Google's newest Pixel phones are set to arrive in August 2026, but leaked specifications reveal a potential mismatch between the hardware and the AI features Google wants to showcase. The base Pixel 11 is rumored to ship with 8GB of RAM, which would fall short of Google's own stated minimum of 12GB needed to run Gemini Intelligence, the company's headline AI feature for this generation.

What Is Gemini Intelligence and Why Does It Need So Much RAM?

Gemini Intelligence is Google's new multi-step AI assistant built into the Pixel 11 lineup. Unlike previous versions of Google's AI, Gemini Intelligence can handle complex tasks on its own, such as booking appointments or building a shopping list from handwritten notes, without requiring you to break the task into smaller steps. To run this feature smoothly, Google has set specific hardware requirements that go beyond just having a fast processor.

The requirements include a flagship chip (the Tensor G6, built on a 2-nanometer process), at least 12GB of RAM, Gemini Nano version 3 or higher, and several years of guaranteed software support. This is where the problem emerges. If the base Pixel 11 truly ships with 8GB of RAM, as leaks suggest, it would be the only phone in the lineup unable to run Google's marquee AI feature out of the box.

How Will Google Resolve the RAM Shortage?

There are a few possible explanations for this discrepancy. The most likely scenario is that the 8GB RAM leak is incorrect, and Google will ensure the base model meets its own minimum specifications. However, there's another possibility: Google might quietly cut RAM across the board to keep prices stable while memory chip costs have climbed sharply since early 2025. Several other phone makers have already raised prices this year as a result of these cost increases, including Samsung with its Galaxy S26 and Xiaomi with its 17 Ultra, which launched around 10% pricier than their predecessors.

Google may attempt to avoid sticker price increases by reducing RAM instead, which aligns with the rumors of 8GB and 12GB options for the base model. This would be a trade-off: keep the price attractive, but potentially limit access to the newest AI capabilities on the entry-level phone.

What Else Is Coming in the Pixel 11 Lineup?

Beyond the RAM question, the Pixel 11 family is shaping up to be a significant upgrade across multiple dimensions. Google is expected to announce four models: the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The regular Pixel 11 will feature a 6.3-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness up to 2,200 nits, paired with the new Tensor G6 chip and a redesigned 50-megapixel main camera.

The Pro models get more aggressive upgrades, including brighter displays (up to 2,450 nits), new main and telephoto camera sensors, and a feature called Pixel Glow. Pixel Glow is a small array of RGB lights built into the camera bar that replaces the temperature sensor found on previous Pro models. This light array can display different colors to notify you of calls or messages without requiring you to pick up the phone.

Key Hardware Differences Across the Pixel 11 Lineup

• Display Technology: The base Pixel 11 gets a 6.3-inch OLED screen with 120Hz refresh, while the Pro XL jumps to 6.8 inches with the same smooth refresh rate and slightly higher peak brightness of 2,450 nits.
• Camera System: The standard model features a new 50MP main sensor with ultrawide lens, while Pro models add upgraded telephoto sensors with codenames Bastet and Barghest for enhanced zoom capabilities.
• Battery Capacity: The Pro XL offers the largest battery at around 5,000mAh with 25W wireless charging, while the base model sits at 4,840mAh and the Pro Fold is the smallest at 4,658mAh.
• Pixel Glow Feature: The RGB light array is confirmed for Pro models but remains unclear for the base Pixel 11, with leaked sources disagreeing on whether it extends to the entire lineup.
• Face Unlock: The under-display face scanner Google has been developing reportedly isn't ready yet, so all models will rely on fingerprint sensors for biometric authentication.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the foldable model in the lineup, is expected to arrive later than the other three phones, likely in October 2026. It will be thinner than its predecessor when folded (10.1mm versus the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's thickness) and will feature an approximately 8-inch inner screen with 120Hz refresh rate and a 6.4-inch outer screen for quick tasks.

When Will Google Announce the Pixel 11, and What Will It Cost?

Google hasn't publicly confirmed an announcement date, but the pattern from recent years suggests August 2026. The company announced the Pixel 9 on August 13, 2024, and the Pixel 10 on August 20, 2025. Following this rhythm, Google is expected to send out event invitations in late June or July, with the announcement itself landing sometime between mid- and late August 2026.

Pricing remains unconfirmed, but last year's Pixel 10 lineup started at $799 for the base model, $999 for the Pro, $1,199 for the Pro XL, and $1,799 for the Pro Fold. A price increase across the board wouldn't be surprising given rising memory chip costs, though Google may try to keep prices close to last year's levels, possibly with a $50 to $100 bump. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold could range anywhere from $1,699 to nearly $2,000, depending on how memory costs factor into the final pricing.

Until Google sends an official announcement, the exact RAM specifications, final pricing, and whether Pixel Glow comes to all models remain open questions. The company is expected to clarify these details once invitations go out in the coming weeks.