Google Pixel 11 Pro lineup expected to rise to $1,300 amid component cost pressures
Leaks indicate the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will cost $1,099 and $1,299 respectively, with storage upgrades but reduced RAM, as Google cites a global memory shortage.
Google is preparing to raise the launch prices of its upcoming Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL smartphones by $100, according to recent leaks. The entry-level models are expected to be priced at $1,099 and $1,299, while the base storage of the Pro will increase to 256 GB and the 512 GB variant will retain 16 GB of RAM. The lower-priced versions are reported to ship with 12 GB of RAM, a reduction from the 16 GB offered in previous flagship models.
The company’s vice president of devices and services, Shakil Barkat, attributed the price adjustment to a "severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis" that has driven up the cost of DRAM and NAND components across the industry. Similar cost pressures have led other manufacturers, including Apple, to raise prices for their devices.
Google’s Pixel line continues to rely on its in-house Tensor processor, which analysts note lags behind the latest Qualcomm and MediaTek chips in performance and efficiency. Despite this, the devices are marketed for their software experience, including advanced camera capabilities and AI features such as Call Screen, Live Translate, and integration with the Gemini AI model.
To offset the higher price, Google plans to bundle a one-year subscription to its Google AI Pro service with the Pro models. The subscription includes increased Gemini usage limits, cloud storage, and access to services like YouTube Premium Lite, Google Home Premium, and Google Health Premium.
Industry observers suggest that offering discounted bundles with accessories such as the Pixel Watch 5 or Pixel Buds Pro 2 could further enhance the value proposition and encourage adoption of the broader Google ecosystem.