WIRED’s 2026 Guide: The Google Pixel 11 Series and the Rise of AI-Infused Hardware
The new Pixel 11 lineup introduces the Tensor G6 processor and standardises Qi2 25W wireless charging, while WIRED identifies the Pixel 10a as the standout value option in the current market.
WIRED has released an updated comprehensive guide to the 2026 Google Pixel smartphone lineup, evaluating the newly launched Pixel 11 series alongside the budget-focused Pixel 10a. The publication, which has long championed the Pixel range for its camera capabilities and direct software updates, provides a detailed breakdown of hardware specifications and software features to help consumers navigate the expanding product ecosystem.
The headline hardware development is the introduction of the Tensor G6 processor across the Pixel 11 series. According to the guide, this new chipset promises a 20 per cent gain in power efficiency, 25 per cent faster browsing, and 15 per cent faster app loading. While the base Pixel 11 model has seen its storage upgraded to 256 GB, resulting in a $100 price increase over the previous generation, the performance gains are designed to match the higher-end Pro models.
A significant shift in charging infrastructure is also noted, with all four Pixel 11 series devices now supporting Qi2 25W wireless charging. This standard, previously exclusive to the Pixel 10 Pro XL, allows for faster and more efficient magnetic charging. The guide highlights that while the Pixel 10a retains the older Tensor G4 chipset, it remains the best value option in the lineup, offering seven years of software support and a robust camera system for under $500.
For those seeking premium features, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models introduce a new 50-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel telephoto zoom with 30 per cent better light sensitivity. These models support a new 120X zoom capability, which relies on AI to fill in gaps in the image. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also featured, boasting IP68 dust and water resistance and a "gearless hinge" claimed to withstand more than 10 years of folding, though it lacks some of the advanced camera features of its Pro siblings.
Software remains a key differentiator, with the integration of Gemini AI providing new tools such as "Rambler" for improved voice-to-text and "Magic Capture" for automatic event photography. The guide also notes that US models of the Pixel 11 are now eSIM-only, eliminating physical SIM cards. WIRED positions the Pixel 11 Pro XL as the premium choice for users who want the best of Google’s current offerings, while advising that previous-generation models like the Pixel 10 series remain viable options if purchased at a significant discount.
