Google has expanded its hardware portfolio at the Made by Google 2026 event, launching the Pixel 11 smartphone series, Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag while adding new photography, creator and artificial intelligence capabilities across its devices.
The announcements include four smartphones — Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold — alongside an olive-coloured Pixel Buds Pro 2. Google is using its new Tensor G6 processor, Gemini Intelligence and upgraded cameras to strengthen its position against Apple and Samsung in the premium-device market.
Google Pixel 11 price starts at $899
The standard Google Pixel 11 receives modest design changes, brighter colour options, improved cameras and better battery performance. It is powered by Google’s Tensor G6 processor and starts at $899.
Google has increased the phone’s starting storage to 256GB, eliminating the 128GB entry-level configuration. The company is also adding photography features such as Magic Capture and Camera Looks across the Pixel 11 series.
Magic Capture lets users record video and take high-quality photographs at the same time. Camera Looks provides customisable image styles, allowing users to personalise photographs directly through the camera application.
Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL offer 120x zoom
Google Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, while the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL is priced from $1,299.
Both Pro models introduce HiLight, an LED system built into the camera bar. The light can display colour-coded alerts for calls from selected contacts and illuminate during hands-free conversations with Gemini AI.
Google has upgraded the Pro camera system with zoom capabilities reaching 120x. The phones also feature brighter displays, faster wireless charging and improved camera performance.
The Pixel 11 Creator Suite targets social-media creators and influencers. A dedicated Creator tab provides a built-in teleprompter, advanced audio-editing tools, enhanced video stabilisation and other functions designed to simplify content production on a smartphone.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold gains major durability upgrade
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 and receives some of the most significant hardware improvements in the new line-up.
Google says the foldable is almost 10 percent lighter and approximately 1mm thinner than its predecessor. A redesigned gearless hinge, stronger outer-display glass and reinforced rear cover make it three times more durable than the previous generation.
The inner and outer displays are 20 percent brighter, reaching up to 3,600 nits. The foldable supports 30W wired charging, which can replenish 50 percent of its battery in approximately 30 minutes.
Qi2.2 wireless charging reaches 25W, delivering a 20 percent improvement over the previous Pixel Fold. The phone offers more than 24 hours of battery life and includes 16GB of RAM.
Its upgraded camera system includes a 48MP main sensor and up to 30x Super Zoom. Google has also added sign-to-text translation, enabling American Sign Language captured by the front camera to appear as text on the outer display.
Pixel Watch 5 adds AI-powered health monitoring
The Pixel Watch 5 retains the circular appearance of its predecessor but receives new artificial intelligence, GPS and health-monitoring capabilities.
Google has introduced Breathing Emergency Detection, which uses multiple sensors and on-device AI to identify severe and persistent declines in oxygen saturation. If the wearer becomes unresponsive, the watch can contact emergency services and transmit the user’s location. The capability will launch first in Europe.
The watch also adds sleep-breathing monitoring and monthly wellness reports covering respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic trends.
Pixel Watch 5 starts at $399. A Stephen Curry Special Edition costs $579 and will become available on September 3. Google says the latest watch delivers improved GPS accuracy and faster performance, while Gemini provides proactive information and hands-free assistance.
Google Pixel Tag challenges Apple AirTag
Google has entered the item-tracker market with Pixel Tag, a direct rival to Apple’s AirTag.
Pixel Tag combines ultra-wideband technology with Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding for precision tracking through Google’s Find Hub network. It costs $29 individually or $99 for a four-pack and will go on sale on November 11.
The tracker weighs approximately 12g, carries an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating and uses a replaceable CR2032 battery designed to last for more than one year.
Ultra-wideband tracking works with supported Pro Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 generation onward. Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding requires a Pixel 10 or newer device, while tracking support extends to Pixel Watch models beginning with the fourth generation.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 receive new colour and noise-control update
Google did not introduce a third-generation Pixel Buds Pro model. Instead, it announced a new olive colour for the existing Pixel Buds Pro 2.
The earbuds will receive improved active noise cancellation through a software update scheduled for September. The colour is designed to match the latest Pixel smartphones and other devices in Google’s expanding hardware ecosystem. Google’s 2026 hardware strategy places Gemini AI at the centre of phones, watches and accessories. While the Pixel 11 smartphones deliver largely evolutionary hardware changes, features such as HiLight, Magic Capture, the Creator Suite, advanced health monitoring and Pixel Tag broaden the appeal of the Pixel ecosystem.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
