Google unveiled the Pixel 11 series at its Made by Google event on August 12, 2026, and the phones went on sale globally on August 20. The headline changes are a new Tensor G6 chip built on a 3nm process and a roughly $100 price jump over last year's Pixel 10. Here's what actually changed, and what it means if you're shopping for a Pixel in Kenya today.
What's new in the Pixel 11
The base Pixel 11 ships with a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, the new Tensor G6 chipset (3nm, built with TSMC), 12GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage with no card slot. Google's own figures claim CPU performance up to 25% faster than the Pixel 10 and app launches up to 15% quicker. The triple rear camera system includes a 48MP main sensor, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto, and a 13MP ultrawide, with digital zoom pushed to 30x. The 4,985mAh battery supports 30W wired charging and 25W wireless (Qi2.2, magnetic), and the phone carries IP68 dust and water resistance plus Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back. Google is promising up to 7 years of major OS updates. In the US, the Pixel 11 starts at $899 for 256GB, roughly $100 more than the Pixel 10 launched at.
Why it's not on shelves in Kenya
Google has never officially sold Pixel phones in Kenya, and the Pixel 11 launch doesn't change that. Everything currently listed locally is coming in through independent importers, which is why you'll see early Kenyan listings pricing the base Pixel 11 at around KES 84,000 and up — before factoring in whatever warranty (or lack of one) the seller is actually offering. Import units can be genuine hardware, but buyers are usually on their own for software support, repairs, and any manufacturer warranty claim, since Google doesn't service the device in-market.
What you can actually buy in Kenya right now
If you want a Pixel with local warranty backing, M-Pesa payment, and same-day Nairobi delivery instead of waiting on an import, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are in stock at trewrld today. The Pixel 8 Pro still runs Tensor G3, but it carries the same core Pixel strengths that make the line worth buying in the first place: class-leading computational photography, clean Android with fast security updates, and a 6.7-inch display with a 50MP main camera and 5,050mAh battery. It's a proven phone at a fraction of what an imported Pixel 11 will actually land at once shipping, duty, and reseller margin are added in.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Google Pixel 11 available in Kenya?
Not through Google directly — Google does not officially sell or support Pixel phones in Kenya. Units in the market are brought in by independent importers.
How much does the Google Pixel 11 cost in Kenya?
Early importer listings put the base 256GB Pixel 11 at roughly KES 84,000 and up, against a US launch price of $899. Prices vary by seller and warranty terms.
What's the real difference between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 11?
The Pixel 11 gets a newer Tensor G6 chip, a brighter display, faster wireless charging, and longer promised software support. The Pixel 8 still delivers the same core Pixel camera and Android experience for significantly less, with the advantage of being available locally with warranty support today.
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