Google’s next Pixel smartphone will likely cost more than current models due to escalating memory expenses, according to comments from Google Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat.
Why Smartphone Prices Are Rising Across the Industry
The consumer electronics market is feeling the squeeze of tight component availability. According to industry reports cited by 9to5Google, companies ranging from Apple and Nintendo to Microsoft and Roku have implemented price increases to offset soaring memory costs. Barkat explained to the publication that Google had “shielded our consumers from supply fluctuations for as long as possible,” but noted that the “economics have fundamentally shifted and we’re not immune to that.” Consequently, the Pixel lineup will see pricing “adjustments” that “will be rolled out dynamically to match supply realities.”
Did you know? The explosion of AI data centers has created unprecedented demand for high-capacity RAM, directly impacting the manufacturing costs of consumer devices like smartphones and gaming consoles.
What to Expect from Pixel 11 Pricing and Storage Specs
Industry watchers anticipate that the base model Pixel 11 will carry a price tag of $899, up from previous generations. However, according to details shared via 9to5Google, this higher entry price point is expected to include 256GB of storage as a baseline, replacing the standard 128GB capacity. Rumors also suggest hardware configurations might shift internally, with the Pixel 11 Pro potentially moving from 16GB of RAM down to 12GB.
Pro Tip: When evaluating smartphone upgrades during periods of component inflation, compare the base storage tiers and RAM allocations rather than looking at the starting price alone to determine true value.
Upcoming Google Hardware Announcements
Consumers won’t have to wait long for official confirmation on pricing and specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Pixel 11 expected to cost?
The base model Pixel 11 is rumored to start at $899, though it is expected to double the baseline storage to 256GB.
Why are Google Pixel prices increasing?
According to Google’s Shakil Barkat, pricing adjustments are driven by fundamentally shifted economics and supply fluctuations in the memory market caused by AI data center expansion.
When will Google announce the next Pixel phones?
Google has scheduled its next generation hardware announcement event for August 12th.
Will other tech brands raise their prices too?
Yes. According to industry tracking, companies including Apple, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Roku have already raised prices in response to soaring memory costs.
What are your thoughts on the rumored price hikes for upcoming smartphones? Will higher base storage soften the blow of a higher starting price? Let us know in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest mobile tech updates!
Related reading