This story has been updated after Google confirmed a new discount code for the Pixel 11.
After higher prices for the Galaxy S26 and the likely more expensive Galaxy Z Fold 8, it looks like the RAM crisis has claimed another victim: the Google Pixel 11. The main reason to buy a Google phone: its comparatively cheap price may soon be lost.
Deleted Amazon listings discovered Android authority reader and confirmed Life of a Droidwe’ll show the base Pixel 11 starting at $899 for 256GB, which is $100 more than the iPhone 17’s $799 starting price. The Apple phone, which is cheaper than the Pixel at launch, is a collector’s item.
This is a real problem for Google’s presentation. Yes, the base model has increased storage from 128GB to 256GB, which partly explains the increase. But the main reason to buy a Pixel over the last decade has always been its price and camera, although Apple has caught up with the latter. Take away the first and Google needs a different argument.
Gemini Intelligence on Pixel 11 is a Google Winner
Will Google Pixel 11 be significantly different from Google Pixel 10? (Photo by Future Publishing via Getty Images)
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That argument is almost certainly Gemini Intelligence, Google’s AI agent suite that can perform multi-step tasks with minimal supervision, booking appointments, managing a calendar, or moving items from notes to cart.
There’s more to it than just voice commands or app shortcuts. The entire project is a phone that can handle tasks across multiple apps on your behalf: checking email, composing a reply, adding a result to your calendar, and confirming a purchase, all without you being involved in every step.
If Google can no longer win on price, expect the position to shift sharply towards the claim that the Pixel 11 can actually do for you what the iPhone can’t… yet. And if it turns out to be true that Gemini Intelligence will be limited to only the latest Samsung and Google phones, this argument will become more convincing.
However, there are risks associated with agent AI suddenly becoming available on millions of Android phones. Hint attacks, in which AI is tricked into ignoring its rules using hidden text hints, are a real threat that has not yet been fully addressed.
Watch my video that shows how easy it is to trick AI browsers into spending your money on a scam site.
Google has its own deep protection here, multi-level rules and an AI “criticism” model that checks the actions of the agent. Google also said that users will have the final say before purchasing.
But I still have questions, like what if the user has the final say on a scam site because the AI can’t tell the difference? Additionally, in November 2025, Open AI stated that rapid deployment attacks remain a “challenging research problem.” It will be interesting to hear Google’s detailed plans to protect its users.
The price of the Pixel 11 should come down… let’s hope
The Pixel 10 has been discounted almost every month since its launch, just like almost every other Pixel before it. It’s even currently selling $300 off the Pixel 10 Pro to $699.
The question is whether Google can afford to keep doing this. Memory and component costs are rising across the industry, with similar pressures forcing Samsung and Apple to raise prices this year as well. Google has always viewed the Pixel hardware not as a source of profit, but rather as a way to get Gemini and Google services into more hands, giving it a better opportunity than most to make those profits.
Whether that freedom will still exist in a year where all supply costs are rising remains to be seen, and we’ll only be able to answer that question by looking at what Google actually charges once the discounts start.
Update July 18: Google confirms title and hints at pre-order
Our first look at the Pixel 11.
Update from July 18, 07:42: Google has now officially confirmed this name. A teaser released this week shows off the Pixel 11 Pro in a gold finish, as well as a first look at Pixel Glow, a circular light on the camera panel that pulsates different colors.
Hidden in the same teaser is the usual pre-order offer: Anyone who signs up for Google Store’s marketing email before August 7 will receive a promotional code, which Google describes in the terms and conditions as a “discount.” Previously, they were sent out after pre-orders arrived.
This year, Google again hid the exact amount, but the picture of past launches gives us a good idea of what to expect. Google gave out up to $200 in store credit to some people who signed up before the Pixel 10 launch. However, not everyone received $200, others reported receiving $100, and some in Europe only received €20.
It’s not uncommon for Google to offer discount codes of varying sizes for individual countries, but as I noted at the time, Google’s original promotion clearly stated that the exclusive offer was “for new subscribers only.” It seemed like people who hadn’t previously signed up were getting larger offers of store credit. So, if you are planning to buy a Pixel 11 and want to get this promo code, use your untouched email address.
I’ll update on pricing for the Google Pixel 11 as soon as it launches. subscribe to my free newsletter for first viewing and exclusive offers.