Pixel 11a: The Exciting Alternative
Forget Pixel 11 – The Pixel 11a is More Exciting
Google’s next flagship phones will launch on 12 August – but I’ve already got my eye on what’s coming after. While likely contenders for the title of 2026’s best phone, I’m finding it hard to get excited about the Pixel 11 series. Unless you care about ‘Pixel Glow’ RGB lights on the back (I definitely don’t!), it looks to be more of the same from Google, just with an unappetising price rise.
I’m not about to claim that the Pixel 11a will be much different. Google will likely follow the Pixel 10a’s lead very closely – a phone that epitomises the 2026 trend for tiny year-on-year upgrades. However, I’m still looking forward to its likely March 2027 launch much more than to the Pixel 11 series, even if there’s one potential dealbreaker.
No Chipset Compromise?
The leak that inspired this article is the most exciting by far. According to Mystic Leaks, who has a strong track record for Pixel news, the Pixel 11a will be powered by Google’s Tensor G6 chipset. That’s right, the same one we’re expecting across the Pixel 11 lineup.
While far from confirmed, this could be massive for the Pixel 11a. Remember, the Pixel 10a stuck with its predecessor’s Tensor G4 chip, so it’d be a huge two-generation leap. Performance on the Pixel 11a could get a big upgrade, and with the Tensor G6 looking set to be one of the first smartphone chips to use a 2nm process, beating even Qualcomm to the punch, it’s expected to yield major improvements to both battery efficiency and overheating, two issues that commonly affect the Pixel 10a.
Cameras that Sit Almost Flush with the Back of the Phone are Massively Underrated
When the Pixel 9a introduced the barely-there rear camera design, it was controversial. Many people lamented the loss of Pixel’s signature camera bar and a design which was devoid of any real personality. But, as I wrote in my review of the Samsung Galaxy S25, it really didn’t bother me at the time. And after 15 months using almost exclusively huge, protruding rear cameras, my opinion on it has only become more favourable.
I think cameras that sit almost flush with the back of the phone are massively underrated. Sure, you can’t pack in some high-end camera tech without making the phone incredibly thick, but it makes for a sleek design and avoids the annoying wobble when typing while it’s on a desk. While I didn’t test it myself, I was delighted to see Google stick with the same design for the Pixel 10a, which is similar to the design of the Apple iPhone 15.
Worth the Weight (Literally)
Another aspect of phone design that I believe people overlook is weight. Remember, this is something that you’ll be holding for multiple hours a day, either in your hand, pocket or bag. I recently switched from the 215g Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to the regular Samsung Galaxy S26, which is just 167g. The 48g difference was instantly noticeable, and it’s made the S26 a far more comfortable phone to use day-to-day.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 10a was a full 21g lighter than the base Pixel 10, with other models in the range even heavier, and it’s likely to be similar again this time. Trust me, ditching the glass back for plastic is well worth the trade-off, especially when compared to the iPad Air M2, which has a sleek design but is quite heavy.
The Price
It’s no secret that phone prices are on the rise. The ongoing ‘RAMaggedon’, where incredible demand for memory chips (known as RAM) for AI has led to a major shortage and price hikes on many of the tech products which rely on them. For most people, buying a Pixel 11 means tying yourself down to a long, expensive contract, similar to the contracts offered for the Apple Watch Series 10.
The Pixel 11 series is unlikely to be immune, even if reports of the rises don’t tell the full story. We’re expecting the base Pixel 11, the cheapest route into the lineup, to now start at a hefty £879. Not exactly affordable for a lot of people! While the situation may be even worse by the time the Pixel 11a rolls around in early 2027, it’d be a real surprise to see Google hike prices by more than £100/$100, meaning it should cost under £600/$600 and remain well within mid-range phone territory.
I’m always saying to friends and family that phones are one of the areas where people most consistently overspend. The Pixel 11a offers a much more realistic prospect of buying outright, allowing you to dramatically cut costs by opting for a cheap SIM-only deal, similar to the deals offered by Amazon Prime Day UK. For most people, buying a Pixel 11 means tying yourself down to a long, expensive contract. The alternative is always more exciting.
A Potential Dealbreaker?
For all the reasons to be hopeful, one Pixel 11a leak makes for concerning reading. Just like the Pixel 10a, all signs point to Google continuing to omit built-in Qi2 magnets on the Pixel 11a. Not only does this block access to a wide range of compatible Pixelsnap and MagSafe accessories, but it also means wireless charging speeds will likely be capped at close to the current 10W.
Will this be a dealbreaker? Not necessarily, but it would be a real shame, especially with no issues on compatibility with a plastic back. But even if it arrives without Qi2, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the Pixel 11a. If you prefer a minimalist design or just want to save some cash, it could be well worth the wait. And don’t forget, Pixels are notorious for sharp price drops after launch – especially once a successor has arrived. If you don’t care about the latest hardware, the Pixel 10a could be an even better choice once the 11a arrives.
