The Pixel 10a was, by almost any measure, a disappointment. Same chip as the Pixel 9a, same modem, same everything basically wrapped in a slightly different shell. So the bar for the Pixel 11a wasn’t exactly sky-high. But based on what we’re seeing now, Google might actually be course-correcting in a meaningful way.
Android Headlines has exclusively obtained official CAD renders of the Google Pixel 11a, internally codenamed “Formosan.” This is the first real look at the phone, and while the outside will feel familiar, what’s happening inside is genuinely worth paying attention to.
Starting with the design: yes, it looks like a Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a had a baby. Google has been pretty open about sticking with the same general design across three generations, and the Pixel 11a follows that pattern. The flush camera module on the back is still there, though the shape has changed slightly. It’s a shorter, rounder oval this year rather than the longer one on the 10a. The flash still sits outside the module. Honestly, the bigger issue is the bezels, which remain noticeably thick all the way around. It’s not going to ruin your experience, but it does make the phone look a little behind the times before it even ships.
Size-wise, the Pixel 11a is expected to measure roughly 153.46 x 72.35 x 9mm. That makes it very slightly shorter than the Pixel 10a and 9a, though you probably won’t feel the difference in your hand. One thing worth flagging: those dimensions suggest that Pixel 10a cases likely won’t fit. Not confirmed yet, but worth keeping in mind before you stock up.
Colors this year are expected to be black, silver, green, and purple. Following Google’s naming habits, you’re probably looking at Obsidian, Fog, something like Olive or Pistachio, and a purple option that could be called Orchid. Nothing surprising, but four options is solid for a phone at this price point.
Now, the part that actually matters. The Pixel 11a is expected to jump straight to the Tensor G6, skipping the Tensor G5 entirely. That’s the same chip inside the Pixel 11 series, which launched last month. This is a big deal because the Tensor G4 that powered both the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a was already starting to feel like a liability. Moving to the G6 closes the gap between the flagship and the budget option in a way we haven’t seen in a while.
Along with that new chip comes a MediaTek modem, replacing the older Samsung unit used in previous Pixel devices. In real-world testing of the Pixel 11 series, the difference in signal strength and call quality is noticeable. And because the phone won’t be constantly hunting for signal, battery life should also benefit. The 5,100 mAh battery from the previous two models is expected to carry over, which is already a strong performer in this class.
On cameras, Google is sticking with a 48MP primary shooter and a 13MP ultrawide. No telephoto, which is typical for the a-series. The selfie camera, though, is reportedly getting its first upgrade since the Pixel 7a, possibly bumping up to the 10.5MP sensor used on the base Pixel 11. That would be a welcome change.
Security and software support look solid too. Expect 7 years of OS updates, feature drops, and security patches, consistent with what Google has offered since the Pixel 8. The Pixel 11a will also include the Titan M3 security co-processor, which handles passwords, payments, and personal data. And it’ll launch on Android 17, the same software on Google’s most expensive phone, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, and Google says it could shift before the official announcement, partly because of the ongoing RAM supply issues affecting the industry right now. The Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a both launched at $499. Whether Google holds that line with a more premium chip inside remains to be seen. A Spring announcement window is expected, in line with previous a-series launches.
Here’s a quick look at what we know so far:
- Chip: Tensor G6 (same as Pixel 11)
- Modem: MediaTek (upgraded from Samsung)
- Security: Titan M3 co-processor
- Display: 6.3 inches
- Battery: 5,100 mAh (expected)
- Cameras: 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide, upgraded selfie camera
- Software: Android 17, 7 years of updates
- Colors: Black, silver, green, purple
- Price: Not yet announced
If Google can hold the $499 price point while delivering a Tensor G6 chip and a better modem, the Pixel 11a could actually be the a-series phone people have been waiting for after last year’s letdown. We’ll know more come Spring.