Google launched the Pixel 11 series with higher prices and reduced starting RAM on Pro models amid surging memory costs, while Alphabet shares reversed an early gain Wednesday.
Key Points:
- The standard Pixel 11 now starts at $899, up $100.
- Pro models begin with 12GB of RAM, down from 16GB in prior starting configurations, while the Fold also gets a $100 increase.
- Alphabet shares moved from about 0.6% higher at the open to about 0.2% lower later, with no established link to the Pixel launch.
Google Pixel Prices
Media reported Aug. 12 that the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold all use Google’s Tensor G6 chip and add AI-focused software, but hardware changes are more limited. The standard Pixel 11 gets a 56% larger main camera sensor, 25W wireless charging and a smaller camera bump, while the Pro adds a brighter display and a 30% larger telephoto sensor.
Some camera sensors remain unchanged. The Pro models now start with 12GB of RAM, down from 16GB in last year’s starting configurations, and Google removed the body-temperature sensor in favor of its LED-based HiLight notification feature.
Prices rose across most of the family, with the Pixel 11 at $899, the Pro at $1,099, the Pro XL at $1,299 and the Fold at $1,899. The Fold keeps 256GB of base storage.
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TrendForce Memory Costs
TrendForce estimated LPDDR5X mobile-memory contract prices rose 78% to 83% quarter over quarter in Q2 2026, a sharp increase that helps explain the pressure facing smartphone makers. The increase puts handset component budgets under pressure.
Earlier data put the combined cost of an 8GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration nearly 200% above a year earlier.
The stock move does not prove causation. Alphabet opened about 0.6% higher and later fell about 0.2%, even as the Nasdaq remained positive.
The launch also shows Google emphasizing AI software in the Pixel 11 family while making fewer major changes to several core hardware specifications. Battery-life claims remain broadly similar to last year. Compared with prior starting configurations, Google is charging $100 more for the standard Pixel 11 while cutting Pro models to 12GB of starting RAM from 16GB.
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