Google Pixel 11

Pixel 11 tidbits: The key details you should know about Google’s latest phones

Ben Schoon | Aug 14 2026 - 7:30 am PT

While not as major of a release as most years, Google’s Pixel 11 devices bring a lot of new things to the table, including some little details you might have missed during the event or on the store page. Here are some key details we think you should know about.

Pixel 11’s thinner camera makes a huge difference, and is roughly as thick as a case which makes for a flat phone.
Google’s new anti-scratch displays are only available on the Pro devices – no big improvements on the base model.
Camera Looks are available the first time you open the camera and tweak image processing on every shot you take – all four phones have new camera sensor hardware.
Similarly, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a ceramic display and composite back, hardware you’ll only find on the new foldable. Google says that composite back is “nearly impossible to crack,” and that it wrapped around bend test hardware rather than breaking.
HiLight only has two features right now, as much as we wish it could do more. Google has confirmed that Messages support is in the works, but there are no plans for third-party developer support.

Every Pixel 11 Pro has a smaller battery compared to the Pixel 10 generation, but Google implies Tensor G6 will maintain or even boost battery life. Pixel 11 Pro Fold in particular has a 5% drop, contributing to the thinner chassis and lighter weight.
These phones are still eSIM-only in the US, save for the Fold.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s new hinge further works on the display crease, but don’t expect anything close to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 here.
Google’s new emoji designs are live out of the box on Pixel 11, as are other new features such as App Handles on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold which are not yet on Pixel 10 and older generations.
The best Pixel 11 deal is at Amazon, with boosted trade-ins & free watches, or a gift card – the Google Store has solid trade-in values too, though

Pixel 11: Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy
Pixel 11 Pro: Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy
Pixel 11 Pro XL: Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy
Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy

Extreme Charging Mode allows these phones to charge faster by letting them get warmer and cutting down on background tasks, it works with both wired and wireless charging. All four phones support Qi2 25W charging this year.
Tensor G6 is not a 2nm chip, but it delivers notable improvements to performance, image processing, and more.
Google moved the NFC hardware on Pixel 11 to the top, making “Tap to Share” and mobile payments easier and more logical.
Gboard Rambler is the star of Google’s initial Gemini Intelligence features, which the Pixel 11 and Pixel Watch 5 both advertise on boot. Rambler doesn’t work like existing voice typing, instead requiring you to tap a checkmark to process the text while not showing a live preview of what you’re typing, either.