Google Confirms Pixel 11 Series Will Cost More Due to Rising RAM Prices

The consumer technology landscape is bracing for a significant price adjustment as major manufacturers grapple with an unprecedented global memory shortage. Google vice president of devices and services Shakil Barkat confirmed in an interview published on Thursday that the upcoming Pixel 11 lineup will cost more than its predecessors. Barkat noted that while the company had absorbed supply fluctuations for as long as possible, the underlying economics have fundamentally shifted.

The cost pressures stem directly from a massive squeeze on memory components. According to Morgan Stanley data cited by Google, the cost of a single gigabyte of RAM jumped from $2 and 80 cents in 2025 to $12 this year. For flagship smartphones shipping with 16 GB of RAM, that increase translates to a bill-of-materials jump from roughly $45 per handset to approximately $192, according to the bank’s analysis. Memory manufacturers have redirected wafer capacity toward the high-bandwidth memory required for AI data centers, leaving consumer device supply severely restricted.

Leaked European Pricing and Storage Tier Overhauls

Ahead of Google’s official Made by Google event scheduled for August 12 in New York, retail leaks have outlined substantial changes to the product lineup. Leaks reported by financial and technology reporting desks indicate that Google is eliminating the 128GB storage tier entirely, making 256GB the new baseline across the family.

Google Confirms Pixel Price Hikes Due to Global RAM Shortage

In the European market, tipster Roland Quandt’s leak points to starting prices reflecting both the storage upgrade and component inflation. The base Pixel 11 with 256GB storage is projected at GBP 879, while the Pixel 11 Pro starts at GBP 1,079 and the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL opens at GBP 1,279. In the United States, leaked retail listings suggest the base Pixel 11 will start at $899, representing a $100 increase over the previous generation’s $799 entry point.

Industry-Wide Price Adjustments Across Major Handset Makers

Google’s pricing shift aligns with broader trends across the mobile industry. Samsung set the pattern earlier in the year by launching the Galaxy S26 with a $100 price increase on two of its three models while similarly dropping the 128GB storage option. Apple has likewise raised prices across its product ecosystem, with Tim Cook labeling the increases unavoidable earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has informed device makers that chip prices will rise by double-digit percentages for shipments following September 1.

To mitigate the impact on consumers, Google is pursuing engineering solutions. Barkat explained that the company has initiated a dedicated effort to reduce memory requirements across Android and its app ecosystem. By leveraging its vertically integrated approach—combining custom Tensor chips, Android software, and on-device AI models—Google aims to run software efficiently on less RAM without degrading user experience.

Pixel 11 Series Leaks Reveal Refined Camera Designs Ahead of August 12 Launch

Design Tweaks, Colors, and Expected Specifications

Beyond pricing and storage, leaks have detailed the color palettes and physical configurations for the upcoming devices. The standard Pixel 11 is expected in Light Sterling, Midnight Haze, Fuchsia, and Moss. The Pro models introduce options such as Light Fog, Midnight Haze, Dune, and Pine, with specific finishes varying by storage capacity. Design adjustments include removing the temperature sensor on Pro models and introducing Pixel Glow, an LED notification-like feature designed to display alert types when the phone rests face down.

Battery capacities vary across the lineup. The base Pixel 11 is slated for a 4985mAh battery, the Pixel 11 Pro for 4850mAh, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL for 5115mAh. Buyers will see complete confirmation of retail pricing, specifications, and availability when Google hosts its launch event on August 12, with retail availability expected to follow shortly thereafter.