upgrade’, but it’s still my go-to recommendation for buyers looking for an affordable Android phone with great cameras. Google’s excellent Android software is just as good on this cheaper device as it is on the premium Google Pixel 10 Pro, and I’d go as far as to say that the 10a is actually the better-looking of the two phones (look at that flush camera!).

Sure, Google’s Tensor G4 chipset is underpowered compared to the midrange competition, and you don’t get any PixelSnap compatibility here, but at $499 / £499 / AU$849, it’s hard to argue against the Pixel 10a’s value for money. Its 6.3-inch Actua display is gorgeous, its two cameras are as good as anything you’ll find for the same price, and its AI-powered software features — from Camera Coach to Call Screen — are genuinely useful. Bravo, Google.

Read our in-depth Google Pixel 10a review

3. Motorola Edge 70 Fusion

• Release date: March 2
• Review rating: 4.5 / 5

I know what you’re thinking: the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion? Surely this little-known device — which isn’t even available in the US — is not my third-favorite phone of 2026 so far? Well, it is, if only because it surprised me (and our reviewer) so much in testing.

The Edge 70 Fusion costs just £379.99 / AU$499, but it looks like a flagship phone. It’s slim and lightweight for its large size, and boasts a nice textured finish on its rear panel. Its 6.78-inch display can reach 144Hz, and the 7,000mAh battery routinely got me through two days on a single charge. And don’t forget the IP68 and IP69 resistance ratings.

There are, of course, compromises. Motorola’s software continues to be… just OK, while the Edge 70 Fusion specifically is only due to receive three years of major software updates. But for such a low price, these shouldn’t be deal-breakers. The Edge 70 Fusion is my surprise package of 2026 so far, and it deserves more attention than it’s been given.

Read our in-depth Motorola Edge 70 Fusion review

2. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

• Release date: March 19
• Review rating: 4.5 / 5

I recently played around with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro for an upcoming ‘best midrange phones’ video, and it floors the competition in terms of value for money.

As much as I love the Google Pixel 10a (as you’ll have read above), for the same price, Nothing’s latest a-series phone adds a 50MP telephoto camera, faster charging, and a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset into the mix. And best of all, the (4a) Pro is a thoroughly unique-looking device.

Nothing swapped the transparent rear panel of its other phones for an industrial, aluminum backplate on the (4a) Pro, making the huge camera module the star of the show. This module also features the gimmicky-but-fun Glyph Matrix introduced on the Nothing Phone 3, which, for me, has drawn as much attention in public places as the iPhone Air this year.

If the Google Pixel 10a is my safe value-for-money Android pick of 2026, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is my exciting value-for-money Android pick.

Read our in-depth Nothing Phone (4a) Pro review

1. Oppo Find X9 Ultra

• Release date: May 8
• Review rating: 4.5 / 5

And now we come to the Oppo Find X9 Ultra — my favorite phone of 2026 so far. This is the first Ultra-branded Oppo phone to ship outside of China (though it’s unfortunately still not available in the US), and it blows the competition out of the water in terms of camera performance.

Specifically, the Find X9 Ultra boasts a 200MP (f/1.5) main lens, a 50MP ultra-wide (f/2) lens, a 200MP 3x telephoto (f/2.2) lens, and a 50MP 10x telephoto (f/3.5) lens, which is the sort of combination we rarely see on even the best camera phones.

We recently compared the Oppo Find X9 Ultra against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and the Chinese flagship won out in almost every category. My colleague, Tim, even compared the Oppo Find X9 Ultra to a Lumix TZ300 and Nikon Z8, and the phone absolutely held its own, particularly at 10x zoom.

Away from camera performance, the Find X9 Ultra boasts a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, a 6.8-inch OLED display, and an enormous 7,050mAh battery, so it doesn’t leave you wanting for power or endurance.

It’s heavy, it’s thick, and it’s eye-wateringly expensive, but the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is still the most exciting phone of 2026 so far.

Read our in-depth Oppo Find X9 Ultra review

A smartphone can be a major investment — especially if you’re shopping for one of the best phones around — so it’s important to be sure that the device you’re buying isn’t just good for now, but good for many years to come.

Software support is a key factor in determining how long a phone will last, and in recent years, manufacturers have been committing to much longer product support windows than they used to. But not all phones get the same amount of support, and indeed some older phones will be approaching their final update in 2026.

So, below, we’ve detailed how long phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola will continue to receive updates.

To keep things simple, we've focused on major brands with US availability, but if you have a recent high-end phone from the likes of Honor, Oppo, or Xiaomi, it will likely be in line for between five and six years of updates from its launch date. Older and lower-end models tend to be in the two-to-three-year range.

Apple iPhones

Apple never used to commit to a specific support window for its phones, but that changed in 2024, when new UK regulations required brands to outline a minimum support window. As a result, Apple now promises a minimum of five years — but this only applies to security updates, not the kinds of iOS updates that add new software features. And five years is a minimum, with Apple often going beyond that number anyway.

All of which is to say we can’t be certain when iPhones will get their final update, but typically, they’re supported for between five and seven years.

So, the list below is our best guess for how many years of updates each currently supported iPhone model has left.

• iPhone 17 series — 4-6 years (last update in 2030, 2031, or 2032)
• iPhone Air — 4-6 years (last update in 2030, 2031, or 2032)
• iPhone 16 series — 3-5 years (last update in 2029, 2030 or 2031)
• iPhone 15 series — 2-4 years (last update in 2028, 2029, or 2030)
• iPhone 14 series — 1-3 years (last update in 2027, 2028, or 2029)
• iPhone SE (2022) — 1-3 years (last update in 2027, 2028, or 2029)
• iPhone 13 series — 0-2 years (last update in 2026, 2027, or 2028)
• iPhone 12 series — 0-2 years (last update in 2026, 2027, or 2028)
• iPhone 11 series — final update will probably be this year with iOS 27
• iPhone SE (2020) — final update will probably be this year with iOS 27

Samsung Galaxy phones

Samsung offers as much as seven years of support for some of its recent phones, but older and lower-end handsets get fewer updates, so how long your phone will be updated for can be quite variable depending on the model.

• Samsung Galaxy S26 series — 7 years (last update in 2033)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — 6 years (last update in 2032)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 — 6 years (last update in 2032)
• Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold — 6 years (last update in 2032)
• Samsung Galaxy S25 series — 6 years (last update in 2032)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy S24 series — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy A57 — 6 years (last update in 2032)
• Samsung Galaxy A56 — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy A36 — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy A26 — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy A17 — 5 years (last update in 2031)
• Samsung Galaxy A17 — 4 years (last update in 2030)
• Samsung Galaxy A55 — 1 year (last update in 2027, security patches until 2029)
• Samsung Galaxy A35 — 1 year (last update in 2027, security patches until 2029)
• Samsung Galaxy M35 — 1 year (last update in 2027, security patches until 2029)
• Samsung Galaxy A25 — 1 year (last update in 2027, security patches until 2028)
• Samsung Galaxy A54 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Samsung Galaxy A34 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Samsung Galaxy S23 series — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Samsung Galaxy M54 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028

Google Pixel phones

Google has committed to supporting all handsets from the Pixel 8 onwards for seven years, while phones from the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 lines get five years of support.

Note that, as a-series models launch later than their mainline siblings, they technically get supported for longer. But depending on when major new Android versions launch, they may not get additional significant updates.

• Google Pixel 10a — 7 years (last update in early 2033)
• Google Pixel 10 series (excluding 10a) — 6 years (last update in late 2032)
• Google Pixel 9a — 6 years (last update in early 2032)
• Google Pixel 9 series (excluding 9a) — 5 years (last update in late 2031)
• Google Pixel 8a — 5 years (last update in early 2031)
• Google Pixel 8 series (excluding 8a) — 4 years (last update in late 2030)
• Google Pixel Fold — 2 years (last update in mid-2028)
• Google Pixel 7a — 2 years (last update in mid-2028)
• Google Pixel 7 series (excluding 7a) — 1 year (last update in late 2027)
• Google Pixel 6a — 1 year (last update in mid-2027)
• Google Pixel 6 series (excluding 6a) — final update this year (2026)

Motorola phones

Motorola’s update commitments feel quite messy and inconsistent, with some phones getting more or fewer updates than you might expect, but you’ll find an overview of the currently supported handsets below.

• Motorola Signature — 7 years (last update in early 2033)
• Motorola Edge 70 series — 3 years (last update in 2029, security patches until 2031)
• Motorola Edge 60 Neo — 3 years (last update in 2029, security patches until 2031)
• Motorola Edge 50 Neo — 3 years (last update in 2029)
• Motorola Razr 70 / Razr 2026 series — 2 years (last update in 2028, security patches until 2030)
• Motorola Edge 60 series (excluding Neo) — 2 years (last update in 2028, security patches until 2029)
• Moto G75 — 2 years (last update in 2028, security patches until 2030)
• Motorola Razr 60 / Razr 2025 series — 1 year (last update in 2027, security patches until 2029)
• Motorola Edge 50 Pro — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Motorola Edge 50 Fusion — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Motorola Edge 50 Ultra — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Motorola Razr 50 / Razr 2024 series — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2028
• Moto G86 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2029
• Moto G56 — final Android update this year (2026), final security patch in 2029

• Android 17 is causing touchscreen issues for a number of Pixel owners
• Google is aware of the issue and has suggested some solutions, but these seemingly haven't worked for most people
• Another fix suggested on Reddit appears to work better, but still not for everyone

Android 17 hasn’t had the smoothest of starts, with some early updaters reporting issues with Wi-Fi and 5G connections, and now yet another bug has emerged — this time affecting the touchscreen.

According to various Reddit users (via Android Authority), the update to Android 17 has led to touchscreen issues, including the screen scrolling in the opposite direction to the one they swiped, completely ignoring taps, and there being dead zones where the screen is unresponsive.

It’s hard to say how widespread this issue is, but there are multiple Reddit threads about it, and it has also been submitted to Google’s issue tracker. So if you haven’t updated to Android 17 yet, you might want to hold off — though it seems the Google Pixel 6 series at least might be unaffected.

The good news is that Google is aware of the bug, as not only has it been submitted to the company’s issue tracker, but an official Google account actually replied to one of the Reddit threads, suggesting a couple of possible fixes.

Three possible fixes

These included clearing the cache, by going to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Pixel Launcher app > Storage & cache > Clear cache. If that doesn’t work the other suggestion was to boot your phone into safe mode and see if that fixes the problem.

To do this on a Pixel 6 or newer that’s currently switched on, press and hold the power button for a few seconds, and then tap and hold either the ‘Power off’ or ‘Restart’ option, followed by tapping ‘OK’. If your phone is off, you instead want to press the power button, and then when the animation starts, press and hold the volume down button until the animation ends.

In either case your phone will say ‘safe mode’ at the bottom of the screen once it starts up, and if this does fix the problem then the issue is a third-party app, so you should temporarily remove these one by one, starting with the most recent ones, until you find the culprit.

But while that’s the official Google advice, it doesn’t appear to have worked for many people. What does seem to have worked slightly more widely is a suggestion to turn off the triple-tap magnification shortcut.

To do this, head to Settings > Accessibility > Magnification, then either turn off ‘Magnification shortcut’, or tap on it and change the magnification option to something other than ‘Triple-tap screen’. However it's unclear whether this has worked for everyone or not.

So if none of the above resolves the problem for you, then unfortunately you’ll probably have to wait for Google to roll out a proper fix. Let’s just hope that doesn’t take long.

• Android 17 is rolling out now
• Initially, it's only available for Pixel phones
• New features include Screen Reactions, Bubbles, a foldable gaming mode, and more

Following months of betas, Android 17 is finally available in finished form — though initially only to Google Pixel phones, with devices from other brands set to get it throughout 2026, as manufacturers put their own spin on the software.

But if you have a Google Pixel 6 or newer, you can grab Android 17 now (or at least soon, if it hasn’t yet been pushed to your phone).

Sadly, what you won’t get right now is Gemini Intelligence or most of the other related AI stuff announced at the recent Android Show, with Google saying these features will launch “later this summer”.

But there’s still a lot to get stuck into, from Screen Reactions to multitasking bubbles and beyond. Below, we’ve detailed the seven best new features you’ll find in the Android 17 update.

1. Multitasking bubbles

If you like having multiple windows open at once, then you’ll probably appreciate Android 17’s new ‘Bubbles’ feature, which lets you turn any app into a floating bubble that stays on top of other apps.

This is probably most useful on large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets — which even get a dedicated ‘Bubble bar’ at the bottom of the screen for quickly resizing and switching between apps — but it works with standard phones too, and with every app.

2. Screen Reactions

Screen Reactions is a feature that Google has already heavily advertised, but it’s available now in finished form.

This lets you capture your phone’s screen and record yourself with the front-facing camera simultaneously, with the video from the selfie camera appearing in a small window on top of the screen recording.

This makes it easy to record reaction videos or tutorials without having to use multiple apps or a green screen.

3. Android Parental Controls for all devices

Android Parental Controls rolled out last year for Pixel phones, but now they’re expanding to all Android 17 devices.

Since Pixels are the only phones getting Android 17 currently, this won’t actually be a new feature for anyone yet, but once other brands roll out Android 17, it will be.

With these new controls, parents will be able to set screen time limits, downtime schedules, control usage of specific apps, and set up app store filters to limit what children can download.

4. Foldable gaming mode

If you’re a gamer with a foldable phone, then Android 17 has exactly the tool you’ve probably been waiting for, as Google has developed an “optimized 50/50 layout” that lets you use your phone like a Nintendo DS, with a view of the game itself on the top screen and a dynamic gamepad below. With this new mode enabled, there are no buttons obscuring your view of the game.

That said, Google says this feature will be “available in the coming months”, so even though it’s part of Android 17, you won’t be able to access it yet (this is the last not-yet-available feature in our list — we promise!).

5. Contact Picker

Contact Picker is a small but potentially very useful new feature that lets you choose to just share specific contacts with apps.

Previously, if an app needed access to a contact, you’d have to give it access to all of your contacts, which, from a privacy perspective, is far from ideal, so now you can be selective.

This is one of several new privacy and security features in Android 17, with others including the ability to grant apps temporary access to your precise location and improvements to Live Threat Detection, so your phone can block more scams and suspicious apps.

6. Continue On

With Continue On, you can start a task — such as editing a document or composing a message — on one device and seamlessly continue it on another, similarly to how Apple’s Handoff feature works.

Initially, this only works between phones and tablets, but Google has plans to extend it to the web, so you’ll be able to continue using apps on larger devices too.

It also requires developers to implement the feature, so it won’t work at all for every app, but it could be very useful where it is supported.

7. Hide app labels

Another small feature, but one that could drastically change the look of your home screens, is the option now to hide app labels, so there’s less text on the screen, potentially making it look less cluttered.

Of course, the downside is you’ll need to be able to recognize apps from their icons, or just be left guessing which app is which, but for some people this feature could be a big deal.

As a Google Pixel phone user, I'm always on the lookout for a bargain on the brand's devices. Sure, iPhone and Samsung devices get all the attention, but I've always been a fan of Google's Pixel devices — especially because they tend to be great value.

That's even more the case today because I've just spotted the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for just £899 (was £1,099) at the EE Store. With £300 off, this is comfortably the best unlocked price yet on Google's flagship device.

Sure, at £899, it's still a little on the pricey end, but in terms of value, you'd be hard-pressed to beat this deal if you want a premium device. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features a beautiful display, unbeatable battery life, and the excellent cameras that Google devices are known for.

As an unlocked device, you've got plenty of choice in terms of carriers here, too. EE is selling this one without an associated plan, but of course, you can pair it up with one of the carrier's SIM-only options.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL drops to record-low price

• This deal is also available at Currys and Amazon

One of our favourite Android phones right now

You can check out our full Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review for an in-depth overview of the device, including lots of samples from the device's excellent camera.

In short, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL scored impressively — almost full marks, in fact. The standout feature for us was the device's stunning 6.8-inch display, which we think is one of the best on the market currently.

Other highlights include the cameras, which boast better low-light performance and easy-to-use AI-assisted editing tools. These are as good as the latest iPhones, in our opinion, with it being a matter of taste in terms of which you'd prefer.