Top 7 Highlights from the Pixel 11 Launch Event

Google is gearing up for a Pixel launch event on Wednesday night, where it will unveil its latest devices. However, you don’t have to wait until then for the scoop; we got an early look at what’s coming, including the new Pixel phones, enhanced health features on the Pixel Watch 5, and more.

The event will be livestreamed on Wednesday at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT. If you can’t tune in live, we’ve got you covered with all the key highlights from the Pixel launch.

**Pixel 11 Debuts with Fresh Colors and a Price Increase**
Google has refreshed its Pixel phone lineup, kicking things off with the Pixel 11. While the design remains similar to the Pixel 10, it now comes in exciting new colors: a frosty lilac, hibiscus pink, pistachio green, and classic obsidian black. Powered by Google’s new Tensor G6 chip, it promises 25% faster web browsing and 15% quicker app loading. The battery is rated for over 30 hours and supports 25% faster wireless charging compared to its predecessor.

The Pixel 11 boasts an upgraded camera system with a camera bump that’s over 40% thinner than the Pixel 10’s. It features a 48MP wide lens, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens on the back, along with a 10.5MP selfie camera. Google claims the 48MP wide lens has 56% more light sensitivity, and the 5x telephoto lens supports up to 30x Super Zoom.

However, the Pixel 11 comes with a $100 price increase, starting at $899. The base model now includes 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, up from the 128GB in the Pixel 10. It will be available starting August 20th.

**Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL Introduce HiLight LED Feature**
The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL come with a new HiLight LED indicator in the camera bar, designed for notifications like Gemini interactions and incoming calls from favorite contacts. Google plans to expand its functionality to include message notifications from frequent contacts in the future.

The Pro model features an upgraded display with a peak brightness of 3,600 nits and is powered by the same Tensor G6 chip as the standard Pixel 11. Its camera setup includes a new 48MP telephoto lens with up to 120x Pro Zoom, a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 42MP selfie camera. Battery life is rated for over 30 hours, with wireless charging that’s over 29% faster than the Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL.

The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099 for 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, while the Pro XL begins at $1,299 with the same specs. Both models offer 512GB and 1TB storage options with 16GB of RAM and come in four colors: canyon, fog, olive, and matte obsidian.

**Pixel 11 Pro Fold Features Durability Enhancements**
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold boasts the thinnest bezels ever seen on a foldable device and is claimed to be three times more durable than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, featuring IP68 water and dust resistance and a back material designed to resist cracking.

Its displays are 20% brighter than the previous model, with the inner display reaching 3,600 nits. It also runs on the Tensor G6 chip and offers up to 24 hours of battery life. The camera includes a new 48MP wide lens, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with up to 30x Super Zoom.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 for the base model with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, available in olive and black.

**New Camera and Creator Features for Pixel Phones**
Alongside hardware upgrades, Google is rolling out new features for photography and videography across its latest phones. The Camera app introduces a Magic Capture mode that extracts photos and clips from video recordings.

Camera Looks offer customizable presets that change how images are processed, rather than just applying filters. Styles include Minimal, Editorial, and “Digi,” which mimics the look of digital cameras. The Pixel 11 Pro also features a new Pro Stable Video mode that can record in up to 8K.

A new Creator tab in the Camera app includes a “Creator Suite” with tools for trimming and reordering videos, an onscreen teleprompter, and enhanced Speech Enhancement.

**Pixel Watch 5 Introduces New Health Features**
The Pixel Watch 5 may look similar to its predecessor, but it packs significant new software features. Breathing Emergency Detection can trigger an emergency call if it detects a significant drop in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). It also tracks nightly sleep breathing quality and provides monthly reports. Starting in September, new features will include Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Resistance Trends.

The watch adds new workout features, including AI-generated strength training plans and the ability to track reps directly from the device. Google claims it offers the most accurate GPS route tracking for exercise, outperforming competitors.

Unfortunately, the Pixel Watch 5 sees a price increase of $50, starting at $399. It comes in two sizes, 45mm and 41mm, and four colors: black, white, olive green, and pink. A special edition featuring Steph Curry will be available later, priced at $579.

**Google Launches Its Own Item Tracker**
Google is entering the item tracker market with the Pixel Tag, set to launch on November 11th for $29 each or $99 for a pack of four. Unlike the round AirTag, the Pixel Tag has an oblong shape, measuring 1.1 inches by 1.8 inches. It’s IP67 water and dust resistant, and the replaceable CR2032 battery is said to last over a year.

**Pixel Buds Pro 2 Get Improved ANC and New Color**
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are being released in a new olive green color on August 12th, matching the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro Fold. A firmware update in September will enhance the earbuds’ active noise cancellation.