Google unveils latest Pixel phones with slimmer cameras and more AI
features
[August 13, 2026] By
BARBARA ORTUTAY
Google on Wednesday unveiled its latest lineup of Pixel phones, with
slimmer cameras that include more a powerful zoom and artificial
intelligence features designed to help users accomplish things with
fewer taps and swipes.
With the improvements, the search giant hopes to give users a reason to
buy new models and expand the number of people using its AI tools.
“Google continues to tout new software features, primarily around AI, as
the reason to upgrade," said Forrester senior analyst Andrew Cornwall.
He noted the company has added a way to extract photos from videos, a
teleprompter, video stabilization, and an improved speech-to-text
feature.
While the Pixel phones are not as popular as Apple's iPhone, Google has
been steadily increasing the amount of AI on its Pixel phones since
2023.
Apple, meanwhile, has been lagging behind. It announced new AI advances
in June, focusing on how the technology can help with people's
day-to-day lives, with a focus on privacy and security — using Google's
Gemini AI model to do so.
Google said in a presentation to reporters last week that the new phones
will double the previous storage size, starting at 256 gigabytes, and
feature 30 hours of battery life and faster wireless charging. The
company has eliminated the 128 gigabyte Pixel 11, which had been its
lowest-priced option at $800.
Beginning Wednesday, U.S. customers can order the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro
and Pixel 11 Pro XL, starting at $900, $1,100 and $1,300, respectively.
The Pixel Pro Fold, meanwhile, starts at $1,900. That's a $100 increase
for each phone from last year's prices.
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This image provided by Google in August 2026 shows its lineup of
Pixel 11 phones, the Pixel Watch 5 and ear buds. (Google via AP)
 New features include live
translation for videos, podcasts and voice messages. In the Pro
models, a tool called HiLight lets you assign a color to your
favorite contacts and have the phone light up in that color when
they call and your phone is placed face down. It complements Pixel's
“Flip to Shhh” feature that puts the phone in “do not disturb” mode
when it is placed face down.
Google is also offering a free six-month
subscription to its AI Pro plan to anyone who buys the more
expensive Pixel 11 Pro or Pixel 11 Pro XL models. The company is
hoping to hook more people on the AI Gemini tool kit, which it
assembled to compete against OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Camera upgrades include a new mode called Magic Capture, which
automatically takes a series of photos and video with a single tap
of the shutter button. Google said the cameras also feature improved
light sensitivity and, for Pro models, Instant Night Sight captures
shots in dark environments faster, so you don't have to hold your
phone still while waiting for exposure.
Google also introduced a tracking device for the first time. Called
Pixel Tag, it will cost $30 for one or $100 for a four-pack and is
compatible with phones running Android 9 or higher.
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