Samsung did a thing this year, making its foldables exciting again with the launch of the smaller, wider Galaxy Z Fold 8. It's basically the little brother of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a larger foldable that follows the taller and more square design of its predecessors.

Apparently, the smaller Galaxy Z Fold 8 is very popular, as Samsung has highlighted a dramatic increase in preorders and has reportedly ramped up production. But should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8? Here are my thoughts after spending a few weeks with the phone and extensively testing its camera.

Why you should buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8

It really is the perfect size

I have an affinity for flip phones and have used one as my go-to. I like that they're small and pocketable, though they tend to be quite thick when folded. On the flip side, I tend not to care for larger book-style foldables, as they are quite tall and only open to a larger, square-ish display.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like a Goldilocks foldable, adopting the smaller size of a flip phone while offering the utility of a book-style foldable when open. It's actually the size of my passport when closed, and it's incredibly lightweight and easy to slip in my pocket. I honestly didn't think I would like the Fold 8 until I held it in my hand and something just clicked.

Open it, and it feels more like a tablet than traditional foldables, which I think adds to its appeal.

Additionally, both displays are gorgeous, vibrant, and easy to see outdoors. It also helps that the inner display is basically creaseless. Sure, you can see the crease from certain angles and depending on how the light hits it, but if you run your finger across it, it's pretty much not there.

If Apple really is working towards releasing a foldable, this should be the blueprint.

Multitasking and media

One of the most awkward things about multitasking on larger book-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is that they don't always handle multitasking as well as they should. Samsung's One UI can open three apps at the same time in a split-screen view, but due to the square-ish aspect ratio, only one app is open in full view on one side of the display, while the other two are split in half on the other side.

However, what I love about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is that you can run three full apps side by side or in a row, which makes it feel more like a tablet than its larger sibling.

What also helps is how the Galaxy Z Fold 8 handles media and content. Ebooks look great on the inner display, whether you read them in landscape or portrait orientation. Videos also look much better on the inner display than they do on the larger Ultra. They aren't any bigger when open full screen, but the black bars on the top and bottom are smaller.

It also handles vertical videos from TikTok and Instagram better, since you can rotate the phone in a portrait orientation. And you can always watch horizontal videos or videos on the external display, which also look great in either orientation and better fill the 16:10 aspect ratio.

Performance and cool AI features

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which is currently the most powerful mobile processor on the market. It's paired with 12 or 16GB of RAM, depending on your storage configuration, so there's little issue with performance. It is a flagship, after all, and it handles graphics-intensive games like Honkai: Star Rail quite well.

You'll also get plenty of cool AI features like My FanCam, which lets you reframe a video by focusing on a subject, making it the perfect way to share memories with friends or on social media. You also get plenty of Gemini Intelligence features, such as the ability to let the AI order food or book rideshares and hotels for you, and many of the Galaxy AI features can be processed on-device to keep your data as private as possible.

And the AI gets even more proactive by suggesting actions for you based on the context of your conversations, such as surfacing relevant photos for you to share, scheduling information, or your location.

The only downside I've noticed is that it can get a bit warm if you're gaming for an extended period, but this is lessened if you're using a Galaxy Z Fold 8 case.

Price (it's cheaper than the Ultra)

Foldables aren't cheap, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra. If you're trying to choose between the two, price is definitely something to consider, especially since you get roughly the same performance, storage and RAM options, seven-year software promise, and mostly the same feature set. And for the extra couple hundred that you save, you can get yourself some extras, like Qi2 charging accessories.

Why you shouldn't buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8

Price (it's still expensive)

That said, $1,900 isn't cheap, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is still a very expensive phone. Yes, I do love this phone, but I'm not sure if I would spend that kind of money on any smartphone (that's more than what I pay for rent in Seattle, WA).

If you're willing, you can always trade in an older phone or try to take advantage of Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals. Buying from carriers also makes it easy to spread the cost over time, but the fact of the matter is that you're paying nearly $2,000 for a smartphone.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is still better

For just $200 more, you can get a technically better phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers larger displays, a bigger battery, and a better camera system that incorporates a 200MP wide and 10MP telephoto sensor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra also supports the Flex Panel, a handy One UI feature that turns the bottom half of the display into a keyboard or shows various controls when the phone is folded at an angle, depending on the context of what's on the upper half of the display.

So, it's up to you to decide if the $200 upgrade is worth it.

Cameras are meh

I really wanted to like the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but they're just okay. You get two 50MP sensors that produce decent images, but they tend to lack vibrancy and detail compared to other similar camera systems. I tested the Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera against the Razr Ultra 2026 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the latter two phones produced more pleasing images of the same scenes.

It also doesn't do particularly well in low light, can be a little noisy, and zoom images lack detail compared to other cameras. Given the lack of a telephoto camera, that's understandable, but that adds to why you might wanna splurge for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

No S Pen support

If you're hoping for a return of the S Pen to foldable phones, you'll be disappointed with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Unfortunately, the S Pen remains elusive on Samsung's foldables once again. It's a strange omission, especially given that Motorola now supports an active stylus on the Razr Fold and Samsung continues to include an S Pen with the Galaxy S Ultra models.

It kinda feels like a waste of all that screen real estate, even though it would make for a great canvas and note-taking device, especially with the minimal crease.

Google's small-sized duo shares a 6.3-inch 120Hz Actua OLED display with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. So while the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro may not be able to share cases, the best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro screen protectors are one and the same.

Tempered glass provides the best shatter-proofing, whereas TPU and PET films provide better scratch resistance and touch response as they are thinner than glass. Some plastic screen guards can self-repair minor abrasions by design. Regardless of your preference, I have gathered all your top options right here.

These screen protectors thwart colossal screen damage to your Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro

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Reinforce that stunning 6.3-inch OLED on your Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro

Unless you purchase Pixel Care+ when buying your Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, screen repairs are going to cost you splendid amounts of cash. A split second slip could cause major damage to your phone's screen without any protective measures. That is exactly why a sturdy, reliable screen protector is an absolute must, with or without a phone case to go with it.

Tempered glass provides the best shatter-proofing, which is why the high quality Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Pro Screen Protector is a great fit for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro. I have used this AluminaCore glass screen protector on my Pixel 10 Pro for a year now, and it's still looking fantastic. Touch response is as smooth as butter, phone cases go on with ease, and the installation process is so quick and easy. That $20 price tag is a neat deal, too, delivering plenty of value for money. I also suggest getting the camera lens guard from Spigen, though you need to make sure you buy the model specific variant for your Pixel 11 or 11 Pro.

If you prefer something a lot more premium, ZAGG has got you covered. Spending $60 on the XTR5 for the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro gets you a lifetime replacement warranty to go with the high-end screen protector. Not only is it 11 times as durable as conventional glass protectors, but it also filters harmful blue light emissions from your phone's display, maximizing eye friendliness.

All the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors prevent your mighty expensive Google flagship from cracking from drops and bumps. Even the smallest of scrapes or nicks can be a problem, as it might impair water-proofing. Why take the chance? Just install one of the finest screen guards as soon as your Pixel 11 Pro XL arrives and you will be golden.

Grab one of these solid Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors

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Focus on screen protectors that work with your style, with a case on or without one

Most folks probably prefer to rock their Pixel 11 Pro XL with a case on. Whether you do or don't, your screen protector needs to take that into account. Forgoing one is risky, so bear in mind that adding a screen guard won't protect the body of your Google phone.

The Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Pro Screen Protector for the Pixel 11 Pro XL is affordably priced, costing you $19.99 for two pieces of reliable tempered glass screen protectors. I have tried and tested this screen guard on my last-gen Pixel and am still satisfied by its quality and longevity. This kit also comes with a handy alignment tool, as well as all the cleaning tools you could need for the tidiest self-installation process you can achieve at home.

Spigen offers case-friendly screen protectors, as does virtually every other screen guard brand. Dbrand does something neat, letting buyers choose between case-friendly and non-case-friendly variants of its scratch resistant Prism 2.0 Screen Protector. If you're an adventurous person who doesn't usually use a phone cover, it's a good idea to get the case-less variant of Dbrand's screen protector. It comes with the brand's easy-install frame that only takes two steps to use, so the two-pack is a worthwhile purchase.

Screen protectors are incredibly helpful. They offer a second life to your phone. Now a foldable like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has two screens, so that means there's twice as much potential damage that could be dealt. Thus, the best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold screen protectors play a crucial role in protecting and preserving both the folding and non-folding displays of your precious new Google device. Here are your best options, be it for the inside, the outside, or both screens.

Don't leave the house without the most durable Pixel 11 Pro Fold screen protector installed

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Prioritize the most vulnerable elements of your Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has two screens: a 6.5-inch 120Hz Super Actua OLED on the outside and an 8-inch 120Hz Super Actua Flex OLED on the inside. Obviously, this being a foldable and all, the internal screen folds in half, so you can't use tempered glass inside.

In fact, Google does not recommend you to remove the factory-installed screen protector from the folding screen, so you're good to go if you only invest in the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold screen protectors for the outer screen. I have included a screen protector kit that includes internal protection, just in case you want to keep one at bay for emergencies.

With that being said, let's dive into the best screen protector for your Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Spigen is the most reasonably priced name brand. It isn't the weight of Spigen's brand image, but the reliable quality that I have been able to depend on through the years. The GlasTR EZ FIT screen protector that I installed on my Pixel 10 Pro a year ago is still intact, unscathed and valiantly deflecting damage. You surely can't go wrong with the $20 two-pack of the same screen protector for your Pixel 11 Pro Fold. And if you want to add camera lens protection, Spigen has one of those too!

And if you're not planning on using your Google foldable with any of the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold cases, be sure to get the Dbrand Prism 2.0 screen protector two-pack for maximum coverage. It's not a smart idea, but a screen guard can make it a little less risky.

What you need to know

• A report from inside a recent court visit between Epic Games and Google highlights the lackluster state of its rival app store search process.
• Judge Donato states Google must do better to let users find what they're looking for and to remove the third-party app store-specific page via the "Are you looking?" banner.
• Recently, Aptoide returned to the Play Store through Google's Play Catalogue Access Program.

If you thought Google's battle with Epic and rival app stores was over, think again. New reports claim that a U.S. judge is not happy with how things have progressed.

A report by The Verge walks us through a recent court visit between Epic Games and Google. The reason for the recent court visit is that the former claims the Play Store (Google) is "still making it too difficult to install rival app stores." Details from inside the courtroom state an Epic lawyer walked U.S. Judge Donato through a brief demo of how difficult the process is.

In the demo, the lawyer showed that typing "store for apps" in the Play Store's search box provides no such results. Instead, Judge Donato was confused when Walmart appeared. "Wait, why did Walmart come up?" he asked, before stating, "That's not good." Judge Donato ordered Google to fix this, stating the Play Store should understand what the user intends to find, no matter how they phrase it.

Another jarring issue is the Play Store's "are you looking for?" banner that appears frequently when searching for rival app storefronts. As an example, Judge Donato, after viewing a demo, asked, "Why doesn’t it say ‘are you looking for music’ when you type in ‘music store’?" Epic states that if users search for a rival store, the banner forces them to tap on it before sending them to a third-party page for other options.

The Verge highlights Epic's argument, which says this may deter new stores from placing their store on the Play Store, as well as "big, established" companies like Amazon. Judge Donato also wants this problem corrected. He told Google, "Take off the ‘are you looking for’ screen, there’s no purpose for that. There’s a friction there that has no purpose whatsoever."

Judge Donato expects these changes to arrive on the Play Store within one week.

Do better

Interestingly enough, Aptoide was mentioned in this report. Earlier this week, Aptoide returned to the Google Play Store. This app store was previously removed from Google's store under its old ruleset that prevented such competition. Aptoide was allowed to return to the Play Store through Google's new Play Catalogue Access Program. Qualifying third-party stores are allowed to publish their stores on the Play Store through this program.

This program was the result of Epic and Google's long-standing anti-competitive battle over how the Play Store operated. We'd been down this road for years. In 2025, the Epic Games Store was allowed on the Play Store, in what CEO Tim Sweeney called a "total victory." Epic had accused Google of having anti-competitive practices against third-party developers. This kickstarted a long battle between the two companies, and Samsung even got roped into the fray.

Android Central's Take

This is all about choice. It's all about not scaring users into thinking they're doing something wrong when they're not. Epic argued that Google deployed "disadvantages" and scare tactics when users attempted to sideload its apps. Users were given pop-ups that made it seem like a security risk. It didn't leave Google in a positive light. Now, third-party app stores can display their content. Display their alternative path for users looking for something different.

Google's 2026 flagship lineup has been revealed, and I've been scouring the web in search of the best Pixel 11 preorder deals so you don't have to go looking. Most of these early offers simply discount the phones or give you a free gift card in exchange for your business, but there are actually four deals that give you the Google Pixel 11 Pro for 100% free when you meet the eligibility requirements. Here's everything you need to know.

• See my complete guide to the best Google Pixel 11 preorder deals

4 legit deals that get you the Google Pixel 11 Pro for FREE

The Google Pixel 11 Pro boasts a gorgeous 6.3-inch 120Hz Super Actua Display with IP68 water/dust resistance and Qi2 magnetic charging support, while under the hood you get the new Tensor G6 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of base storage. You also get Android 17 with seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed, not to mention all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Gemini.

The Pixel 11 Pro is also notable for the new HiLight LED light array that now borders the camera bar. This light feature can be used for notifications and AI assistance, plus you can customize the color settings for each of your contacts so you know who's calling when the phone is face down.

Sure, the deals above aren't for everyone, but if you need to update your wireless situation anyway, these offers present a great way to save major bucks on a powerful Android phone that hasn't even hit store shelves yet.

What you need to know

• Additional One UI 9.5 rumors surface online, as a tipster claims Samsung is chasing a glass aesthetic that delivers "visual depth" for its elements.
• It seems Samsung would apply this to its home screen widgets, such as Now Brief, as well as in its Phone app and more.
• One UI 9.5 rumors got underway as One UI 9 Beta 5 rolled out, claiming development had begun on the Galaxy S26.

Another round of One UI 9.5 rumors concerns its UI, but in reality, it feels like we're caught in a time loop.

Early this morning (Aug 14), SamMobile highlighted a set of leaked screenshots that tipster Fahad Ali posted on X about One UI 9.5's UI. The tipster calls out the software's UI "polish," and it seems Samsung is approaching its 9.5 update with a glass design in mind. Many elements, such as Now Brief and floating UI elements in Samsung-made apps, resemble shinier glass along the edges.

Certain elements reportedly offer a blur when over objects, which is something we've become accustomed to over the years of phones and software design. Another aspect Ali points out is the "subtle backdrop shading." It looks like Samsung is trying to facilitate more separation, detail, and "visual depth" between its UI and the background (or app).

The Phone app looks the same (so far); however, Ali states Samsung has moved the search icon to the floating navigation bar at the bottom. This icon is currently placed at the top of the app, between the new contact button and the three-dot menu. Another post on X claims Samsung could add App Lock in One UI 9.5 to secure certain apps with a password, biometric, or other verification method.

Clear as glass

Rumors about One UI 9.5 started earlier this week, which is funny since Galaxy S26 users don't have One UI 9 yet. Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 5 for S26 users, leaving testers with a 1.1GB download. A handful of fixes were detailed in its patch notes, alongside the August 2026 security patch. What we were most curious about was the 9.5 update rumors by a tipster on X. The tipster suggests Samsung has started developing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 far earlier than previously.

You shouldn't expect this update anytime soon, as rumors claim it might not debut until April or May 2027. What has us concerned is Samsung's history of software updates. One UI 8.5 was met with heavy delays throughout its development. There's also a chance that the 9.5 update Beta Program won't begin until late this year.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 debate is an interesting one. While you might think the Pixel Watch makes the most sense for a Pixel phone owner and the Galaxy Watch for a Galaxy phone owner, this isn't always the case. Some people prefer one phone brand and another watch brand. With that said, it's not such a cut-and-dried decision. Let's dive deeper to help you decide.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Design and battery life

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has the usual domed display, giving it a sleeker, more elegant look. But it's still the same usual look, and Shruti Shekar opines that her early hands-on is getting sort of bland. That said, she admits that Pixel Watch is still "one of the more gorgeous smartwatches on the market."

The Galaxy Watch 9, meanwhile, is still a pretty sexy device. It has two side buttons, while the Pixel Watch 5 has a side button and haptic crown. Aside from being more comfortable than the Galaxy Watch 8, the Watch 9's design is largely unchanged.

Both always-on screens are equally bright, and both smartwatches are durable and water-resistant. The Galaxy Watch 9 also meets MIL-STD-810H standards, giving it a slight leg up in durability.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is rated to last up to 40 hours with the always-on display, up to 72 hours with Battery Saver mode for the larger size, and up to 30 and 48 hours for the smaller size, respectively. By comparison, the Galaxy Watch 9 is rated for up to 30 hours with the always-on display. In my tests, having worn one for the last several weeks, it never lasts a full day. The good news is that it charges quickly.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Power and performance

The Pixel Watch 5's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor is largely the same as the one in the Pixel Watch 4, but with increased processing power. It goes up against the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor in the Galaxy Watch 9, which should offer snappier performance.

Since both run Wear OS, you get a similar experience, though each adds its own flavor. Samsung's One UI Watch 9 brings more customization, while Google includes features that leverage Gemini. For example, in addition to the standard themes and complication styles, you can use Nano Banana to generate a custom theme. It's easily one of the most fun new features of the watch.

When it comes to health tracking, Google has a leg up. The Galaxy Watch 9 works with Samsung Health, but Google Health Premium has enticing features for Pixel Watch wearers. The caveat is that you need a subscription for the AI features.

You can unlock the helpful Google Health Coach, which walks you through training plans, nutrition, and more in a conversational manner. You get virtual coaching and guidance. Even if you don't sign up for Google Health Premium, fitness buffs will love the new weight- and rep-logging, rest timers, and a workout builder.

Also coming to Pixel Watch 5 is Health Guardian, which can analyze and provide data about breathing trends and irregular heart rhythms, and even alert you of breathing emergencies. It can also measure blood pressure trends and assess insulin resistance.

Samsung is no slouch in this department, though. Samsung Health adds new features to this watch, including a new Vitals dashboard, Trail Run mode, improved hydration management, and an energy score.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Specs

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: What else you need to know

The Google Pixel Watch 5 supports satellite SOS communications, and it comes with a two-year trial. This is crucial for outdoor adventurers. That said, if you fall into this camp, you might prefer a watch like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 instead. That brings up a good point: Shekar notes that Google is overdue to launch a Pixel Watch Pro to compete in this space, too.

Both support gestures, a nice-to-have feature for quickly dismissing or picking up a call or performing another desired action if your other hand is otherwise occupied. In terms of sensors, both come with the usuals, including advanced sensors such as temperature, SpO2, and ECG.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Which should you choose?

Choosing between the Google Pixel Watch 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is not as simple as choosing the model that matches your phone. Both work well with either brand's device, though you do get some benefits by matching. This includes advanced health metrics in the Samsung Health app on Galaxy phones and features like camera controls on Pixel.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is the better health companion if you plan to sign up for Google Health Premium. If not, it's a wash between the two, as they both do an equally good job. That said, the Pixel Watch 5's battery life is reportedly much longer, which might be a dealbreaker for some. It's also a sleeker design. But it's not a massive upgrade from the Pixel Watch 4.

Overall, both smartwatches offer distinct but equally good experiences. I'd go with the Pixel Watch 5 because if it lives up to the Pixel Watch 4's reputation as one of the best Android smartwatches, it will easily be the best new Android smartwatch this year. Its style, functionality, and features are best suited to everyday users. And you can unlock plenty of familiar Google experiences right from your wrist.

It's no secret that T-Mobile is a great source for Android phone deals, but many folks don't know that the carrier also sells a variety of other tech, including tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and more. 

Just in time for Back to School season, T-Mobile is attempting to draw more attention to its wider inventory with the new Beyond the Smartphone promotion. This sale offers some incredible deals that could make the latest Android devices dirt cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right. 

Of course, most of these T-Mobile deals will require you to add an eligible service line to your account to enjoy the max savings. Fortunately, these plans go for as little as $10 per month and come with unlimited talk, text, data, and more. Whether you want a Google Pixel Watch or a powerful Samsung tablet, keep reading for my favorite offers from T-Mobile's Beyond the Smartphone initiative. 

The Google Pixel 11 marks another year in which Google is reusing the design started with the Pixel 9 series, but if history is any indication, we could see a big shake-up with the Pixel 12.

Google's Pixel phones have been gaining traction in the market over the past few years, owing to Google's "iPhone-like" approach to the series hardware design and software leanings. Even Google's marketing looks a lot more like Apple's these days, but we're hoping Google continues to maintain its historic spirit of innovation in the next round of devices.

And that's where Pixel 12 comes in. Pixel phones have looked the same for the past three years, but they've always packed an experimental surprise that keeps everyone guessing. From squeezable sides to radar-powered gesture sensors, and even the new HiLight LED on the back of the Pixel 11, it's a wonder what Google will think up next. Let's explore all the leaks and rumors for Google's next device and see what they have cooking, shall we?

Price and availability

We fully expect the Google Pixel 12 family to debut next August, following a similar release cadence to the past few Pixels. Per one leak, Google will likely continue releasing four models for the Pixel 12 family: the base Pixel 12, the Pixel 12 Pro, the larger Pixel 12 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 12 Pro Fold.

Unless something drastically changes over the course of the next year, there's also a high likelihood that each model will see another price increase. RAM and storage are at a premium right now, and prices are expected to continue to rise throughout 2027 (and maybe beyond) as AI data centers hog the world's supply of RAM and storage modules. The trickle-down effect is more expensive consumer electronics, which everyone is familiar with at this point.

Spec bumps galore

Every year, people expect the usual spec bumps to occur. A faster processor, better battery life, faster charging speed, etc. So far, Google has always met that expectation, albeit Tensor processors have always been slower than competing chips from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung Exynos.

While we don't know too much about the Tensor G7 processor that will likely power the Google Pixel 12 series, a few leaks give us some clues as to what's possible on the next chip. First up is a potential RAM upgrade (via Reptalica), with Google reportedly testing out LPDDR5x and LPDDR6 versions of Tensor G7. Looking at the numbers over the years offers a sneak peek at what this could bring:

• Pixel 1 (LPDDR4): ~4.2Gbps
• Pixel 2-5 (LPDDR4X): ~4.2Gbps (same speed, lower power requirements)
• Pixel 6-7 (LPDDR5): ~6.4Gbps
• Pixel 8-11 (LPDDR5x): ~10.6Gbps
• Pixel 12 (LPDDR6 rumored): estimated ~14.4Gbps

Given the state of RAMageddon and the chipset crisis right now, it's entirely plausible that Google will remain with LPDDR5x for one more year just to save on costs. Still, we can hope for a sizable Tensor speed boost in 2027 if the cards line up right.

Next, we're looking at a potential battery capacity upgrade for the Pixel 12, if one comment from a Google rep holds any water. When asked about silicon-carbon batteries during the Pixel 11 event, a Google representative said the Pixel team was looking into implementing them.

Now, that comment doesn't say the company will definitely implement silicon-carbon into future Pixel batteries, and it doesn't specifically say Pixel 12, either. However, given that Samsung just began using 5% silicon-carbon content in the batteries on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, the likelihood that Google follows suit next year is pretty darn high.

What I'd like to see

Google once again is using an outdated PowerVR GPU in the Pixel 11, a mistake the company made with the Pixel 10 and appears not to have learned from. On the Pixel 12, we're hoping Google uses a modern GPU that supports the latest Vulkan standards and delivers the gaming performance people expect from $1,200+ phones.

I'd also like to see Google switch up the design to make it more ergonomic. For years and years, Pixel phones were known for their comfortable, rounded edges and contoured lines that fit nicely in a human hand. With the Pixel 9, Google went a very flat route all around, once again going with a very iPhone-like look.

Google has historically stuck with a specific design language for 2-3 years at a time, so if history repeats itself again, we should be in for a big redesign with the Pixel 12.

Additionally, I'd like to see Google take flicker accessibility more seriously. Pixel phones have had the worst PWM dimming rate for years, and while the Pixel 11 sports the same "sensitive eyes" feature that launched on some Pixel 10 models, that setting still doesn't go far enough in solving the problem for flicker-sensitive people like myself.

Google generally does a great job with bespoke accessibility features, like the amazing sign-language-to-text tool that launched with the Pixel 11, and I know they can get this one right if they want to.

Lastly, I'd love to see HiLight be a little more...interesting. I got super excited about the Pixel Glow leaks and what we thought was a tease at Google I/O in May, and it turned out to be a tiny LED on the camera island instead of a glowing statement. HiLight is also very basic so far, at least as of the Pixel 11's launch, so any improvement here is sorely needed to make this a useful (or even just interesting) feature.

It'll be some time before we see an official Pixel 12 announcement, but I'm fully expecting plenty of leaks to happen over the next several months. That's always been the case with Pixels, and there's no reason to think that'll dry up this time.

What you need to know

• Google TV Freeplay now offers more than 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no subscription cost.
• The service has grown beyond 300 channels covering news, sports, reality TV, true crime, and entertainment.
• The catalog includes titles from A24 and Lionsgate, including Lady Bird, Seventeen Again, and Hell’s Kitchen.

If you want free movies without paying for another subscription, Google TV Freeplay just got a huge upgrade. Google’s built-in streaming service has expanded beyond live channels to include more than 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows for free.

The update pushes Google's free live-TV lineup past the 300-channel mark. The lineup includes news, sports, reality TV, true crime, entertainment, and more, with new additions including Bloomberg TV+, Yahoo! Sports Network, World of Love Island, and The Martha Stewart Channel.

The number of channels is also moving fast. Freeplay crossed the 250-channel mark in December 2025, meaning Google has added roughly 50 more channels in only a few months.

Google says the library includes titles from studios such as A24 and Lionsgate, with examples including Lady Bird, Seventeen Again, and Hell’s Kitchen. The catalog will also be refreshed throughout the year, so the selection won’t be static.

That makes the update especially useful for Google TV owners. Supported Google TV devices come with Freeplay baked in, so you don’t have to install another streaming app to browse the new catalog. Open the Freeplay app from the Home screen and begin watching.

The update is delivered directly to Google TV Streamer boxes and smart TVs from brands including Sony, TCL, and Hisense, with no additional downloads required.

There’s one catch, though. The content is ad-supported, so “free” doesn’t mean commercial-free. The expanded Freeplay offering is currently limited to the U.S. and requires a Google account and a high-speed internet connection.

Yet, adding more than 10,000 on-demand titles makes a huge difference to Freeplay’s identity. Google is breaking away from scheduled free TV and giving viewers a true pick-what-you-want option without another monthly bill. With subscription fatigue at an all-time high, Google’s move puts serious pressure on paid rivals like Netflix while giving Tubi and Pluto TV a run for their money.

What you need to know

• A 24GB Snapdragon 8 Elite Nubia Z70 Ultra was rebuilt inside a custom acrylic case and sandwiched between two full-size CPU coolers.
• The oversized setup helps prevent thermal throttling, delivering 99% stability across 20 3DMark Wild Life Extreme loops.
• Termux with GPU acceleration lets the phone power an XFCE Linux desktop with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• The phone reportedly manages around 20–30fps, with the GPU reaching roughly 99% utilization.

Most smartphones hit a thermal ceiling the second you push them beyond casual mobile gaming. But someone took that limitation as a personal challenge and stripped down a Nubia Z70 Ultra, literally sandwiching it between two full-size PC CPU coolers inside a custom acrylic housing. The outcome is a franken-rig smartphone that doubles as a surprisingly viable desktop replacement.

The project, shared by Reddit user ntsow, takes a 24GB Nubia Z70 Ultra with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite and places the phone’s main hardware between two desktop processor coolers inside a custom acrylic case. The original display of the phone has been moved to the front of the case, but the coolers are in direct contact with the shielding over the Snapdragon chip.

Why go that far? Reliable performance. Smartphones can throttle their processors when temperatures climb, but this overbuilt cooling setup means the Snapdragon 8 Elite can keep up a much more consistent performance. In a 3DMark Wild Life Extreme stress test, the modified phone scored 6,980 on its best loop and 6,910 on its lowest with 99% stability over 20 loops.

Outside of benchmarks, the Z70 Ultra runs a full XFCE Linux desktop via Termux with GPU acceleration, enabling it to work with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Tools such as Wine, Box64, and GameNative can also make the setup run Windows software and games.

The experiment doesn’t really prove a phone can replace a PC, but it does show that sustained cooling might be just as important as raw silicon when you push modern smartphone chips into PC-class workloads.

And yes, it can run Witcher 3. The game apparently runs at around 20-30 frames per second at 1920 x 1080 with the Ultra preset, with the GPU hitting about 99% utilization. In some scenes, it can even push a little over 30fps.

However, there is a drawback to the performance. The phone is still working very hard, and a screenshot showed temperatures nearing 100 degrees Celsius. That was recorded in Nubia’s Diablo Mode, which pushes the hardware to its maximum power and allows overclocking, the builder says.

But it’s not a practical substitute for a gaming PC, and that’s almost beside the point. The experiment shows just how powerful modern phone hardware is when thermal limits are aggressively removed. The creator is still working on the software and intends to push the setup further, possibly turning one Android phone into an all-in-one machine for Android, Linux, and Windows workloads.

What you need to know

• Google is quietly dropping Pixel 11 discounts directly in the Google Play Store app.
• Platinum members get up to $175 off select Pixel hardware. That includes $150 off the Pixel 11 series, $175 off the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and $75 off the Pixel Watch 5.
• This offer is an instant upfront discount, meaning you can stack it on top of a standard phone trade-in to double down on savings.

Google has another Pixel 11 discount, but it is not sitting on the main Google Store page. Instead, the company is discreetly offering Play Points members an instant discount through the Google Play app, and you might be able to combine it with a trade-in.

It appears that the offer depends on your Google Play Points status. For example, the folks over at Droid Life have found that Platinum members can currently get $150 off the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. The discount also applies to other new hardware, with $175 off the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and $75 off the Pixel Watch 5.

Note that this isn’t a trade-in credit. It’s an upfront discount, so you could potentially stack it on top of a trade-in to increase your overall savings. In other words, your Play Points perk becomes more useful if you were already planning to upgrade.

The offer is a little less obvious than it should be. Open Google Play and tap your profile or the Play Points icon. Tap the Perks tab. If your account is eligible, you should see your Pixel offer there.

It’s not entirely new, as Google has used Play Points for discounts on Pixels before. But, with Pixel 11 preorders now open, you might want to check your Play Points before you pay to save a significant amount of money.

There’s another option you might want to consider. AT&T is selling the Pixel 11 Pro for $0 if you trade in any previous Pixel you have, though the deal does require an eligible service plan.

At the moment, the Play Points discount is just another reason to check out all the offers available before you pay. More importantly, look at the final price after trade-in, gift cards and plan requirements and not just the headline discount.

What you need to know

• A report states that Google is "interested" in implementing silicon-carbon battery technology in its future Pixel phones.
• An interview with a product manager for Google explains that while this tech is useful (more capacity, smaller package), there are downsides that it must recognize.
• Samsung brought silicon-carbon tech to its Galaxy Z8 foldables this year, pushing the Fold 8 Ultra to 5,000mAh from the Fold 7's 4,400mAh while keeping it thin.

Google is reportedly displaying interest in a new phone technology that Chinese companies have been doing for a while.

We're still unraveling everything involving the Pixel 11 launch and Google's less-than-stellar Made by Google event. However, Android Headlines sat down with a company product manager to discuss an important topic: batteries. The Pixel 11 series launched without the sought-after battery tech, but that might change. According to the publication, Google says that silicon-carbon batteries "are something it's looking at." However, there's a lot the company is reportedly considering.

There's a downside that Google is taking into account, and that's the tech's longevity. As the post notes, silicon-carbon batteries age (or degrade) more quickly than the standard lithium-ion battery. The other side of this is a handful of positives that this material brings to the consumer. Silicon-carbon helps OEMs pack more battery into a smaller package. Moreover, you'd find faster charging speeds overall compared to the current tech.

The only question now is which series could we see this take place in? The Pixel 12 or the 13 (or later)?

Can Google afford to wait long?

There's one thing to consider with this, and that's Samsung's recent inclusion of silicon-carbon tech. The company's Galaxy Z8 foldable series now features this newer battery technology, and it's the biggest upgrade Samsung has done in years. This is a boon to Samsung's foldables, especially the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold, which it's tried to keep thin and light. What's more, the Fold 8 Ultra's battery is now 5,000mAh, up from 4,400mAh on the Fold 7.

Samsung saw how the trends have changed. If you look at OPPO with the Find N6, Honor's Magic V6, or even the OnePlus 13, you'd find success stories. Many Chinese OEMs have adopted silicon-carbon tech far sooner than others. Samsung is now in on it, but Google is still lagging. There might be more to this—internally or otherwise—so we'll have to be patient.

What you need to know

• Honor launches its Robot Phone in China with a "fully motorized" Agile Gimbal and powerful AI that pans and tilts its 200MP camera to keep your subject in frame.
• The Robot Phone enters a "new era" of mobile cinema for users with Honor's ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership, bringing ARRI LogC3 and more.
• Honor states the phone features a 6.3-inch display, a 7,060mAh battery, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
• The Robot Phone is available for pre-order, starting at RMB 9,999 (~$1,482)

We've had teasers about it all year, and Honor's Robot Phone has launched in China with a price tag that's reportedly been a "pleasant surprise for consumers.

In a press release, Honor states that its Robot Phone is a "revolutionary, category‑creating device that shatters the physical boundaries of traditional mobile technology..." What's truly the highlight for the phone is its camera on a "fully motorized 3-axis mechanical gimbal." To nail the cinematic vibes Honor's going for, it says the Robot Phone combines ARRI Image Science with professional cinema workflows.

The attentive and curious Robot Phone camera features a 200MP duo. The main 200MP camera on the Agile Gimbal features an f/1.6 aperture within a 1/1.28-inch sensor. The other lens is a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 2.7x optical zoom. Consumers will also find a 50MP ultrawide lens with a 122° FOV. Honor drew attention to its ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership during its keynote, highlighting the combined use of ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3, and ARRI Looks with its in-house H1 Image Chip.

AI plays a major role in the camerawork, too. Honor says it's integrated AI noise reduction for videos and AI dynamic range optimization. You may remember the Robot Phone's teasers, showing its camera moving around curiously. Honor credits that to its YOYO Robot Phone mode, which delivers AI Subject Tracking and voice source localization.

These features breathe autonomy into the Robot Phone's cameras, so it can pan or tilt on its own to keep your subject in frame. Additionally, Honor's YOYO AI provides gesture recognition and physical movement comprehension.

Outside of the autonomous Agile Gimbal camera, Honor says the Robot Phone features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display. The display can reach a maximum of 120Hz refresh rate, 6,800nits of peak brightness, and 4,320Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Carrying its AI processes is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

To keep users going is a 7,060mAh silicon-carbon battery. Honor states its technology supports "all-day endurance." What's more, the phone delivers 120W wired charging and 50W wireless SuperCharge.

Robot Phone's turning heads

Honor's Robot Phone has continued to captivate consumers throughout the year. The company has brought its phone to several tech events, showing off its gimbal camera and AI capabilities. However, what's continued to captivate consumers in China isn't what it can do, but its price. Pre-orders have started for the Honor Robot Phone in China for its 12/512GB and 16/1TB options for RMB 9,999 (~$1,482) and RMB 12,999 (~$1,927), respectively.

Honor says consumers can expect the phone to launch officially on the market on August 18. If you're looking to get more insight, our hands-on dives into what makes the Robot Phone feel like a DJI Pocket 3, but still stand on its own.

Google's newest flagship lineup was just announced yesterday, but we've already seen some exceptional Pixel 11 preorder deals from carriers and big box retailers alike. Most of these offers get you a free or discounted phone when you meet the eligibility requirements, but Verizon is doing something particularly interesting with its Pixel 11 Pro promotion.

Bundle the purchase of the phone with the carrier's new Simplicity Plan and you'll get an incredible discount on both the Google Pixel 11 Pro AND the wireless. The phone drops to only $719.99 (as little as $14.99 per month if you pay over 48 months) while the Verizon plan will cost you just $30 per month. Unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband AND one of the best Android phones of 2026 for as little as $45 per month? That sounds pretty darn good, if you ask me.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro is a powerful flagship phone that comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 chipset, an upgraded camera system, and 256GB of base storage as standard. You also get 12GB of RAM, Qi2 magnetic accessory support, and a brighter AMOLED display, all while appearing in a lighter and thinner package than the previous generation.

The most interesting thing about the Pixel 11 Pro is probably the new HiLight LED light array that borders the camera bump. This little light feature glows when you receive a notification or trigger Gemini's AI features, and you can even customize the color that shows up for certain contacts in the phone's settings. You can set notifications from friends to show up as green, for instance, while calls from work or unknown numbers can be set to blue, red, or whatever basic color you want. It's not exactly revolutionary, but it's another fun feature that makes your Pixel 11 Pro feel unique to you.

So yes, Verizon's deal is special, but it's not for everyone. Some folks may prefer the simplicity of buying the Pixel 11 Pro unlocked, while others may want an unlimited plan with more premium features. But if you simply want a carrier deal that gets you a cheap phone AND some cheap wireless, this Pixel 11 Pro deal deserves a closer look.

I LOVE my DJI Pocket 3, and since I bought it over two years ago, it has completely replaced two expensive full-frame cameras. Why? Convenience.

When you’re trying to create content – especially for social media – convenience matters. The DJI Pocket 3 is much, much smaller than a full-frame camera, but it’s still another device that you have to carry. Yet its value and popularity show that the category has the potential to delight customers, whether or not they’ve used a gimbal.

Building on this, the Honor Robot Phone takes smartphone cameras a huge step forward. Imagine the DJI Pocket 3 paired with a great smartphone camera like the Honor Magic 8 Pro, and you have one of the most unique smartphone cameras ever made. I went hands-on, and here’s why it’s so interesting.

The Honor Robot Phone is built for solo creators

Most people who create content do NOT have a large team following and filming them.

Gimbals like the Pocket 3 have long featured a mode with facial recognition and object tracking, and the Honor Robot Phone is no different. Like my Pocket 3, it can lock itself onto a face – whether near or far – and pan and tilt as needed to ensure the subject remains front and center,

That’s a considerable achievement given that the gimbal component size is around 65% smaller than a regular gimbal, but the Honor Robot Phone also features a much larger viewfinder in the form of the big screen, and everything else that makes it a flagship smartphone.

This is further complemented by the case in the box, which comes with a magnetic kickstand attached that ensures you can stand the phone up and have the camera follow you wherever you are, no additional tripod needed.

ARRI helps your creative juices flow

However, the Robot Phone also goes further in a way that surprised me: the partnership with ARRI, a designer of film and broadcast cameras for over 100 years.

The partnership doesn’t just improve the color science of all photos; it goes considerably further with a host of filters and effects designed to help you create the perfect look directly from the camera.

This is my first experience with ARRI, but I was quite impressed by the variety of options and the range of effects you can add while filming. You can also film entirely in LOG, and there's a range of preview filters in different styles, so you can see how your LOG footage will likely look after editing. The only downside is that you can't easily edit the filters after capture.

The upside? You get a gimbal built into a smartphone with a huge screen, which acts as a huge viewfinder.

The Robot Phone is also a flagship smartphone

Here's what's easy to forget, at least when using the gimbal: the Honor Robot Phone is a flagship smartphone. That means you get everything that makes the best Android phones; Honor is primarily known for making smartphones, and the Robot Phone delivers the same experience as other flagship Honor phones.

The Pocket 3 doesn't offer the fastest menu navigation or the fastest feature changes, and even newer gimbals like the Pocket 4 and Insta 360 Luna aren't much faster. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 means the Robot Phone is quick to switch features and navigate menus, making it far more enjoyable to use as well.

Then there's MagicOS, Honor’s software akin to Android 16. The Robot Phone is exclusive to China, so the software includes the Yoyo assistant and lacks Google services, but otherwise it's quite enjoyable to use.

The two other standout features

There are two features that make the Robot Phone stand out for me: the screen and the camera system.

First, the 6.31-inch screen. It's smaller than most flagships, yet larger than every gimbal, but still ergonomically friendly given its size. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, 4320Hz PWM dimming rate, and 6,800-nit peak brightness; in my brief time with it, the screen remained legible even under the harsh British afternoon sun.

The standout is the triple-camera setup. The 200MP main sensor has a smaller 1/1.28” sensor compared to the much larger 1-inch sensor found on the gimbal, and while this does show in footage, it's easily offset by the 200MP periscope telephoto — which offers 2.7x optical zoom and OIS — and the 50MP ultrawide. One of my biggest complaints about most gimbals is the lack of a true zoom, but the Robot Phone solves this.

The Robot Phone isn't perfect, but I really want one

After spending a couple of hours with it, I had one key takeaway: the Honor Robot Phone isn't a perfect gimbal, nor is it a perfect smartphone, but I really want one.

As someone who likes filming with a gimbal for on-camera footage, as well as b-roll of products with far less success, the Robot Phone gives me the gimbal experience in a phone that's 9.6mm thick, which is far more pocket-friendly than the Pocket 3, which measures 33mm thick.

As the adage goes, the best camera is the one in your pocket, and the Robot Phone is arguably the best for creators because it offers something that no other phone does. Now, let's see if the Robot Phone eventually launches outside China.

Google launched its brand-new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 yesterday at 10 am, and then, eight hours later, re-announced the entire series in an awkward, 1.5-hour-long online presentation hosted by comedic sensation Trevor Noah.

The show was broadcast on YouTube, and at one point only 57,000 people were watching, but I think it did go up to 80,000. Comments were also turned off, and I’m not surprised why.

There were only two really amazing parts of the show: the first was when Joël Yawili, a Senior Product Manager for the Gemini app, appeared on the show, and the second was when the company announced a new accessibility feature called Sign-to-Text, which I’ll get to later.

I want to first focus on the show. There were some compelling moments when I thought it could have worked, but overall, I think what Google was trying to do wasn’t executed the way the company wanted.

Trevor Noah vs. Google

The whole point of a lifestyle show catered to consumers was to communicate how amazing Pixels are. And they are! In my hands-on with the Pixel 11 series, I wrote that the company has actually upped the game for AI on smartphones.

And asking Trevor Noah to host could have been a smart move.

But the whole show was a cringe fest. And I think it’s because you’re watching someone like Noah, who is super casual, a comedian who knows how to host a show, next to someone from Google who was clearly PR trained and was given a very specific script to follow.

Noah seemed bored, and at times seemed very uninterested in wanting to be there. He even tried to make a very obvious dick joke that clearly wasn’t well received by the Google product expert who was talking with him. The audience did laugh, though (and so did I).

What was Google trying to do with this event?

I think this show was a very obvious move by Google. It was a way to connect with consumers and help them understand their phones and what the new devices can do.

Traditionally, launch shows are hosted mostly to present to developers, tech enthusiasts, bloggers, influencers, and the media. And the message is then disseminated to the rest of the world through articles, photos, interviews, etc.

We’ve seen these shows evolve to something more spectacular, with special guests, celebrities, and even athletes to show off how they use these phones — all an effort to better connect with consumers. Because at the end of the day, that’s the biggest challenge for any tech company: How do you connect people with your product so they will buy it?

Last year was the first time that Google went completely out of the box, and to be fair, the company put on a pretty cool show. Jimmy Fallon hosted, and everything was pretty exciting… and it made sense because it was 10 years of the Pixel. So doing something spectacular was logical.

And I would have been completely fine if Google wanted to do the same thing again this year. What really threw me for a loop was the decision to host the show… eight hours after the phones were announced and made public.

At that point you’ve completely lost the audience. Consumers already know about the phones; they are reading our articles, they’re looking at what influencers are posting, and they have no real reason to go to a show, even one hosted by Trevor Noah.

While it makes sense to stream the event on YouTube, since Google controls the platform, a better move would have been to partner with a streaming service such as Netflix or Paramount Plus. An example of a showcase like this is Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look, premiering on Netflix later this month, showing that this is clearly an avenue other companies are exploring to showcase new and upcoming launches.

It could even have been something short-lived, like WWE’s annual WrestleMania, which is now streamed on Netflix. And it could have been titled “Trevor Noah presents … the Google Pixel 11.”

The best parts of the show

For me, when Joël Yawili, a Senior Product Manager at Google, came on the show, there was a visible positive shift in the conversation. At first, Noah once again came across as uninterested and even said, “another demo,” almost as if he were really bored.

But when Yawili began to speak, he didn’t start with a script. He decided to shift the focus to a genuine connection he seemed to have with Noah: They grew up in the same town, it turns out. It also helped that Yawili seemed to genuinely care about the product he’s worked on. The entire interaction and demo truly made me smile.

I also loved how, in Yawili’s demonstration, he brought in a text conversation he was having with his mother, and the way he did it was so casual that it made me want to keep watching.

The second time the show hit for me was when Google showed off its new Sign-to-Text feature. Watching how it was demonstrated was fascinating, and the two individuals on stage really seemed interested in what they were doing and how this should have a huge impact on many people in the hard-of-hearing and -speaking community.

I’ll end this by saying I don’t think Google did a bad job; I just think it wasn’t thoroughly thought out. I think the show could have been executed a bit differently, and I think it shouldn’t have been done eight hours after the products were announced.

Google was doing the right thing by wanting to connect with consumers, and I think it can — just with a few tweaks. Are there patches for a live event?

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has finally been revealed with an August 20th release date, and there are already several preorder deals that could make the flagship wearable dirt cheap if you play your cards right. 

Grab the watch from T-Mobile with Mobile Plan Plus 2.0 and you'll score $300 off your purchase. That knocks the price of your preorder down to just $5.55 per month for 36 months! One of the best Android smartwatches of 2026 for the price of a large latte every month? Sign me up. 

Preorder the Google Pixel Watch 5 for just over $5/month at T-Mobile

Compared to its predecessor, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is more of a refinement than a dramatic transformation, and in many ways, that's a good thing. You still get the eye-catching water droplet-inspired design with the AMOLED display, plus Wear OS 7, a Snapdragon chipset, and dual-band GPS. 

The Pixel Watch 5 also comes packed with the latest AI-boosted software features, including Generative Watch Faces, Blood Pressure Trends, and the Smart Wake Alarm. You also get twice the onboard storage compared to the Pixel Watch 4 (now it's 64GB) and a slight boost in battery life that doesn't affect the size or weight. 

So what's the catch? Well, aside from those small upgrades, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is largely unchanged from the previous generation. If you're passionate about fancy smartwatch features and/or you've never owned a Pixel watch, then I'd absolutely recommend jumping on this preorder deal. 

On the other hand, if you're already the owner of a Google Pixel Watch 4, it'd be understandable if you wanted to skip this one. It's also worth mentioning that T-Mobile has extended this $300 discount to all of the Pixel smartwatches on its site, which means you could get the Google Pixel Watch 4 for free and enjoy nearly identical performance to the 2026 model without paying a dime. The choice is yours. 

Fortuitously, the best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cases are a diverse bunch. Compared to the initial Pixel Fold, the variety and number of phone cases available for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold are greatly improved. This is great news, for this means there's healthy competition in the market. You get to choose from a wide range of prices and all manner of functions and qualities. Here are the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold available to you right now.

The assortment of Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cases is wider and better than ever before

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Picking a case for the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is not easy task

Usually, a foldable like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a handful of phone cases to go with it. Things are different this time around as the case selection is wider than ever before. This makes the business of choosing one of the best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cases a bit more convoluted, as one might feel confused about which case to buy. Let me make things easier for you.

An average user who doesn't require much impact absorption will be very happy with the official Google Pixelsnap Case for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It's light, thin enough, and not too bulky. Since it's made by Google, you are guaranteed a perfect fit and seamless support for Pixelsnap accessories such as wireless chargers and magnetic stands. You can always add on extras like a Pixelsnap kickstand later on, should you desire more functionality from your phone case.

And if price is the only concern with the first-party case, you can get the cheaper Mous dupe while still getting the same features, including color options that match the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's colorways. There are even cheaper options available too, such as the $22 clear case from FNTCASE that has a magnetic ring on the back and offers basic scratch and drop protection.

Your search for the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cases begins and ends here. The largest, fastest charging, and most long-lasting of the Pixel 11 series, the Pixel 11 Pro XL offers generous screen real estate with its 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display. A bigger phone definitely means you have more grounds to cover in terms of scratch and drop resistance. You should also look for added grip, as a bigger, heavier phone is more likely to fall accidentally. All of my top picks have this covered, and more, so take your time and browse through this guide.

Cases fit for the mighty Pixel 11 Pro XL

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You have options on options on options when buying a Pixel 11 Pro XL case

No matter your style preference or budget range, there's a handsome Google Pixel 11 Pro XL case available out there. Instead of spending hours trying to find the perfect match for yourself, just read through this buying guide that I've put together for you. I test cases for a living, and have gone through everything available to narrow it down to only the very best options here.

Generally speaking, most people will be very happy with the Google Pixelsnap Case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL. It fits like a glove, it has Pixelsnap support, it adds scratch and drop resistance, it has a soft lining inside, and it matches all the colorways of the Pixel 11 Pro XL. If you score a neat pre-order deal, you can save up to $600, so the hefty price tag of the official case won't hurt either.

Now for those on the hunt for more than a basic first-party option, there's no shortage of options. Depending on how much money you'd like to spend, what level of drop protection you want, and whether you want extras like a stand, I have rounded up the best Pixel 11 Pro XL cases in every category. If you can go all out, the Mous Marine Limitless Phone Case for Pixel 11 Pro XL is a robust drop-proof case in a very sleek form factor. Poetic offers an affordable version of this in a clear case too, so if that's more accessible, you should check out the Poetic Guardian case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Google has lifted the veil on the Pixel 11 series, and it's a fun color story across the board. The bad news is that although the base and Pro models share dimensions, measuring 6.0 in (height) x 2.8 in (width) x 0.3 in (depth), the different camera bar depths make it almost impossible to share phone cases across models. Thus, the best Google Pixel 11 cases and the best Google Pixel 11 Pro cases are not the same, as we had first expected.

You'll notice that some case makers have made one Pixel 11 and 11 Pro case, instead of two separate models. This is because the material and design of certain malleable cases can comfortably fit both phones. Don't worry about whether or not a case will fit your Pixel 11 or Pixel 11 Pro, though, for I have listed model-specific options for you right here, sorted in two sections neatly for your ease. There's a little something for every kind of user and every budget, so go ham on these awesome cases!

Dress up your Pixel 11 in a sleek, sturdy number

And now, the best Pixel 11 Pro cases for those who went for the Pro model

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The Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro case drip is too good

Hats off to the first and third-party case makers for the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, because the sheer variety of cases available is phenomenal. There are hundreds more where these came from, but I have selected only the best pick of the crop, especially considering the small nature of the two Pixel 11 models. I picked the same options for both Pixel 11 models, because apart from the camera depth, the two Pixels measure the same, so you will have the exact same experience on both models. Plus, there are quite a few cross-compatible options too.

No matter your budget or your priority, there's an excellent Pixel 11 case for you on this list. Whether you want a clear magnetic case or something made of high-grade leather, I've got you covered.

If you don't know how to choose the right Pixel 11 case, think of your budget, whether you want the case to be heavy or light, and if you need extras like a stand or ring. The best overall Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro case is easily Google's own Pixelsnap Case, as it matches the Pixel 11 colorways perfectly, is made of recycled plastic, has a soft lining inside, and has Pixelsnap support. Not to mention, Google promises everyday drop and scratch resistance. It's good enough for any Pixel 11 or 11 Pro owner.

There are plenty of epic alternatives if you don't want to go with a first-party pick, including both tough cases and slim cases. Sift through the categories and find the right pick for your needs from the picks I've listed in this guide. Happy hunting!

What you need to know

• One UI 9 Beta 5 is rolling out for enrolled Galaxy S26 testers in a few overseas regions with a 1.1GB download.
• The patch carries a handful of fixes, alongside the August security update.
• However, rumors on social media claim Samsung has started developing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26, despite the main upgrade still in the Beta Program.

There's a lot happening today (Aug 12), but that's not stopping Samsung's beta program. Enrolled users, beware: Beta 5 is here.

This morning, the folks at SamMobile spotted the arrival of One UI 9 Beta 5 for the Galaxy S26 series. Currently, the beta has only been spotted in overseas countries: the U.K., South Korea, and India. This isn't unusual, as Samsung usually begins spreading its availability out little by little. Users in the U.S. should prepare for it to arrive later this week, if not the next. One UI 9 Beta 5 reportedly carries a 1.1GB download and the August 2026 security patch.

The publication highlights Samsung's patch notes, which highlight a few important fixes. It's fixing a "white screen" and "app freeze," which would occur for users when viewing "some menus" in Settings. What's more, Samsung is fixing a camera app issue when opened from the lock screen. Some users encountered lag or a black screen when attempting to open it.

Another fix is rolling out for the bottom floating bar when using the Phone app. Samsung received reports of it not appearing properly, which was reportedly patched. The remainder of the fixes are as follows:

• Improved issue where a blank screen is temporarily visible when entering the recent files list in the My Files app
• Improved issue where 1×1 size shortcuts are not added to the bottom bar of the home screen
• Improved issue where the preview screen position is misaligned or flickers in the Video Editor and Photo Editor
• Improved issue where the screen intermittently flickers in certain situations
• Fixed Wi-Fi connection errors and improved connection stability

If you're enrolled in the One UI 9 Beta Program, keep your eyes out for the update in your respective region.

While this is interesting and gets us closer to launch for the Galaxy S26, rumors are already looking ahead to One UI 9.5. On X, tipster Tarun Vats reports that Samsung has started developing One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 (via GSMArena). Vats says the early build sports version ending CZH1. Samsung has started development on its next major software update even earlier this time. Vats and users on X were quick to highlight Samsung's earlier schedule.

Vats reminds us that One UI 8.5's development began around September, before the Beta Program started for the Galaxy S25 in December. It's hard to forget that One UI 8.5 was heavily delayed throughout its Beta Program. Here's hoping that Samsung can avoid that this time around. Vats adds that Samsung likely won't roll out One UI 9.5 any time soon, meaning we may see it arrive around April or May 2027.

The beta rolls on

It's been nearly a month since the last One UI 9 beta. In mid-July, Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 4, which included a host of fixes for early Android 17 problems. Much like what we're receiving in August, the July patch was ~1.25GB. One fix aimed to solve an issue with the S26 Ultra's Privacy Display routine. The feature would occasionally "not operate normally" while a routine was running. Other fixes involved an unstable UI for Live Notifications and other performance problems for the Quick Settings.

Google's 2026 flagship lineup has been revealed, and Android enthusiasts all over the globe are rushing to find the best Pixel 11 preorder deals before the phones' August 20th release date.

Not one to be outdone by the competition, T-Mobile has apparently decided to just give away the new Pixel phones for free, and all you need to do is add a line with an eligible data plan. That includes the base model Google Pixel 11, the super-powered Pixel 11 Pro, and the massive Pixel 11 Pro XL. No trade-in required!

It's unusual to find a preorder deal this simple on announcement day, but I'm not about to start complaining. Keep reading for everything you need to know about T-Mobile's Google Pixel 11 preorder deals.

• See my complete guide to preordering the Google Pixel 11 series

Google's makes only one, large-form foldable every year. This time around, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in just two colors, which is the same as every other Pixel foldable ever released. The shades aren't even radically different from the previous-gen Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which came in a light green option and another gray-ish colorway.

While the Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn't come in a lighter colorway, it does offer one safe and one bold option, so anyone looking to own it is sure to be pleased. These are your options.

Your choice is simple: It's either green or black

• Back to the top ^

When picking a Pixel 11 Pro Fold color, ask yourself how much storage you want first

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in two colors, with one being a staple black colorway and the other being a more fun option. Obsidian is the classic black hue that is favored by many, and it is also the only Pixel 11 Pro Fold that is offered with 1TB storage. This actually makes your decision a little easier, even if it displeases some folks.

Right off the bat, you can eliminate the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in Olive if you want 1TB onboard. It makes sense to want that much memory if you're going to shell out two grand on a smartphone. You don't upgrade a phone like this every year either, so a generous amount of storage is a dire need for many.

However, if you're happy with 256GB and 512GB options, and prefer to be more daring in your choices, Olive is all style and glamour. This deep green Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold colorway comes with golden hardware, giving it an incredibly chic and luxurious air. If you want to make a statement, this is certainly the color to get.

Google just announced its 2026 lineup of Pixel devices earlier today, but there are already plenty of preorder deals available if you know where to look. 

The Google Pixel Watch 5 isn't getting quite as much attention as the flagship phones, but I just found something interesting at Amazon: if you preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold ahead of the phone's August 20th release date, you'll get the Android smartwatch for 100% free.

This is pretty shocking for an upcoming device that's almost certain to rank among the best Android smartwatches released this year. If you want the latest and greatest in Pixel technology, now's your chance to get an innovative foldable phone AND a Pixel watch in one fell swoop, days before their official launch. 

Get a FREE Pixel Watch 5 when you preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold at Amazon

The new-and-improved Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold boasts two gorgeous Super Actua OLED displays with a sturdy folding hinge, IP68 water/dust resistance rating, and scratch-resistant glass. Under the hood, the foldable phone also comes equipped with the powerful Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, all while weighing 10% less than the previous generation.

The Pixel Watch 5, while not a massive upgrade from its predecessor, is a lovely watch with a sleek design and a suite of new software features. It still boasts IP68 durability with an efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, plus you get a ton of accurate health and fitness tracking features, 64GB of onboard storage, and up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge. 

This Amazon deal isn't for everyone, but if you were planning to preorder the Pixel 11 Pro Fold unlocked anyway, it's a great way to become fully equipped with the latest Google tech in a single instant. 

The Google Pixel 11 series consists of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. The large-form foldable, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, was also launched alongside the three main devices. The lowest tier flagship, the Pixel 11, comes in slightly different colors, whereas the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL share the same shades.

If you're wondering which Google Pixel 11 color you should buy, you've come to the right place. Allow me to walk you through all the colorways of the Pixel 11 trio to help you decide.

The petite little Pixel 11 comes in four lively colors

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL come in the exact same squad of colors

• Back to the top ^

Making the final decision about the right Pixel 11 colorway

All Google Pixel 11 models come with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, so you don't have to take that into consideration when thinking about which color to buy. However, when looking at the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, only Canyon and Obsidian come with 1TB, while all the colors are available in 256GB and 512GB variants. This complicates things, as you're stuck with only two colors if you want to max out storage when buying a Pixel 11 series phone.

I'll make this really simple for you. If you want a Pixel 11 device with 1TB of storage, your only option is the Pixel 11 Pro or Pixel 11 Pro XL in Canyon or Obsidian. Naturally, the 11 Pro is cheaper, but the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a larger display, bigger battery, and faster wired charging.

Those of you who are interested in 256GB or 512GB variants will be happy to know that all colorways of the Pixel 11 are open for you to pick from. Know that Obsidian is the only matte shade across all Pixel 11 models, so that's another factor that makes your choice clear cut. If you don't want a glossy phone, pick Obsidian, the only color that's available on all three Pixel 11 models.

If you're looking for bolder shades, the basic Pixel 11 is better for you as it comes in a hot pink Hibiscus and bright green Pistachio. Canyon is another exciting colorway that is anything but dull, and Google paired it with 1TB memory on both the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL. And remember, it's your hard-earned money, so don't be shy about your choice. Pick a colorway that excites you!

Charging speed of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has improved, but at a big cost

Google is boasting about how the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the thinnest and lightest foldable it has produced, yet, but these gains have come at the cost of battery capacity. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a 4,750mAh battery, which is 265mAh less than the 10 Pro Fold. While the weight has dropped drastically to 239 grams (from 258 grams), it's still not as light as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at 215 grams.

Battery life claims for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold seem to be the same as the 10 Pro Fold, where Google is promising "24+ hours" on one charge. Fast wired charging is the same as well as the previous model. The only real improvement that I can see if the addition of Qi2 (25W) wireless charging.

Google seems to be banking on the efficiency of the Tensor G6 SoC to make up for the loss in battery capacity, and I really hope it works out for its own sake. Google is on the back foot here when it comes to battery technology as Samsung and Motorola have both embraced silicon carbon battery tech for its respective 2026 foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery capacity, while the Razr Fold has a 6,000mAh battery.

I think Google took a big gamble here, putting a smaller battery in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Given its long-standing struggle trying to get Tensor to play nice with apps and its history with temperamental updates, this could go either way. I'm not sure if the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will make it to the list of the best Google Pixel phones, but maybe it will do better next year.

Everything to know about the Google Pixel 11's battery and charging specs

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 series during its star-studded Made by Google event on August 12. Google is giving all three models a boost in battery life and wireless charging speeds, but it has also made some questionable changes to battery capacity in a few of them.

Let's start with the Pixel 11. Compared to the Pixel 10's 4,970mAh battery, the 11's battery gets a minor bump to 4,985mAh. Google now promises more than 30 hours of battery life for the 11, which is slightly higher than the 24 hour claim for the Pixel 10.

Fast charging time appears to be the same though as the Pixel 11 is rated to charge up to 55% in half an hour. Wireless charging speed for the Pixel 11 gets a big boost as it's now up to 25% faster, thanks to Qi2 (25W) support. The Pixel 10 only supported up to 15W Qi2 charging.

The Pixel 11 Pro gets a 4,850mAh battery, which is actually smaller than the Pixel 10 Pro's 4,870mAh battery, though not by much. Wired charging claims for the 11 Pro are similar to the Pixel 11, but wireless charging is now up to 29% faster when compared to the 10 Pro.

Lastly, the Pixel 11 Pro XL gets the biggest reduction in battery capacity, to 5,115mAh, compared to the 5,200mAh in the 10 Pro XL. That's a big 85mAh difference. Just like the 10 Pro XL, the 11 Pro XL can once again charge the quickest in a 30-minute dash, all the way up to 75%. Wireless charging speed has also improved up to 17% compared to the 10 Pro XL, but the latter already supported Qi2 (25W).

The slightly smaller battery capacities in the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL doesn't seem to have affected Google's battery life claims, and I'm hoping the same is true during real-world usage as well. The improved efficiency claims of the Tensor G6 and faster wireless charging should help the Pixel 11 series become the best Google Pixel phones we've seen, yet.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Qi2 wireless charging: Everything you need to know

After a barrage of leaks and rumors over the past few months, the Google Pixel 11 series is finally official. Just like last year, we have four top-tier smartphones, with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold spearheading the line-up.

Even though it looks mostly identical to its predecessor, Google's newest foldable packs in a handful of noteworthy upgrades in comparison to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Helmed by the new Google Tensor G6 SoC, the device is claimed to be capable of delivering faster AI-powered experiences and improved general performance, all while being up to 20 percent more power-efficient than the previous-gen silicon. You also get a slightly larger cover display that can now dial down its refresh rate to a mere 1Hz, just like the inner foldable screen. But of course, all this good stuff needs power to be actually useful, so the question is, what (if any) improvements have been made in the battery and charging department?

Well, for starters, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold packs a 4,750mAh battery, which is actually a downgrade compared to the 5,015mAh powerpack of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Even so, it's worth noting that we were impressed with the last-generation foldable's endurance, so we're quite hopeful things will be the same (if not better) this time around, considering the energy-efficient chipset. Wired charging speed has also remained unchanged at a maximum of 30W, and you'll still need to buy a USB-C wall charger powerful enough to deliver that much juice.

However, you'll be happy to know that the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold fully supports Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and is (unsurprisingly) compatible with Google's Pixelsnap ecosystem of accessories, and third-party offerings. More importantly, the foldable can be juiced up wirelessly at up to 25W due to compliance with the Qi2.2 standard; this is a nice upgrade over the 15W wireless charging speed of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

All things considered, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold seems (at least, on paper) to be a worthwhile contender to the recently introduced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 duo, as well as other top-of-the-line foldable phones available in the market. That said, we'll reserve our verdict until we've put this thing through its paces.

Everything you need to know about Galaxy Z Fold 8 durability

First things first, no smartphone is completely waterproof. Many flagships are water resistant, but this does not mean they are fully protected against liquid ingress. Instead, the water-resistance level of a phone is measured using the International Protection (IP) standard. When you look at an IP rating like IP68 or IP69, the first digit signifies the device's dust protection while the second digit denotes the device's liquid protection.

IP68 and IP69 are currently the highest levels of the International Protection (IP) standard. The "6" in IP68 and IP69 means a device is completely dustproof. The number "8" as the second digit means a device can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater depth for up to 30 minutes. The number "9" as the second digit in IP69 means a device could survive high-pressure and high-temperature water jets in addition to the submersion depth and duration specified by the "8" in IP68.

With that background in place, we can evaluate the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's IP48 certification. This rating means neither the Galaxy Z Fold 8 nor the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are completely dustproof. Instead, both devices are merely protected against the ingress of dust particles larger than 1mm in size. But what about their water resistance?

The "8" in IP48 indeed means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra both meet the highest International Protection (IP) level for submersion. Both phones can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Note that your mileage may vary with salt water submersion (like in the ocean) or chlorinated water submersion (like in a pool). Additionally, these phones do not support IPX9, meaning they are not protected against high-temperature or high-pressure water jets.

Keep in mind that water resistance is not a permanent condition. Samsung only guarantees IP48 certification when your device leaves the factory and arrives at your door. As the company explains in a support document, you can expect the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's water resistance to diminish over time.

To sum up, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are highly water-resistant. However, this doesn't mean you should rush to use your foldables in the water. The phones' IP48 ratings only guarantee water resistance in specific conditions, and only at the time you buy them. Every drop wears down the rubber seals inside your phone that keep liquid out, and the seals degrade over time even if kept in perfect condition.

Google Pixel 11 Qi2 wireless charging support: Here's what you need to know

If you've been thinking about getting a flagship Android phone soon, you just got a few more fantastic options to select from, as the latest Google Pixel 11 series has arrived. The line-up includes three feature-loaded slab-style smartphones, as well as a premium foldable. As you'd expect, all the devices bring a bunch of upgrades over their respective predecessors, both in terms of hardware and software.

When it comes to external design, the Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL are dead ringers for the trio they succeed, right down to dimensions. Arguably the biggest "Hilight" (pun intended) here is the multi-colored ambient LED array on the camera bar. Exclusive to the "Pro" models, the LEDs glow softly to provide you visual cues for interacting with the phone when it's lying face down. All three devices are powered by Google's freshest Tensor G6 SoC, which is claimed to be up to 20 percent more energy-efficient over the previous-gen chipset. Even then, everything from the triple-lens camera setups to the bevy of AI-powered goodies needs juice to work, so let's talk about battery and charging.

While the Pixel 11 does have a bigger battery compared to the Pixel 10, the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL oddly have smaller powerpacks compared to the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, respectively. Also, wired charging speeds continue to remain the same (up to 30W on the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro, and up to 45W on the Pixel 11 Pro XL) on the trio, provided you have/buy a USB-C wall charger up to the task.

However, it's wireless charging where some improvements have been made. All three smartphones comply with the faster Qi2.2 standard and support up to 25W wireless charging speeds, which should result in quicker top-ups. Also, integrated magnets allow full compatibility with Google's Pixelsnap and a range of other Qi2 accessories.

These might seem like modest enhancements, but we have no doubt the Pixel 11 family still has more than enough to take on some of the best Android phones in the business. Once we review them thoroughly, we'll have a better idea about the overall performance of the three smartphones in everyday usage scenarios.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has landed, and there are already several impressive preorder deals to check out ahead of the phone's August 20th release date. From trade-in opportunities to free gift cards, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals on the web (so far).

The long-awaited Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, and one of the most advanced camera systems ever built into a foldable phone. It's also thinner and lighter than its predecessor while sporting a new reinforced hinge and IP68 durability straight out of the box.

At $1,899 for the 256GB configuration, the Pixel phone is also pretty expensive, which is why the following preorder deals are so essential. Keep reading for the best offers so far, and don't forget to check back later: I'll keep adding new deals to this list as they go live throughout the week.

Quick links

• Made by Google 2026: the latest updates from the event LIVE
• The best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro preorder deals
  
• T-Mobile: TBA
• Verizon: Up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• AT&T: TBA
• Amazon: free $350 gift card with preorder
• Best Buy: free $350 gift card with preorder
• Google Store: Up to $1,000 off with trade-in

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold come out?

Just like the rest of the Pixel 11 lineup, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to hit store shelves on August 20th. That means you have just over a week to explore the best preorder deals before they're gone.

How much does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cost?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 for the 256GB configuration. That's obviously not cheap, but I was delighted to see that the foldable phone didn't receive a price increase this year (unlike some 2026 phones). All Pixel 11 series devices also come with six free months of the Google AI Pro plan.

How does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold compare to other foldable phones?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is being presented as the ultimate multitasking device, coming complete with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, and useful productivity features like Split Screen and Drag & Drop.

You get two gorgeous Super Actua displays that are 20% brighter than last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold, plus an upgraded hinge, scratch-resistant glass, and a design that's 10% lighter than the previous generation. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also equipped with an upgraded battery that's supposed to last up to 30 hours on a single charge.

These are some bold claims from Google, but we'll need to test the phone ourselves before we can attest to their veracity. If they're accurate, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold might be the best foldable phone that the company has ever produced.

After months of leaks and rumors, the Google Pixel 11 lineup has finally been unveiled with an August 20th release date. Whether you want the base model Pixel 11, the powerful Pixel 11 Pro, or the super-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL, there are already a few preorder deals that could get you one of these AI-powered flagships for cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right.

The new generation of Pixel phones takes the stellar foundation of the Google Pixel 10 series and adds a new processor, an upgraded camera system, and a set of stylish new color variants. The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL also feature the new HiLight LED system, a fancy light array around the camera bar that's sure to turn heads.

Another bit of good news is that, other than the Pixel 11 Pro XL (which now starts at $1,299), Google's 2026 lineup wasn't hit with a price increase this year. Still, the phones aren't exactly cheap, which is why the following preorder deals are so important. Whether you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or a free gift card, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 preorder deals on the web (so far).

Quick links

• Made by Google 2026: the latest updates from the event LIVE
• Google Pixel 11 hands-on review
• The best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold preorder deals
  
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro with eligible line
• Verizon: FREE Pixel 11 with eligible trade-in, new line
• AT&T: Pixel 11 phones from $5.43/month
• Amazon: free gift cards worth up to $200
• Best Buy: free gift cards worth up to $200
• Google Store: up to $600 off with trade-in
• Xfinity Mobile: FREE Pixel 11 with trade-in, new line

Google Pixel 11 deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL deals

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel 11 come out?

The three main phones in the Google Pixel 11 lineup will hit store shelves on August 20th, giving you a little over a week to take advantage of the preorder deals in this guide.

How much does the Google Pixel 11 series cost?

The base model Google Pixel 11 is set to retail for $899 / €999, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost $1,099 / €1,199 and $1,299 / €1,399, respectively. The 128GB storage configuration has been removed with the Pixel 11 series, which means all three phones now start with 256GB of onboard storage.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is the only phone in the flagship lineup to receive a price hike this year, selling for $100 more than its predecessor.

Which Google Pixel 11 phone should I choose?

It depends on what you're looking for! If you want something compact and affordable, the base model Google Pixel 11 is a great choice, with a stunning display, Tensor G6 processor, and a seven-year software promise.

If you want the same size but more power, you can upgrade to the Google Pixel 11 Pro and get a brighter display, better cameras, and the new HiLight LED light array. Last but not least, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL takes the foundation of the Pixel 11 Pro and supersizes it, adding a 6.8-inch display with a larger battery and up to 16GB of RAM. Despite the higher cost, it's a great choice if you like using large phones (consider it Google's answer to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra).

No matter which device you choose, you're getting a powerful AI-boosted Android phone with an efficient Tensor G6 chipset, at least 12GB of RAM, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.

I already own the Pixel 10. Should I upgrade to the Google Pixel 11?

This is always a tough question whenever new phones come out. On the one hand, I'm generally of the opinion that manufacturers don't need to be producing new phones every single year, particularly when most flagship releases come with seven years of OS upgrades as standard.

If you already own the Google Pixel 10, you won't see a massive upgrade with the Pixel 11. I'd only jump to the new phone if you're particularly interested in the latest and greatest Pixel experience.

If, on the other hand, you own an older device and can score a good deal through the channels listed above, then by all means go for it. After all, these phones are sure to rank among the best Android phones ever built, so you won't be disappointed.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Pricing and availability

While there are plenty of differences between these two foldables, the one area where they're similar is the pricing. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra costs the same for the 256GB model. Both foldables are available with up to 1TB of storage, and come with decent trade-in offers if you're in the U.S.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Design

Both brands have their own visual identity, and that's reflected in their latest foldables. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold looks nearly identical to its predecessor, and other than a slightly redesign around the rear camera island, the design is unchanged.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra shares a lot of similarities with last year's Z Fold 7, and that's a good thing. It's also 23g lighter than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at 215g, and that makes a difference. And at just 8.9mm folded, it is a lot thinner than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's 10.1mm. Clearly, Samsung has the advantage when it comes to quantifiable metrics, but I prefer the in-hand feel of the Pixel; Google's foldable has a rounded design that nestles better in the hand, and I like the design a little better.

Both foldables have 6.5-inch OLED outer panels and 8-inch OLED inner panels, and they have the same 120Hz refresh. I'll need to do qualitative testing, but the Pixel 11 Pro Fold should be brighter in real-world usage — this was the case last year as well. Both phones have a crease that isn't noticeable, and neither is quite as good as the Find N6 at this.

Google also wins when it comes to ingress protection; the Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets IP68 dust and water resistance, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra is IP48. I'm guessing the added resilience contributed to the increase in weight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Hardware and cameras

Like previous years, Samsung absolutely dominates the hardware side of things. Thanks to a bigger 5,000mAh battery, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra manages to last a day without issues. Google put a smaller 4,750mAh battery in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and I still don't understand why it did that — a bigger battery is always preferable.

There's also the small matter of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra being faster than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and even though Google went with the Tensor G6 this year, it isn't quite on the same level as Qualcomm's best silicon.

Samsung arguably has better cameras; the 200MP main camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra stands out, and is one of the best you can get on a foldable today. Google is using a new 48MP camera on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (thankfully), and it's safe to say that it will be much better than what we got in the last two years.

That said, Google hasn't changed the auxiliary sensors, and Samsung has a distinct advantage. Google is touting unique features like Magic Capture and Camera Looks to differentiate its cameras, and I'll test how the foldable holds up against the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Find N6 soon.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Software

Google always had the edge with software, and that isn't changing. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold debuts with Gemini Intelligence, an agentic AI that handles mundane tasks on your behalf. I'll have to use it to see if it's any good at doing so, but when it comes to on-device AI, there isn't another brand that can measure up to what Google is doing.

Samsung has its own suite of Galaxy AI features, and they're great in their own right. One UI 9 based on Android 17 also has a lot to like, but I prefer Google's take on software.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Which should you buy?

Samsung continues to lead the way in foldable tech, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a grand showcase. It has better battery life, cameras, and a sleeker design, and is the safe bet.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold may not look like it, but it is a good all-rounder too, and it's the one I'd want to use even if it doesn't have the best cameras or class-leading battery.

What you need to know

• With the Pixel 11 launch upon us, Google highlights a plethora of features, such as Gemini's Rambler for voice input, cutting out filler words, and "multi-step task" action.
• Gemini will also produce useful information as it happens, so if you're talking to a friend about a trip, the AI would offer flight details and more.
• The Pixel camera plays a major role, providing even quicker Instant Night Sight and "Camera Look," which lets users choose the ideal aesthetic for every photo they take.

The Pixel 11 series is finally here, and Google is highlighting a handful of features that tie its eventful debut together.

As you might expect, Gemini is taking center stage on Google's Pixel 11 series. The company highlights several updates for the phones that bring "personalized updates" with everyday tasks. Gemini Intelligence is taking a step forward on the Pixel 11 with the capability to handle "multi-step tasks" across "your favorite apps." Since Gemini Intelligence is expanding to over 40 apps with the Pixel 11, the company foresees even more usefulness from this personalized feature.

Rambler, Gemini's voice input feature, is included in this. Rambler can remove filler words from your speech, such as "um" or "ah." What's new with Rambler joins a set of updates for Gboard on the Pixel 11. Sign-to-text is the app's next major feature that lets users who rely on sign language uniquely send messages. Google states that it's bringing its SL2T (sign-language-to-text) AI technology to empower Live Transcription on the Pixel 11, beginning with American Sign Language (ASL).

It adds SL2T "enables Deaf users to sign to their phone anywhere they’d normally type. You can sign to search the web, draft messages or documents, and ask Gemini to solve queries or execute tasks." This feature will leverage your Pixel camera to convert ASL into regular text for messaging, searches, and more. Google says it trained its AI for over 100,000 hours in over 50 languages for sign language. ASL reportedly makes up "roughly a quarter of the data in ASL." Google is working to expand this to even more languages and generation capabilities.

On a helpful note, Google says Gemini can "offer timely, helpful information through easily glanceable cards in the apps you’re already using." It states that, if you're talking about a trip with a friend, Gemini might produce a card on your screen with booking details, stating whether your flight is on time or delayed. More suggestions based on the conversations you're having will be a constant for Gemini, whether you're chatting about a trip or about dinner.

Google teases one more thing: location-based insights. This is only launching in preview for now in the Gemini app. Google states that you might see insights about a restaurant you're at. If so, on your lock screen, Gemini would push menu items or where people commonly sit.

So much for this camera

You can't forget the Pixel 11's camera. The phones boast a series of camera-focused updates that should help users, such as "Camera Looks." Users can set how their pictures look by default, choosing among Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla (golden-glow aesthetic). If you're looking for "Natural," Google says you'll find more relaxed details, while "Shadows" offers deeper contrast. The options don't end there, as the Pixel 11 offers even more camera aesthetics: Digi, Black Tie, Minimal, Editorial, Classic, and Velvet.

You should always try to have enough light when you're taking pictures, but for moments when you don't, that's where the Pixel 11's Low-Light capabilities come into play. Instant Night Sight on the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL is ~4.5 times faster. Elsewhere, the Creator Suite has been enhanced to help content creators quickly find tools in the camera's viewfinder. Users can then save their content (i.e., captured videos) to video project folders for safekeeping.

Then, we have Magic Capture. Google says this feature is designed for those "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it baby smiles, playful pets, or hard-to-get action shots." Magic Capture leans on the phone's on-device intelligence and Gemini to capture 400 frames or "high-quality" 12MP photos that are ready to share. What's more, it will also provide a video for users.

Circle to Search is also headed to the Pixel camera, and real-time audio and video translations arrive for Live Translate.