Pixel 11 specs might disappoint, but Google got one crucial detail right

Google has recently increased the starting price of the Pixel 11 series by $100 compared to the previous Pixel 10 models. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models also have reduced RAM. This has led many potential buyers to reconsider purchasing a Pixel 11. However, this does not mean that the Pixel 11 is not a great deal. With some effort, it is possible to purchase a Pixel 11 Pro for only $399, a significant discount from the MSRP of $1,099.

I managed to secure this deal by utilizing four main promotions. First, Google's trade-in program offers increased trade-in values when buying new phones, providing discounts of up to $500 for the base Pixel 11, $600 for the Pixel 11 Pro/11 Pro XL, and $1,000 for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. My partner's 256GB iPhone 17 with trade-in value led to an immediate $550 discount.

Next, I received a $150 coupon code from a friend, Ben Schoon. This code can be found in the Google Store inbox or sometimes on the Play Store, depending on Play Points status. I used the code at checkout to further reduce the price. Alongside the $550 trade-in credit and the $150 discount, the Pixel 11 Pro's price drops from $1,099 to $399.

However, there are two more promotions that further lower the final price to just $399. The Pixel Watch 5 or a Google Store credit for a future purchase can be obtained for $200. As a Google One member, I also earned 10% back in Google Store credit, amounting to $94.38. Adding these two deals together, I accumulated $294.38 in Google Store credits.

Subtracting this amount from the $399 purchase price leaves me with $104.62 out of pocket for a new Pixel 11 Pro, even after accounting for $56.94 in tax (minus $2.48 from old Google Store credits). In total, my effective payment is only $159.08. This deal is valid until August 27, so it's essential to act quickly if you want to replicate my Pixel 11 Pro purchase. Despite some caveats, I believe this approach is quite impressive, allowing you to acquire a new flagship Android phone for a fraction of the retail price.