With the launch just around the corner, rumors are intensifying: A new leak about the Google Pixel 11 suggests that the two Pro models will have smaller batteries than their predecessors and that the Pixel 11 Pro XL, in particular, will be noticeably more expensive. The information comes from well-known leaker Roland Quandt and has not yet been officially confirmed.
The most important points at a glance
- According to the leak, the batteries in the Pro models are shrinking: the Pixel 11 Pro XL to 5,115 mAh (–85 mAh) and the Pixel 11 Pro to 4,850 mAh (–20 mAh).
- Only the base model, the Pixel 11, sees a slight increase, to 4,985 mAh (+15 mAh).
- In the UK, the Pixel 11 Pro XL (256 GB) costs £1,279, which is £80 more than its predecessor; the smaller models are actually £20 cheaper.
- However, because Google is discontinuing the 128-GB version, the effective starting price is still rising.
- All of this is still unofficial—the announcement is expected at the launch event on August 12, 2026.
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Battery Gets Smaller Instead of Larger
While competitors from China are equipping their flagship models with increasingly large batteries, Google appears to be taking the opposite approach. Roland Quandt cites specific capacities for the entire Pixel 11 series, and those for the Pro models are lower than those of the Pixel 10.
The top-of-the-line model is affected the most: The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s battery is expected to shrink by 85 mAh—or about 1.6 percent—to 5,115 mAh. For the Pixel 11 Pro, the capacity drops by 20 mAh (0.4 percent) to 4,850 mAh. Only the standard Pixel 11 sees a tiny increase of 15 mAh to 4,985 mAh, continuing to hover just below the 5,000 mark.
In practice, these differences from the previous model are unlikely to be noticeable. What’s more interesting is the direction Google is taking: rather than competing with the endurance giants from Xiaomi, Honor, or OnePlus by offering more capacity, Google appears to be continuing to rely on the efficiency of the new Tensor G6 and software optimizations.
Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: A Comparison of Battery Capacities
| Model | Pixel 11 (Leak) | Pixel 10 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 | 4,985 mAh | 4,970 mAh | +15 mAh |
| Pixel 11 Pro | 4,850 mAh | 4,870 mAh | –20 mAh |
| Pixel 11 Pro XL | 5,115 mAh | 5,200 mAh | –85 mAh |
Google Pixel 11 Price: Pro XL Sees Significant Increase
In addition to the battery specs, Quandt has also uncovered what are reportedly the final prices for the UK. The picture is similar to that of the previously leaked European prices: For the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, you’ll actually pay £20 less for the 256 GB version than for the respective Pixel 10 model. The Pixel 11 Pro XL, on the other hand, is climbing by 80 £.
This widens the price gap between the two Pro models: Instead of 100 £, the Pro and Pro XL will now be separated by 200 £. No official figures have been released for Germany yet, but an earlier leak already mentioned prices in euros—following the same pattern of a 100-euro increase for the Pro XL.
| Model (256 GB) | Price (UK) | Change (UK) | Price in Euros (earlier leak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 11 | £879 | –£20 | €999 |
| Google Pixel 11 Pro | £1,079 | –20 £ | €1,199 |
| Google Pixel 11 Pro XL | £1,279 | +80 £ | €1,399 |
| Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold | – | – | 1,999 € |
Why the price cut is misleading
On paper, the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro are becoming more affordable. The catch: Google no longer offers a base model with 128 GB of storage. Until now, the standard Pixel started with this smaller storage option; going forward, it will start directly at 256 GB. The bottom line is that the starting price for both models effectively increases by about £80 because the cheapest option has simply been eliminated.
This isn’t an issue with the Pixel 11 Pro XL: that model was already available starting at 256 GB with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. So the £80 markup here is purely a price increase with no storage-related justification.
When will the Google Pixel 11 be released?
Google is expected to officially unveil the Pixel 11 series no later than at the launch event on August 12, 2026. By then, the final prices, storage options, and specs should also be confirmed. Until then, keep in mind that all figures mentioned are based on leaks and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Google Pixel 11
How big is the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s battery?
According to a leak, the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s battery has a capacity of 5,115 mAh, which is 85 mAh less than that of the Pixel 10 Pro XL. This figure has not yet been officially confirmed.
Will the Google Pixel 11 be more expensive?
According to leaks, the Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost £80 or €100 more. The Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro will see a slight nominal price drop, but since the affordable 128-GB model is being discontinued, the effective starting price will still increase.
When will the Pixel 11 series be unveiled?
The date is set for August 12, 2026. The industry expects the official unveiling, including prices and specifications, to take place at this launch event.
Is this information official?
No. All battery and pricing details come from a leak by Roland Quandt and have not yet been confirmed by Google.
Conclusion: Smaller batteries, higher prices—Google stays true to form
The pattern seems familiar: Google is charging more for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but—ironically—is not increasing the battery capacity; instead, it’s cutting it slightly. Those looking for long battery life will likely continue to be better served by Asian competitors with their 6,000-mAh-plus batteries. Conversely, Pixel devices traditionally excel in other areas—software, camera, and tight AI integration.
It remains to be seen whether Google can justify the higher prices with genuine innovations. If the Tensor G6 delivers the promised efficiency gains, the slightly lower capacity might hardly be noticeable in practice. We’ll know for sure on August 12. Until then, it’s a matter of waiting and keeping the leaks in mind.
