GoKawiilJoe Maring / Android Authority
There’s no doubt that 2026 has been a challenging year for smartphones. Component price increases forced companies into awkward compromises, making them choose between keeping phones relatively unchanged year over year or raising prices for modest upgrades.
Samsung has already had to battle this twice this year, raising the prices of the Galaxy S26 series and — most recently — its foldable models. Motorola’s entire lineup faced price increases, the most aggressive being the Razr Ultra. It kept most of the same spec sheet from last year with a $200 bump.
Google hasn’t been immune to the pressures. The Pixel 10a isn’t significantly different from its predecessor, but Google kept the price the same — a choice I appreciated. Unfortunately, recent interviews and rumors suggest the Pixel 11 won’t have the same luck, and Google’s potential price increases carry with them other unpleasant realities.
Would a price increase scare you away from Pixels? 41 votes Yes, I can get better performance elsewhere. 63 % No way, I can't live without my Pixel extras. 37 %
Pixel 11 price hikes are all but confirmed
9to5Google’s recent interview with Google Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, may be unsettling to Pixel fans, but it shouldn’t be surprising. Pixel 11 price hikes have been rumored for months, and they would follow the trend we’ve seen from other manufacturers. No increase is easy, but Google will be hit particularly hard if the Pixel 11 comes in at the same price as the Galaxy S26.
Google’s done a wonderful job building value in its phones differently from other manufacturers. I’m not someone who hates on Tensor chipsets all day, but it’s hard to argue that they provide the same performance as flagship Qualcomm SoCs. For a little less money, I didn’t mind that, especially since Google’s software experience has been excellent. I also enjoy all the Pixel extras I get, and Google’s low-light photography still outshines the competition.
However, for the same price as its competitors, the Pixel 11’s expectations will be higher — and rightfully so. It’s going to be more difficult to convince buyers to pay more for what is perceived as less, no matter how fantastic the Pixel 11’s user experience is.
The Pixel 11 Pro might be in trouble
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