The wait is over for Google fans. The Pixel 11 series is officially here, and preorders are now live across major retailers. The new lineup includes the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold, with prices starting at $899. All devices will ship on August 20, 2026.
Pixel 11: Pricing and Key Features
The base Pixel 11 starts at $899, while the Pro and Pro XL are priced at $1,099 and $1,299 respectively. The top-of-the-line Pro Fold commands $1,899. Google also unveiled the Pixel Watch 5, available in 41mm and 45mm sizes for $399 and $429.
According to The Verge, the new phones bring a host of upgrades over last year's models. The publication's detailed comparison highlights improvements in camera technology, processing power, and battery life, making the Pixel 11 a compelling option for Android enthusiasts. Interestingly, Google also confirmed that The Android Show will return this May, with the I/O Edition expected to reveal Android 17 news and AI-powered laptops.
Where to Preorder and Best Deals
Preorders are open at Best Buy, Amazon, and the Google Store. Retailers are sweetening the deal with gift cards and trade-in offers. Mashable reports that Amazon is offering a free $200 gift card with the Pixel 11 Pro, while Best Buy is running promotions with up to $350 in gift cards. The Google Store itself is offering various incentives, including a free Pixel Watch with the Pro Fold, according to TechRadar.
"With the right trade-in, you can save up to $1,000 on the Pro Fold," notes Android Central's preorder guide, making the foldable more accessible than its $1,899 price tag suggests.
For those looking to save more, Best Buy is still offering up to $350 gift cards with the previous Pixel 10, and the Pixel 10a features an interesting design change that may appeal to budget-minded buyers. IGN also covered the preorder gift card deals from Amazon and Best Buy, emphasizing the value of early bird purchases.
The Foldable Battle: Google vs. Samsung
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is Google's latest attempt to challenge Samsung's dominance in the foldable market. Samsung, meanwhile, has announced its own Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, with preorders also going live. Mashable has covered Samsung's preorder deals, including a $350 Amazon gift card with the Z Fold 8 and a $200 gift card with the Z Flip 8. Samsung's Unpacked event is set for July 22, and leaks suggest the Z Flip 8 will look very familiar to its predecessor. The competition is intensifying, with both companies offering aggressive incentives to win over consumers.
Other Smartphone News
Beyond the giants, Nothing Phone (4b) preorders have gone live, offering a unique transparent design and a focus on software experience. For parents, the Waffle screen-free kids phone is now available for preorder, promising a device without apps or social media. A startup is also claiming an insane 24-core phone, though it sounds like vaporware. Meanwhile, carrier deals abound: Mint Mobile, AT&T, and T-Mobile are competing for new customers.
Beyond Phones: The Week in Tech
This week also brought news from other corners of the tech world. Bose announced new QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and SoundLink speakers, while VW unveiled a tiny, simplified electric concept car. Elon Musk claimed that a feature from the Hummer EV will come to the quad-motor Cybertruck. Apple made headlines as well: reports suggest the company's first foldable will be called iPhone Ultra, and iOS 13.6 introduced Car Key support for select BMW models. Apple also expanded AppleCare+ to cover lost and stolen iPhones, albeit at a premium, and some users received alerts about resetting Apple ID passwords, raising security questions. In tablet news, the 11-inch iPad with A16 chip dropped to $399.99 at Amazon. In legal news, Google agreed to delete billions of Incognito mode data records, a landmark settlement that could reshape privacy expectations.
Implications and Outlook
The wave of preorder deals and new product announcements indicates a fiercely competitive market. As The Verge notes, the Pixel 11's price increase from the Pixel 10 could be a hurdle, but gift cards and trade-in offers mitigate the sting. With Samsung fighting back and newer players like Nothing carving out niches, consumers have more choice than ever. As the August 20 shipping date approaches, the real test will be how these devices perform in the hands of users. For now, the tech world is buzzing with anticipation.
