Google Pixel 11 launch set for August 12, but leaks point to 2nm Tensor chip, Glow Bar and a puzzling RAM downgrade

Google has officially confirmed that it will unveil the Pixel 11 series on August 12 at its Made by Google event in New York. The invite, first reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, only confirms the launch date. Everything else, from the hardware to the design, has already surfaced through a steady stream of leaks.

The Pixel 11 lineup is expected to include four models: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, with the foldable likely arriving later in October, following Google's rollout strategy from last year. The first three devices are expected to go on sale globally from August 20.

This year's biggest upgrade is expected to come from the inside. All four models are tipped to feature Google's new Tensor G6, reportedly the first smartphone processor manufactured on TSMC's 2nm process. That would give Google an early hardware advantage over many rivals still using 3nm chips. Another long-awaited change is the modem. Leaks suggest Google is finally replacing Samsung's Exynos modem with a MediaTek solution, a move that could improve both battery life and network reliability after years of complaints from Pixel users.


The design is also expected to evolve rather than change completely. The familiar camera bar is likely to remain, but leaks suggest Google will introduce a new Glow Bar, similar to what debuted on the recently announced Google Book. Instead of acting purely as a notification light, the illuminated strip is expected to respond when users interact with Gemini, glowing dynamically during conversations and AI requests. If accurate, it would become a more functional visual cue for Google's AI experience rather than just a design flourish.

The more controversial leak concerns memory. Multiple reports suggest the standard Pixel 11 could ship with 8GB of RAM, despite the Pixel 10 offering 12GB across the lineup. That raises an obvious question because Google's own flagship AI experience, Gemini Intelligence, is expected to require at least 12GB of RAM. If both reports prove accurate, the entry-level Pixel 11 may not support Google's most advanced on-device AI features despite being marketed as an AI-first smartphone.

Pricing could be another talking point. A global shortage of memory chips, fuelled by demand from AI infrastructure, has already pushed component costs higher this year. European leaks suggest the Pixel 11 could start at around €999, with the Pro priced at €1,199 and the Pro XL at €1,399. Reports also indicate Google may drop the 128GB storage option entirely, making 256GB the new starting point, similar to recent moves by Apple and Samsung.

Google has yet to announce Indian pricing. A direct currency conversion would place the Pixel 11 above ₹1 lakh, but Google has historically followed its own pricing strategy for India, so local prices are likely to differ from European markets.

With just weeks to go before launch, the Pixel 11 is shaping up to be one of Google's most ambitious hardware updates in years. A 2nm Tensor chip, a new modem and a redesigned AI-focused Glow Bar could make for meaningful upgrades. But questions around the reported RAM reduction and expected price increase may end up dominating the conversation just as much as the new hardware.