Google’s Pixel 11 lineup went on sale Thursday at $899, marking a $100 jump from last year’s model as the memory chip shortage forces price increases across the smartphone industry. The base Pixel 11 ships with 256GB of storage, double the 128GB in the Pixel 10, but the higher sticker price signals that even Google can no longer absorb rising component costs.
The phones, announced August 12 at a New York event hosted by Trevor Noah, are the first Pixel devices powered by Google’s Tensor G6 processor. Built on a 3nm manufacturing process, the chip is designed to run AI models entirely on-device, including new features like Video Generative ML, which creates short AI-generated video clips, and Speak-to-Tweak, which lets users edit photos with voice commands.
Reviews published Thursday were broadly positive but tempered by the price hike. Engadget called the standard Pixel 11 “a lot of phone for a little more money,” praising the upgraded camera system and AI capabilities while noting that the Pro models see even steeper increases. The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099 and the Pro XL at $1,299, though Google cut RAM to 12GB on both base Pro models, down from 16GB on the Pixel 10 Pro.
Camera and AI Upgrades
The camera system gets a significant refresh with a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto. Google says the new Video Boost feature, which previously sent footage to Google’s servers for AI enhancement, now processes locally on the Tensor G6 chip. The company also introduced Magic Capture, which can extract still photos from video, and improved low-light performance across all lenses.
The phones run Android 17 and ship with Gemini AI pre-installed. Google is offering college students a free year of its AI Pro plan, normally priced at $200, as part of the launch push. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, priced at $1,899, features an 8-inch inner display and a redesigned hinge that Google says is “nearly impossible to crack.”
Industry-Wide Price Pressures
Google’s price increases mirror a broader trend driven by the global memory chip shortage. Xiaomi reported a 43% profit decline last quarter as AI server demand consumed memory supply, and Microsoft recently raised Xbox prices across Europe and the US for the same reason. The shortage has pushed manufacturers to either raise prices or cut specs, and Google has chosen a middle path: higher prices with more base storage.
The Pixel 11 is available in four colors: Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian. Pre-orders opened August 12 and the phones are now shipping through the Google Store, Amazon, and major US carriers. Google is offering trade-in values up to $1,000 for older Pixel models, with additional gift card bonuses for early buyers.
Sources: Engadget; Google Blog; 9to5Google; Android Headlines; GSMArena
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