Why I’m not planning to upgrade my Pixel 10 to a Pixel 11 in 2026

We’re months away from Made by Google 2026 and the inevitable launch of the Google Pixel 11, but I’m anticipating that it will be an event to miss.

Sure, there will be the new Pixel phones, watches, and perhaps a new foldable, but I don’t think any of that will excite me.

The only hardware from Google I’m excited about this year are Android laptops with Aluminium OS. But new Google phones? Count me out.

While I try not to fall into the trap of upgrading my phone every year, it’s nevertheless tough to resist the allure of new hardware.

But from what we know about the Pixel 11 so far, I doubt I’ll be tempted at all.

Leaked renders indicate more of the same

Look to the Pixel 10a for a user-friendly design

While it took some getting used to, I’ve grown to like the camera island introduced on the Pixel 9.

While it adds two more sides for lint to collect in, it’s a stylish and iconic look that helps the Pixel stand out (at least until the iPhone Air came along).

But when the Pixel 10a showed off its completely flat camera bar, I realized how much better the experience could be.

I knew Google couldn’t make the camera bar flat on the flagship Pixel lineup; camera sensors and telephoto lenses have to live somewhere.

Still, I was hoping Google would recognize the simple excellence of the Pixel 10a and try to incorporate its practical design into the Pixel 11.

Failing that, I was hoping to see Google take a stand against Apple’s copying of its design and establish a new iconic look.

Instead, we have more of the same as we can see in these leaked renders of the Pixel 11 Pro XL:

The Pixel 10 Pro will last into the 2030s

Why upgrade now?

Seven years of OS and security updates have been standard on Pixel phones since the Pixel 8, but few phones exemplify the longevity of modern smartphones more than the Pixel 10 Pro.

Google’s software commitment is excellent, but seven years is a long time in smartphones. The Pixel 3 launched just over seven years ago. Would you still find it viable in 2026?

Phone performance has plateaued in recent years. Instead, manufacturers are trying to lean on AI to sell us new hardware.

While some noticeable features have been introduced in recent Android updates, I don’t think I’ll be upset about missing a single Android update in 2033.

My Pixel 10 Pro will have the same core features and security patches as the Pixel 11 Pro until 2032, and that’s more than enough for me.

I don’t trust a change in hardware

A chipset upgrade could be brilliant or disastrous

A strong counterpoint to the argument against the Pixel 11 is the upcoming changes to the Tensor chipset.

Not only is Google planning to add a Titan M3 security coprocessor, but it’s also shifting to a MediaTek M90 modem rather than the Samsung Exynos 5400 used in the Pixel 10.

It’s the latter change that could have the biggest impact on the Pixel 11, as MediaTek claims its modem is more power efficient.

This could have a positive knock-on effect on the Pixel 11’s battery life and temperature overall. However, I’m wary.

Until I’ve seen how the Tensor G6 performs in the wild, I won’t get excited.

It’s not unlikely that the change could harm the Pixel 11’s performance, and when my Pixel 10 Pro offers all-day battery life and good temperature management, I feel no need to change.

If the Tensor G6 performs well, I’ll consider the Pixel 12, but I won’t bet on the first iteration.

Rumored hardware upgrades are unnecessary

Nothing to see here

The aforementioned Titan M3 chip can power advanced security features, such as face unlock.

To support the rumor that Google is planning to reveal advanced security features for the Pixel 11, it has reportedly been testing infrared cameras for a face unlock system that’s on par with Apple’s Face ID.

It’ll be a useful upgrade. The Pixel 10 struggles to recognize faces in low-light conditions. But I have never had a problem unlocking my Pixel 10 with my face in regular lighting.

The ability to unlock my Pixel phone with my face in poor lighting is a nice feature, but one I simply don’t care about.

I avoid using my phone at night as much as possible, and when I do, the fingerprint sensor is more than up to the task of unlocking my phone.

Yes, any hardware upgrade is a useful one, but I struggle to see how this will be more than a gimmick.

Upgrading makes less sense every year

Google will have to do something truly special to make me want the Pixel 11.

I still regret upgrading my Pixel 8 to the Pixel 10 Pro, and I doubt this year will make me wish I’d waited a year.

There simply isn’t enough exciting hardware from Google’s Pixel phones to justify upgrading.

Instead, I’m eyeing up Motorola, as it’s the only manufacturer that seems to be doing things right.

• 

  SoC

  Google Tensor G5

  RAM

  12GB

  Storage

  128GB / 256GB

  Battery

  4970mAh

  Operating System

  Android 16

  Front camera

  10.5 MP Dual PD selfie camera

  This striking-looking addition to the Pixel line offers a slew of Gemini features, an 5x telephoto lens, and seven years of updates, making this a smartphone that will last you a while.

  
  

• 

  SoC

  Google Tensor G5

  RAM

  16GB

  Storage

  128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS

  Battery

  4870mAh

  Operating System

  Android 16

  Front camera

  42 MP Dual PD selfie camera

  Google’s latest Pro Pixel packs a faster yet efficient Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter display. Plus, an array of new AI features that make it one of the best Android phones to launch in 2025.

  
  

• 

  SoC

  Google Tensor G4

  RAM

  8GB

  Storage

  128 or 256GB

  Battery

  5,100mAh

  Operating System

  Android 16

  Dimensions

  6.1 in (height) x 2.9 in (width) x 0.4 in (depth)

  The Google Pixel 10a features a Tensor G4 chipset and 8GB of RAM. It includes a 6.3-inch Actua panel and a 1080p resolution. The phone packs a 5,100mAh battery and a 48MP primary camera sensor, with a 13MP ultrawide lens. It ships with Android 16, and Google promises 7 years of software updates.