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Pixel 11 Pro Ships with Tensor G6 and AI Camera Upgrades but Raises Price and Cuts Some Hardware

Google is leaning on on-device Gemini AI as the main rationale for higher prices.

Overview

  • The Pixel 11 Pro went on preorder Wednesday and is set to begin shipping around Aug. 20 as Google’s 2026 flagship phone.
  • Google equips the Pro with a new Tensor G6 system-on-chip reported as a 3nm part to run on-device Gemini features and speed up image processing.
  • Camera hardware and software get a clear push: larger main and telephoto sensors plus new AI modes such as Magic Capture improve portrait detail and motion shots even as telephoto zoom still lags top Chinese rivals.
  • Google raised list prices by about $100 and rebalanced components by increasing base storage while reducing RAM on the entry Pro, removing the thermometer, shrinking some batteries, and shipping minimal packaging with only a USB 2.0 cable.
  • Retailers and carriers are offering trade-ins and bundle deals to offset the higher prices and Google’s promise of seven years of updates ties the purchase to longer software support for users who prioritize on-device AI.