Google has confirmed the Pixel 11 lineup will cost more than earlier models. The reason isn’t chips or cameras. It’s memory.
Why Prices Are Going Up
Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, spoke to 9to5Google about it. He called it a “severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis.” RAM prices haven’t moved this fast in years.
Here’s the number behind it: according to Morgan Stanley data, 1 GB of RAM cost $2.80 in 2025. This year, it’s $12.
Google said it had been covering the extra cost itself for a while, but that’s no longer possible. Prices across the whole Pixel family, including the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch, will now be adjusted to match what memory actually costs.
What Might Change in the Phone Itself
Nothing is official yet, but a few leaks give a rough idea:
- The base Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro may come with 256 GB of storage as standard, instead of 128 GB. That would help offset some of the price jump.
- Entry-level Pixel 11 Pro models might ship with 12 GB of RAM instead of 16 GB.
- Some reports suggest the price increase could be around $100, though Google hasn’t confirmed a number.
Google also said it’s working on the software side, adjusting Android and its apps to need less memory overall, so future phones aren’t hit as hard by rising RAM costs.
When We’ll Know the Real Price
Google will share official Pixel 11 pricing at its Made by Google event on August 12, 2026. Until then, everything about the exact price is a leak or an estimate, not confirmed.
What This Means If You’re in Pakistan
Google has never officially launched Pixel phones in Pakistan. There’s no Google store here, no local warranty, and no official launch pricing. Every Pixel sold in Pakistan comes in through importers and resellers, and its price already includes import cost and PTA registration on top of the original global price.
This matters for the price hike. If the Pixel 11 costs more everywhere else, the version that eventually shows up in Pakistan will cost more too, and probably by a bigger margin once import costs and currency conversion are added on.
A few honest things to know if you’re considering a Pixel in Pakistan:
- Always check PTA approval status before buying. A non-PTA phone is cheaper but can lose full network access over time.
- Pixel phones in Pakistan don’t support 5G, even on approved units, because of missing local firmware. This isn’t likely to change with the Pixel 11 either.
- Since there’s no official launch here, wait for the real global price to appear after August 12 before trusting any local price you see online. Early listings are often based on guesses, not real stock.
Bottom Line
The Pixel 11 is getting more expensive because RAM prices have jumped hard this year. Google will confirm real pricing on August 12. For buyers in Pakistan, expect the local price to move too, likely by more than the global increase, once importers bring in actual stock.
