The Google Pixel 11 is here, and boy, does it look cool. Sleek, refined, and powerful.
It's like looking at an iPhone from an alternate timeline where Tim Cook decided to jump on the camera bar design a few generations early.
The rest of Made by Google 2026's announcements are no less impressive.
But I'm already looking ahead to the future. The Pixel 11 has not impressed me, but I think all the pieces are in place to make its budget A-series variant the best of its line yet.
What we know about the Pixel 11a
It's looking good so far
Everything we know about the Pixel 11a so far comes from a from Mystic Leaks on Telegram. Taking these specs with a pinch of salt, here's how it shapes up against the Pixel 10 so far.
| Pixel 10a | Pixel 11a | |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Tensor G4 | Tensor G6 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Modem | Samsung Exynos Modem 5400 | MediaTek M90 |
| Display | 6.3-inch AMOLED, 60-120Hz, 3,000 nits peak brightness | 6.3-inch AMOLED, 60-120Hz, 3,350 nits peak brightness |
| Battery | 5,100mAh | 4,870mAh |
The obvious upgrade first. The jump from the Tensor G4 to is a welcome one.
According to Google, the Tensor G6 "delivers up to 20% better power efficiency, 25% faster browsing and 15% faster app loading" over the Tensor G5.
And when the Tensor G4 was already sufficient for the Pixel 10a, we can expect a hefty performance boost.
Next, the . This is the new modem across the Pixel 11 range, and it's a welcome change.
A MediaTek modem should go a long way to fixing the overheating and efficiency issues that have plagued Pixel phones since the Tensor G1-equipped Pixel 6.
Battery life on the Pixel 10a
The only confusing element is the smaller battery size. However, when the new chipset should run significantly more efficiently than its predecessor, we may actually see battery life improvements.
So, while we're still in the early stages, things are looking good for the Pixel 11a. But there's one piece of hardware that is actually an upgrade by not changing.
8GB of RAM suggests an acceptable price increase
At this point, we're due an A-series price rise regardless
The question mark hanging over every new phone release in 2026 is RAM.
Prices are skyrocketing, and manufacturers are making various decisions to keep profits up (if you didn't know, it's at the expense of consumers).
So 8GB of RAM on the Pixel 11a means no significant price hikes. As the Pixel A-Series hasn't seen a price increase since the Pixel 6a, a $50 jump will feel reasonable.
However, there's another reason I'm happy the Pixel 11a is rumored to ship with only 8GB of RAM.
No Gemini Intelligence
Unless Google figures out a way to bypass its 8GB restrictions
I'm in a tough spot right now as a Pixel fan. On the one hand, I love the software, early updates, Pixel Drops, and cameras. But on the other hand, I'm frustrated by Google's insistence that I pay for features I don't want or need.
has one catch, though, and that's memory requirements. Google confirmed that only devices with 12GB of RAM will be compatible.
That means no Gemini Intelligence on the Pixel 11a. All the best Google software, with none of the memory-hogging, space-wasting Gemini features. (At least, after you disable AI Core).
We don't know anything about the Pixel 11a's software; there's a chance Google will implement a "lite" Gemini Intelligence.
Nevertheless, from what we know about the hardware, the Pixel 11a could be the Pixel phone to get for those who want to avoid "always-on" AI.
The Pixel 11a could still come with fun tricks
Now the camera bar is flat; what can we expect next?
One of the more debatable aspects of the Pixel 11 Pro lineup is HiLight. While not a new concept, it's the sleekest example of notification lights we've seen yet in a "mainstream" phone.
Functionality is limited for now; at launch, it is capable of informing you which Favorite Contact is calling (by way of customizable colors) and letting you know when Gemini is listening, thinking, and responding.
I expect HiLight to expand in functionality over future Pixel Drops, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see it on the Pixel 11a even though it wasn't launched with the Pixel 11.
As HiLight replaces the temperature sensor (a debatable feature at the best of times), there's no good reason it couldn't be included on the Pixel 11a.
Locking behind the Pro paywall is the reason, but exclusive Pixel features tend not to stay that way for long.
While it could be reserved for the "premium" devices, I'm unsure whether such a gimmicky feature is best used to define the difference between devices. Instead, I expect it to become commonplace.
It's worth holding off for the Pixel 11a
It's early days, but I know enough about the Pixel 11a to know I'm more interested in it than its bigger, more powerful brother.
We still have months to go before a Pixel 11a release, which gives us plenty of time to examine the Pixel 11's capabilities and see if and HiLight are must-have features.