Pixel 11 Price Leak Gives iPhone 17 an Edge, Analysts Say

Google's upcoming Pixel 11 series is already making headlines, but not all of them are favourable for the search giant. A fresh price leak suggests the Pixel 11's cost could hand a clear advantage to Apple's iPhone 17, which is expected to launch around the same time.

According to reports, the base model of the Pixel 11 is likely to be priced higher than its predecessor, the Pixel 10. This shift in pricing strategy may make the iPhone 17 a more attractive option for price-conscious buyers, especially in key markets like India and the US.

Price Leak and Competitive Landscape

The leaked pricing details were first reported by Forbes, citing industry sources. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, early estimates suggest the Pixel 11 could start at around ₹79,999 in India, a significant jump from the Pixel 10's launch price of ₹74,999.

This increase, analysts say, narrows the price gap between Google's flagship and Apple's iPhone 17, which is expected to start at around ₹84,900. With Apple's strong brand loyalty and ecosystem, a smaller price difference could tilt the scales in favour of the iPhone.

Specs Leak: What We Know So Far

Droid Life has published a detailed specs leak for the Pixel 11 series, including storage, RAM, display, and battery information. The standard Pixel 11 is expected to come with 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, while the Pixel 11 Pro could offer 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage option.

Display sizes are also rumoured to vary across models. The base Pixel 11 may feature a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pro variant could sport a larger 6.7-inch LTPO panel. Battery capacities are expected to see a modest increase, with the standard model packing a 4,700mAh cell and the Pro version offering a 5,000mAh battery.

Separately, GSMArena reported a leak of the Pixel 11a specs, suggesting Google is also working on a budget-friendly model. The Pixel 11a is tipped to feature a 6.1-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and a 4,500mAh battery, targeting the mid-range segment.

Pixel Glow Colour and Design Issues

9to5Google shared a gallery of what could be the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel Fold in their new 'Pixel Glow' colour option. The leaked images show a vibrant, reflective finish that could be a head-turner.

However, Android Authority notes that while the Pixel Glow colour is real, it does not solve Google's bigger Pixel 11 problems. The report highlights that despite the new colour option, the Pixel 11 series may still struggle with issues like inconsistent camera performance, software bugs, and delayed updates. These are long-standing criticisms that Google has not fully addressed.

Analysts point out that aesthetic upgrades alone may not be enough to sway buyers, especially when competitors like Apple and Samsung are offering more polished experiences.

What to Watch Next

With the Pixel 11 launch expected later this year, Google has time to refine its strategy. The key question remains whether the company can match Apple's pricing and deliver a bug-free experience at launch. Industry watchers will also be looking for any last-minute changes to the Pixel 11a's specs, which could help Google compete in the mid-range segment. For now, the ball is in Apple's court.