Google confirms price hikes for the upcoming Pixel 11 series
Google has announced that its next‑generation Pixel phones will be priced higher, citing a severe shortage that has driven memory costs to record levels. In an interview with 9to5Google, Google Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat explained that the price of 1 GB of RAM has jumped from roughly $2.80 in 2025 to about $12 this year, a rise that industry analysts say is unprecedented. Morgan Stanley data underscores the trend, showing a steep climb in memory pricing that no previous cycle has matched.
While Google has been able to absorb much of the added expense for as long as possible, the company says it can no longer shield consumers from the higher costs. Price adjustments will be applied across the entire Pixel family, including the forthcoming Pixel 11 lineup. Exact pricing details will be revealed at Google’s August 12 launch event.
Earlier Pixel 11 pricing leaks now make more sense
Leaked specifications had already hinted that the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro could be about $100 more expensive than their predecessors. In addition, both models are expected to start with 256 GB of storage instead of the traditional 128 GB, a change that helps offset the higher entry price. The Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, according to the same sources, are projected to see a straight $100 increase. The base Pixel 11 Pro may also be configured with 12 GB of RAM, down from 16 GB, as Google seeks to keep component costs in check. Existing Pixel devices could also see modest price adjustments, though Google has not specified which models will be affected.
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Could Android finally learn to do more with less RAM?
Amid the memory‑price surge, Google is reportedly intensifying efforts to make Android and its ecosystem more memory‑efficient. Unlike Apple, which designs both hardware and software in‑house, Android must accommodate a wide variety of devices, processors, and custom user interfaces, making optimisation more complex. Google believes that its control over the Android operating system, its own Tensor processors, and on‑device AI capabilities can enable applications to run with fewer resources. If successful, future Pixel phones could deliver the same user experience while using less RAM, potentially reducing reliance on high‑cost memory chips. It remains uncertain whether these efficiency gains will extend to devices running Samsung’s One UI, Oppo’s ColorOS, Xiaomi’s HyperOS, or other Android skins.
