Today, we are going to do a very quick hands-on with the new range of devices from Google for 2026, including but not limited to the new Pixel 11 series of smartphones. There are a lot of devices to go through, so let’s just jump in without much further ado.
Let’s start from the bottom with the new Pixel 11 series, with the eponymous model. The Pixel 11 comes with fewer changes over its predecessor compared to the Pro models, but they are all still welcome improvements that potential buyers would appreciate.
Pixel 11 in Pistachio
Among the list of changes are the more efficient new Tensor G6 chip along with 12GB of memory and an upgraded 256GB of base storage. The battery is ever so slightly larger at 4985mAh but has much faster 25W wireless charging. And finally, the main camera has been upgraded with a larger sensor. The rest of the phone remains similar to Pixel 10, and it also doesn’t get the new HiLight notification LED feature on the back as the new Pro models.
Pixel 11 in Hibiscus
In hand, the phone feels identical to the Pixel 10. As before, all the colors use a matte metal frame as the gloss is limited to the Pro models. However, there are some new colors this year, including this very vibrant Hibiscus that could be spotted across the room.
Next we have the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL. One of the main new features Google is talking about is the HiLight. This sits within the LED flash on the back of the phone and has an additional ring of colored LEDs that glow in different patterns, similar to the lights on top of Apple’s HomePod models. These can be used to identify different contacts whenever they call or message you. Unfortunately, because it can only currently be triggered by someone from your contacts list reaching out to you, we didn’t get to see it in action on the units.
Pixel 11 Pro XL in Canyon
The Pixel 11 Pro models get the same basic improvements as the vanilla Pixel 11 but also gets a brighter display, an updated 50MP main camera as well as a new 48MP telephoto camera. The storage also starts at 256GB now for the base model. However, there are a couple of downgrades; the base model now only gets 12GB of memory, and the 16GB memory is limited to the 512GB model. Also, the battery has ever so slightly dropped in capacity, although its actual impact on battery life can only be seen in actual testing.
There are a few new colors, including this Canyon, which is a light orange with a gold polished aluminum frame and accents.
Pixel 11 Pro XL in Obsidian
New for this year is also this updated Obsidian, which takes the classic black color of the previous generation model and replaces the polished frame with a matte frame for an even stealthier look. It does make the phone slipperier though, so you have to be more careful.
Finally, among the phones, is the new Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold once again shares the benefits with its other siblings, such as an updated chipset, cameras, and brighter displays. It also retains the 16GB memory from before, so you get the proper flagship treatment.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold in Olive
What was most noticeable during our hands-on was the reduced weight. The previous model was quite bulky but the new one feels not much heavier than the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and is very similar to last year’s Pixel 10 Pro XL. The weight reduction is a common theme for the Pixel phones this year but it’s most obvious on the Fold. However, this has come at the cost of a notably smaller 4806mAh battery compared to 5015mAh of last year’s Fold, and we just have to assume the new chipset is going to make up for that.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Other things to note about the Fold’s design is that the crease is still quite noticeable, so if that’s something you’re bothered by then you should look at some of the other foldable on the market today. We also thought that the bottom half of the phone oddly looked a bit thinner than the top half, which isn’t something we have seen on other foldable before. Lastly, the camera bar on the back has been made much smaller and visually less bulky, while housing the new HiLight LED.
Moving on from the phones, Google also launched the new Pixel Watch 5. It is claimed to have improved performance but that wasn’t obvious during our brief hands-on with it. It also has double the storage at 64GB and larger batteries for each of the 41mm and 45mm models. The other improvements are on the software side.
Pixel Watch 5 in Champagne Gold
In hand, the Pixel Watch 5 looks and feels no different than the Watch 4. The one we have here in the pictures is the 45mm Champagne Gold model with the Canyon Active Band.
Google also had the new Olive green Pixel Buds Pro 2 on display at the event. Color aside, this is just the Pixel Buds Pro 2 that have been on sale for a while. Also, as with the other colors, the colors you pick is only visible on the back of the earbuds.
Finally, Google also had the Fitbit Air on display, the company’s affordable screen-less fitness tracker. While announced back in May, it has only just been announced for the Indian market after popular demand, and won’t actually be on sale till October.
Fitbit Air
That’s all we have regarding Google’s hardware lineup for 2026. Be sure to check back for the reviews once the devices start coming in.
