Google has confirmed the date of its big annual event: next 12 August it will present its new family of phones in New York, the Pixel 11. It is one of the most anticipated dates of the year in the world of technology, and not only for the «geeks»: it is a glimpse of what we will see in high-end mobiles over the coming months.
What is the Pixel 11 and why does it matter?
Pixels are the phones made by Google, the same company that makes the search engine and the Android system used by most of the world’s mobiles. When Google launches a new model, all the other manufacturers pay attention to it, because it usually sets a trend. It is like when a fashion appears on a catwalk: soon afterwards, everyone copies it.
This year, the Made by Google event (which roughly means “Made by Google”) will also feature famous guests, like basketball player Stephen Curry or comedian Trevor Noah. Something that confirms Google wants its presentation to feel more like a show than a technical class.
Four models for all tastes
The Pixel 11 family will be made up of four phones, each designed for a type of person:
- Pixel 11: the basic model. A 6.3-inch screen and a dual camera on the back. It is the “for everyone” option.
- Pixel 11 Pro: a brighter screen, more memory and a more powerful triple camera, with zoom of up to a hundred times. For people who take a lot of photos.
- Pixel 11 Pro XL: the one with the largest screen in the whole range, at six and a half inches. Ideal for watching series and films.
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold: the foldable. It opens like a book and the inner screen reaches eight inches, almost the size of a small tablet.
This last one is the one that draws the most attention. Foldable phones were almost a curiosity a few years ago, but now they are becoming a real option for anyone who wants a phone that also works as a big screen.
A new light on the back
One of the novelties that is most talked about is a small detail: a coloured light indicator inside the camera module. According to the leaks, that light will serve to notify about notifications. That is, you will not need to look at the phone: just by seeing a coloured flash on the table you will know whether something important arrived or whether it is just a promotional email.
It is a simple but very practical idea. Think of it like the light of an appliance: it tells you what is happening without you having to open it. If the phone is face up and you do not want to unlock it every other second, that little light can save you many gestures throughout the day.
What gets more expensive (and what does not)
Not all the rumours are good. According to several leaks, the whole range would stop being sold in the 128 GB storage version, which is the cheapest. “Storage” is the space the phone has to save photos, videos and applications, just like a wardrobe has drawers.
If confirmed, the entry model will start directly at 256 GB. That means more space for the user, but also a higher starting price. It is a decision other manufacturers have already made, and it can put off some buyers who do not want (or need) to pay for so much space.
The brain of the phone: a newer chip
The four models are expected to carry the new Tensor G6 chip, the “brain” that Google makes for its own phones. The chip is the component that makes everything work: from opening an app to recognising your face to unlock the mobile.
The great expected improvement is in memory and power for artificial intelligence tasks, that is, those “smart” functions that recognise what is in your photos or sort your email. The more memory, the smoother the phone feels when you do several things at once.
When can I buy it?
They are officially presented on 12 August, which means we will know the prices and the definitive sale dates at that very moment. From the experience of previous years, orders usually open shortly after the presentation, and the first shipments arrive in the following weeks.
If you are thinking about changing your mobile, it is worth waiting until that day before deciding: when a new high-end model comes out, the price of the previous generation models usually drops. It could be a good opportunity to get a great phone without paying the novelty price.
In summary
The Pixel 11 arrives with more models, more screen brightness, a better camera and a more powerful chip. The most striking novelty is that coloured light for notifications. The downside is the possible price increase in the basic version. This 12 August we will settle all the doubts.
