Google raises Pixel prices as AI takes centre stage

Google has introduced its new Pixel 11 smartphone lineup with higher prices, a more powerful Tensor G6 processor, and increased integration of artificial intelligence (AI) known as Gemini. The Pixel 11 starts at $899, the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299, marking about a $100 price increase from the previous generation.

These devices are available for pre-order and are set to launch on August 20. Google positions these phones not as major hardware upgrades but as platforms for a more proactive Gemini experience, capable of surfacing information from apps, suggesting actions, and completing tasks without frequent service switches. The Pixel 11 series powers on Google's new Tensor G6 chip, touted as the fastest and most powerful smartphone processor yet.

This chip boasts 25% faster web browsing, 15% quicker app launches, and a 50% increase in computing capacity for AI tasks. On-device AI processing can be up to 3.5 times faster and consumes 3.5 times less energy. The Pixel 11 series leverages Gemini Intelligence to anticipate user needs based on contextual cues. For instance, a conversation about an upcoming trip might prompt the phone to show flight details, while dinner discussions could suggest reservations.

The Pixel 11 features a 48-megapixel main camera with enhanced light sensitivity, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL have upgraded sensors for better low-light photography and a 120x zoom capability. Google's computational imaging system extends digital zoom to 120x on the Pro models, and Instant Night Sight on Pro devices can take photos 4.5 times faster with minimal loss in quality.

A Camera Looks feature allows users to select different photographic styles at the moment of capture. The design of the Pixel 11 devices has been revised for better ergonomics, with a thinner camera bar and 256GB of storage as a standard. The Pro models reach screen brightness of up to 3,600 nits and feature a HiLight system with colored LEDs for notifications.

Charging has been improved, with magnetic wireless charging up to 25W for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, and faster recovery capabilities on the Pixel 11 Pro XL after just 15 minutes of wired charging.