Exclusive: Google Pixel 11a Official CAD Renders Leak

Google Pixel 11a design: our first look

The design of the Google Pixel 11a looks very similar to the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a from the last two years. This isn’t a major surprise, as Google’s design chief has said the company moves to a new design every two to three years, while iterating on it with small changes.

So, Pixel 11a sticks with that flush camera design on the back, first shown in our Pixel 10a render exclusive. These are the same kind of early first-look renders we published for the Pixel 10 before it launched. Though the shape of the camera is a bit different this year. It’s more of a short oval versus a longer oval. It’s very minimal, but you can definitely see the difference here. The flash still sits outside of the camera module, as it has on previous models.

The borders around the screen stay a little thicker than on pricier phones, which doesn’t change how you use it.

Pixel 11a size: how it compares to the phone you have now

The size of the Pixel 11a is expected to be similar to the previous two models; our sources indicate it will be roughly 153.46 x 72.35 x 9mm. This means it will be slightly shorter than the Pixel 10a and 9a. But it should feel mostly the same in the hand. Below, you can see how the dimensions of the Pixel 11a stack up against the previous four generations. But if you’re coming from the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 11a is slightly taller and has a larger screen. As well as the Pixel 7a, which we called the best Android phone under $500 in 2023.

It’s important to note that, based on these dimensions, cases for the Pixel 10a likely won’t fit the Pixel 11a. We do not know this for sure yet, since the phone is still months away from launching.

Pixel 11a colors: four shades, and one nobody has seen

This year, the Google Pixel 11a will be available in four colors once again. These include black, silver, green, and purple. The black will likely be named “Obsidian,” as it has been used since the Pixel 7 back in 2022. While the silver could be called “Fog,” which carries over from the Pixel 10a’s colors, purple could be called “Orchid,” and green could be “Olive”, possibly lining up with the rest of the Pixel 11 colors.

Three of those colors make sense. Obsidian has been Google’s black since the Pixel 7, Fog carries over from the Pixel 10a’s colors, and Olive matches the green on the Pixel 11 Pro.

The fourth doesn’t. Frost is Google’s name for the soft silver-blue on the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 11, and the 11a already has its light color in Fog. We don’t think a purple will ship as Frost. Leaked color names rarely survive to launch: the Pixel 11 was leaked in Sterling, Moss, Fuchsia, and Midnight, and went on sale in Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian.

So we set the name aside and worked out the shade.

First, Google’s recipe. For three years, its main Pixels have come in black, a light color, a green, and one standout color that changes every year. The 11a’s leaked lineup follows that recipe, which makes purple its standout color.

Second, what’s already taken. Samsung has lavender and violet on this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones, and Apple went with a deep wine red on the iPhone 18 Pro. That rules out a pale lavender or a dark violet.

Third, this year’s mood. Google’s colors got softer: the Pixel 10’s bright Lemongrass green became the Pixel 11’s muted Pistachio. A standout color this year has to be soft, not bright.

Fourth, the gap. Google’s purples so far lean either blue (Iris, Lavender, Indigo) or pink (Peony, Berry, Hibiscus). A soft red-purple is the one shade in between that Google hasn’t used.

Put together, it all points to a soft, dusty purple with a hint of red. We’re calling it Orchid, and it’s the color on our renders (color code #9C5F92, for anyone who wants the numbers).

It’s our prediction, not a confirmed color, and Google will pick the name. It’s affordable Pixels have often come out a little bolder than the flagships, so the final shade may be a touch brighter. But it isn’t a guess: each step rules something out, and Orchid is what’s left.

What’s new inside the Pixel 11a

While the exterior looks pretty similar to last year’s Pixel 10a, the real upgrades this year are internal, with the new Tensor G6 processor and MediaTek modem doing the heavy lifting. Most of this information comes from a leak in July, which we reported at the time.

A faster chip, the same one as the Pixel 11

With last year’s Pixel 10a, many were shocked to see it still using the Tensor G4, while the Pixel 10 series moved to the Tensor G5 making it almost the exact same phone as the Pixel 9a, even down to the processor, RAM, and storage. However, for the Pixel 11a, Google is making the leap to the Tensor G6, the same chip as in the Pixel 11 series. So the theories of Google using the previous generation on the Pixel a-series seem to be out the window.

The Tensor G6 debuted on the Pixel 11 series in August. As always, the Tensor G6 is not the most powerful chip on the market, but it runs much smoother than last year’s chip, as we mentioned in our Pixel 11 Pro review in August.

Better signal for calls and data

A big part of the Tensor G6’s upgrade is actually the modem. Google is now using a MediaTek modem instead of the older Samsung modem used in previous Pixel devices. In our Pixel 11 Pro review, the new modem gave about 10% faster speeds and a better signal than last year’s phone on the same network. This is an upgrade that you won’t necessarily see right away, but you will appreciate.

As an added bonus, this new modem should help improve battery life because your phone won’t struggle to find a signal as often.

A brighter screen

Google is sticking with a 6.3-inch 1080p display again on the Pixel 11a, but it is getting another brightness boost. It appears that the Pixel 11a will see its HDR boost to 2,250 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the Pixel 10a. The peak brightness will increase to 3,350 nits, up from 3,000 nits on the Pixel 10a.

This spec may not mean much to you, but in the real world it means better visibility in direct sunlight allowing you to actually see your phone outdoors.

Battery

For the past two generations, Google has had some pretty impressive battery life on its Pixel A-series phones. Mostly due to the massive battery and the 1080p resolution display that’s on board. That should continue with the Pixel 11a. We’re expecting this to stick to around 5,000 mAh, a small downgrade from the previous two models. However, we also saw Google use smaller batteries in the Pixel 11 Pro series in August, so this makes sense.

While leaks have shown a “minimum battery capacity” of 4,870mAh, that doesn’t necessarily mean that will be the battery capacity on the spec sheet. Most batteries have a minimum rated capacity, but that number is rarely the one advertised to potential buyers. For example, the Pixel 11 has a minimum battery capacity of 4,840 mAh, but the advertised capacity to buyers is 4,985 mAh.

Cameras

Google is expected to continue using the same cameras on the Pixel 11a as on the Pixel 10a. These are pretty decent cameras, especially in this price range. It has a 48MP primary camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 11a isn’t expected to get a zoom camera; for that third camera, you’ll need the Pixel 11. Our Pixel 11 review covers this.

The selfie camera, on the other hand, is expected to get upgraded for the first time since the Pixel 7a. Currently, we’re not sure what sensor Google will use this time around. It could be the 10.5MP selfie camera on the base Pixel 11.

Updates and Security

We expect the Pixel 11a to receive 7 years of updates. This includes OS updates, feature drops, and security patches. This has been the norm for the Pixel series since the Pixel 8, even for the a-series.

On the security front, another advantage of the upgraded Tensor G6 processor is that the Pixel 11a will include the new Titan M3 co-processor. This co-processor will help protect passwords, payments, and personal data.

It’ll run on Android 17, the same software found on Google’s most expensive phone, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which starts at $1,899.

How Google’s affordable Pixels have changed, from 7a to 11a

Here’s a pretty detailed look at how the Pixel a-series has changed across five generations. Surprisingly, the price has stayed the same from the Pixel 7a through the Pixel 10a. Despite getting a larger display and a redesigned look with the Pixel 9a, which we revealed months before launch. Before the Pixel 8a launched, we showed it in all four of its colors.

All things considered, these are pretty small year-over-year changes, and that’s fine. Most people do not upgrade their phones every year or even every two years. In fact, Americans now keep their phones close to three years on average. So a lot of people looking to buy the Pixel 11a are likely coming from the Pixel 8a or older. That’s a pretty major upgrade when you think about it.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099 and the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299 add a sharper zoom camera and more memory, things that the Pixel 11a skips.

Should you wait for the Pixel 11a?

If you are currently using a Pixel 7a or Pixel 8a, it’s definitely worth waiting for. You’re going to be getting a larger display in almost the same physical-size phone as well as a drastically improved processor and performance, with most of the Pixel 11’s Gemini Intelligence features, though Google keeps a few for its pricier phones.

If you need a phone right now, the Pixel 10a is still a really good option, starting at $499 as our Pixel 10a review points out.

There’s also the Samsung Galaxy A57, which is priced about $50 higher than the Pixel 10a.

Pixel 11a release date

The Google Pixel 11a is slated for a Spring release again next year. We expect it will launch in February or March, with it going on sale a few weeks later.

Pixel 11a price

The Pixel a-series has been the same price for the past four generations: $499. Next year, however, the price could change. The Pixel 11 series all saw a $100 price increase in August, now starting at $899 essentially, making room for the Pixel 11a to also see a $100 price increase.

A major reason for these price increases is the sharp rise in the cost of memory and storage due to AI. While no price has leaked so far, a starting price of $599 wouldn’t be out of the question.

Google Pixel 11a FAQ

When is the Google Pixel 11a coming out?

The Google Pixel 11a is slated to be announced in February or March, likely on sale by early Spring.

How much will the Pixel 11a cost?

While no pricing has leaked yet, we do fully expect to see a price increase next year. Potentially moving the Pixel 11a up to $599.

What colors will the Pixel 11a come in?

The Google Pixel 11a will come in four colors: black, silver, green, and purple.

Is the Pixel 11a worth it if I have a Pixel 7a or 8a?

Yes, it’s definitely worth it. You’re getting a much faster chip, better signal, a substantially brighter display, and seven years of updates. It’s worth waiting for, as long as the price stays close to the last few models.

Does the Pixel 11a have a new design?

Mostly no. It keeps the design of the 9a and 10a, with a slightly reshaped camera.

How long will the Pixel 11a get updates?

The Pixel 11a should receive updates for 7 years, as its predecessors have, meaning it will continue to receive updates until Spring of 2034.

The bottom line

The Pixel 11a is a phone made specifically for students on a budget, or parents buying their kids their first phone. Someone who doesn’t need a flagship phone, but something that just works. The Pixel 11a does just that and will be a great “first phone” for someone. If you do need a phone right now, you can check out our Best Budget Phones and Best Android Phones lists.