Google Pixel 11 lineup launches on Tensor G6 with Pixel Watch 5 and first-ever Pixel Tag

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Aug. 12. Four Pixel 11 smartphones built on Google's new Tensor G6 processor went up for preorder at the company's Made by Google event, with Google saying the chip processes on-device AI tasks up to 3.5 times faster while using up to 3.5 times less energy than its predecessor in its testing. Pixel Watch 5, Google's first Pixel Tag location tracker and updated Pixel Buds Pro 2 software filled out the announcement.

All four phones, the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, go on sale August 20.

Cameras and physical design

The standard Pixel 11 carries a 48-megapixel main sensor with 56% more light sensitivity than the Pixel 10, according to Google. Its camera bar is 40% thinner than earlier base-model Pixels, and the 5x telephoto lens reaches 30x Super Zoom. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL push display brightness to 3,600 nits. A new coating provides more than twice the scratch resistance of the previous Pro generation, the company said, and their telephoto cameras reach 120x Pro Zoom. All three standard Pixel 11 models start with 256GB of storage.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is almost 10% lighter and about one millimeter thinner than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. A redesigned hinge, new back material and stronger outer display make it three times more durable than last year's model in Google's testing. Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging extends into the lineup with Qi2 support and speeds up to 25W on compatible models. Quick Share on Pixel 11 can now exchange photos and videos with iPhones and MacBooks, Google said.

AI tools and attention features

Gemini can now handle multistep tasks across more than 40 apps. Pixel 11 can surface booking details and flight status when a contact messages about a trip, or prompt a restaurant reservation when dinner plans appear in a conversation. Rambler, a Gemini-powered voice input feature, strips filler words as it transcribes speech.

Magic Capture analyzes around 400 frames during a typical session and selects timed 12-megapixel photos while saving video without requiring a mode switch. Instant Night Sight is four times faster, Google said. Sign To Text lets users write, chat or prompt Gemini using American Sign Language through the camera, with support for one-handed and two-handed signing plus facial expressions.

Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL introduce HiLight, an array of colored LEDs around the camera flash that signals Gemini activity or incoming calls from assigned contacts while the phone faces down.

Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag

Pixel Watch 5 starts at $399 for the 41mm model and $429 for the 45mm version, with the same August 20 on-sale date. Google says GPS route tracking is twice as accurate as previous Pixel Watch generations, and the watch carries 50% more RAM than Pixel Watch 4. Health Guardian features deliver monthly summaries covering blood pressure trends, sleep breathing quality and insulin resistance trends.

Breathing Emergency Detection, which can call emergency services automatically when a severe drop in oxygen saturation goes unaddressed, is available on Pixel Watch 5 in select European countries. It is not currently available in the United States, Google said.

Pixel Tag connects to Google's Find Hub network of more than one billion Android devices. It costs $29 individually or $99 in a four-pack, carries an IP67 water and dust resistance rating and ships with a replaceable battery that Google says lasts more than one year. The tag can be shared with up to 10 people and goes on sale November 11.