Key Highlights

  • Google raised starting prices for its Pixel 11 lineup by $100, with the base model now starting at $899, up from the prior generation's starting price
  • The price increase is linked to a global memory Supply squeeze as AI Data Center Demand competes with smartphone makers for semiconductor capacity
  • All three new models now start with 256GB of storage, helping offset part of the price increase for consumers
  • The new phones are built around Google's Tensor G6 processor and go on sale August 20

Google Raises Pixel Prices Amid Surging Memory Costs

Alphabet's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google unveiled its Pixel 11 smartphone lineup Wednesday, raising starting prices by $100 as surging memory costs add pressure to device makers, while introducing upgraded cameras, a faster chip, and new artificial intelligence features. The Pixel 11 starts at $899, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL start at $1,099 and $1,299 respectively, with all three models now starting at 256GB of storage, helping offset part of the increase for consumers. The new phones go on sale August 20.

Google had previously warned that an unprecedented rise in memory costs would push up prices for its latest devices. The increase has been linked to a global memory supply squeeze, as strong demand from AI data centers competes with smartphone makers for semiconductor Manufacturing capacity, raising input costs across the industry.

New Lineup Built Around Faster Chip and AI Features

The new lineup is built around Google's Tensor G6 processor and the latest Gemini Nano AI model, with Google saying the chip can process on-device AI tasks up to 3.5 times faster while using up to 3.5 times less energy than the prior generation. The chip also improves web browsing performance by 25% and app launch speeds by 15%.

Camera upgrades are another major focus of the new lineup. The base Pixel 11 gets a larger 48-megapixel main sensor with 56% greater light sensitivity and 30x Super Zoom, while the Pro models feature new main sensors and upgraded 48-megapixel telephoto cameras with 30% more light sensitivity and up to 120x Pro Zoom. Google also introduced a new feature on the Pro models called HiLight, which uses LEDs around the camera flash to provide glanceable notifications, including signals for AI assistant activity and customized alerts for incoming calls.

Pro Models Add Brighter Displays and Faster Charging

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL feature displays reaching up to 3,600 nits of brightness, along with improved scratch resistance and faster charging speeds. All three phones come with seven years of operating system, security, and software update support, while buyers of the Pro models receive six months of Google's premium AI subscription tier at no additional cost.