Google Unveils New Pixel Devices at Recent Launch Event
Google is hosting a Pixel launch event on Wednesday night where it will show off its latest lineup of devices. But you don’t have to wait until then for all the news; we were able to check out the devices ahead of the event and take a look at everything Google’s unveiling, including the latest Pixel phones, new health features on the Pixel Watch 5, and more.
Google livestreamed the event on Wednesday at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT. But if weren’t able to watch along yourself, check out our 8-minute supercut, and can catch up on all of the highlights from Wednesday’s Pixel launch below.
One of the new Pixel 11 colors is a particularly hot hibiscus pink. Photo: David Imel / The Verge
Pixel 11 Refresh: Design and Specifications
Google refreshed its line of Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 11. The design didn’t change drastically compared to the Pixel 10, although it now comes in a few new colors: a lilac-like frost, hibiscus pink, pistachio green, and obsidian black. It runs on Google’s new Tensor G6 chip, which Google claims offers 25 percent faster web browsing and 15 percent faster app loading. Google also says its battery lasts over 30 hours and supports 25 percent faster wireless charging than the Pixel 10.
The Pixel 11 features an upgraded camera with a camera bump that’s over 40 percent thinner than the Pixel 10’s. It includes 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP 5x telephoto lenses on the back, along with a 10.5MP selfie camera on the front. Google asserts the 48MP wide lens has 56 percent more light sensitivity, while the 5x telephoto lens supports up to 30x Super Zoom.
Unfortunately, the Pixel 11 also got a $100 price bump — it now starts at $899, but the base configuration has 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, rather than the 128GB of storage in the Pixel 10’s starting configuration. It launches on August 20th.
The HiLight LED can be used for Gemini or incoming calls. Photo: David Imel / The Verge
Advanced Features in Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL include a new feature in the camera bar called HiLight, which is an LED indicator light for activities such as Gemini interactions and incoming calls from favorite contacts. Google states that the little LED will gain more capabilities over time, like signaling message notifications from frequent contacts.
The Pixel 11 Pro also features an upgraded display that maxes out at 3,600 nits. Inside, it has Google’s Tensor G6 chip just like the base Pixel 11. The camera boasts a new 48MP telephoto lens with up to 120x Pro Zoom, a new 50MP wide lens, along with a 48MP ultrawide lens and a 42MP selfie camera. According to Google, it offers over 30 hours of battery life and has a more than 29 percent improvement in wireless charging speed compared to the Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL.
The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099 with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, while the Pro XL starts at $1,299 with the same specs. The 512GB and 1TB storage options include 16GB of RAM. Both the Pro and Pro XL are available in four colors: canyon, fog, olive, and matte obsidian.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold got a camera upgrade with a 48MP wide lens. Photo: David Imel / The Verge
Innovations in Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Google states that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold features the thinnest bezels seen on a Fold device yet and claims it’s three times as durable as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with IP68 water and dust resistance. The Fold’s displays are 20 percent brighter than last year’s model, with the inner display also achieving up to 3,600 nits of brightness.
It runs on Google’s Tensor G6 chip and offers up to 24 hours of battery life. The camera includes a new 48MP wide lens alongside a 10.5MP ultrawide lens and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with up to 30x Super Zoom. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $100 more than last year’s model, beginning at $1,899 for a base configuration with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, available in olive and black.
Camera app updates include some new creator features like a teleprompter. Photo: David Imel / The Verge
New Camera Features Across the Lineup
In addition to hardware upgrades, Google is introducing new features for taking photos and videos across its lineup. The Camera app adds a capture mode called Magic Capture that can extract photos and clips from video recordings.
Camera Looks have been implemented, offering customizable, stylized presets to change photo processing, moving beyond just applying filters. The various Looks include styles like Minimal, Editorial, and “Digi,” which mimics digital cameras. The Pixel 11 Pro also introduces a new Pro Stable Video feature enabling recording at up to 8K.
A new Creator tab in the Camera app includes a “Creator Suite” comprising tools for trimming and reordering videos, an on-screen teleprompter, and improved Speech Enhancement.
The Pixel Watch 5 looks identical to the Watch 4. Photo: David Imel / The Verge
Improvements in Pixel Watch 5
The new Pixel Watch 5 might look nearly the same as its predecessor, but it includes significant new software features. Breathing Emergency Detection is a follow-up to last year’s Loss of Pulse feature, which can trigger an emergency call if the watch detects a significant drop in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). The Pixel Watch 5 can also track sleep breathing quality and summarize the data in monthly reports. Beginning in September, Google will introduce Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Resistance Trends.
The Pixel Watch 5 adds new workout features, including AI-generated strength training plans and the capability to track reps directly from the watch. Google claims it offers the most accurate GPS route tracking for exercise, outperforming competitors like Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.
The Pixel Watch 5, unfortunately, saw a price enhancement of $50, starting now at $399. It is available in two sizes, 45mm and 41mm, and four colors: black, white, olive green, and pink. A special edition linked to Steph Curry is also available at $579 and launches on September 3rd.
The Pixel Tag resembles an oblong AirTag, and has the same price. Photo: David Imel / The Verge
Introduction of the Pixel Tag
Taking a step into the item tracker market, Google is launching the Pixel Tag on November 11th, priced at $29 individually or $99 for a pack of four. The Pixel Tag is oblong, measuring 1.1 inches by 1.8 inches, while being IP67 water and dust resistant. Google claims that its replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery can last over a year.
The two-year-old Buds Pro 2 now come in a new olive green colorway. Photo by Andru Marino / The Verge
Pixel Buds Pro 2 Color Update
Google is releasing the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in a new olive green colorway on August 12th, aligning with the color of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro Fold. Additionally, a firmware update is set to roll out in September, which should enhance the earbuds’ active noise cancellation capabilities.
Correction, August 12th: The Pixel Watch 5 section has been updated to include an image of the Pixel Watch 5, previously misidentified as the Pixel Watch 4, which appears the same.
For more details and a comprehensive look at all announced devices, check out the full coverage by The Verge Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
