Google launches Pixel 11 range, Watch 5 and Tag
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Google has unveiled the Pixel 11 phone range, Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag at its Made by Google 2026 event, with pre-orders opening immediately and sales beginning on 20 August. The launch expands Google’s premium hardware offering across smartphones, wearables and item tracking, while positioning the company more directly against Apple and Samsung.
The Pixel 11 family comprises the standard model, Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold, all starting with 256 GB of storage and using Google’s Tensor G6 processor. The Pixel 11 starts at $899 and the Pro Fold at $1,900, each $100 more than its predecessor; Google says the chip is 20% more power-efficient, with faster browsing and app loading. The Pixel 11 and Pro Fold share an upgraded 48-megapixel main camera, while the foldable is 10% lighter and 1 mm thinner than the previous version.
- Google launches Pixel 11 phones, Watch 5 and Pixel Tag
- Pixel 11 prices rise by $100
- Sales begin on 20 August
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Google designs Pixel phones, smartwatches and other connected devices as part of its wider Android business. Its main rivals in premium consumer hardware include Apple, which makes the iPhone and Apple Watch, and Samsung, which sells Galaxy phones, watches and trackers.
The Pixel 11 range covers several types of phone, from a standard model to larger Pro versions and a folding handset that opens like a small tablet. Google’s Tensor processors are its own smartphone chips, designed to run Android and features such as camera processing and on-device artificial intelligence.
The Pixel Watch is Google’s smartwatch line, while Pixel Tag is an item tracker intended to help users locate belongings through a phone. Prices, storage capacity, battery life and camera performance are closely watched because they affect how the devices compare with competing products.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters would argue that the higher prices are justified by meaningful upgrades across the range, including doubled baseline storage, a more efficient processor, camera improvements and a lighter, thinner foldable. They may see the launch as healthy competition: a stronger Google hardware ecosystem can give consumers more credible alternatives to Apple and Samsung, while closer integration of Google’s software, AI and devices could improve everyday usability. The pricing also reflects the increasingly premium components and research required for advanced phones, wearables and trackers.
The case against
Critics would argue that another $100 increase makes already expensive devices less accessible, especially when many of the claimed gains, such as faster loading and improved efficiency, may feel incremental in ordinary use. They may question whether Google has demonstrated enough distinctive practical value to warrant prices of $899 for a standard phone and $1,900 for a foldable, particularly given stiff competition and concerns some buyers have about long-term support, repairability and hardware reliability. From this perspective, expanding a premium ecosystem risks encouraging costly upgrades and deeper dependence on one technology company without proportionate consumer benefit.
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Originally published by Wired as “Google Pixel 11 Series, Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Tag: Specs, Features, Price, Release Date”.