Google is preparing to launch the Pixel 11 soon, and it’s coming with a new chip designed to enhance its AI capabilities. The Tensor G6, built on TSMC’s 2nm process, is expected to power the phone, offering faster performance and greater efficiency compared to older models. Alongside this new silicon, there are rumors of a feature called Pixel Glow, possibly linked to the phone’s front-facing LED flash. However, the Pixel 11 is likely to come at a higher price point than its predecessor, the Pixel 10. Storage on the base model will start at 256GB, doubling the capacity of the previous version.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 is already in stores but faces a tough challenge. The phone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, which is among the most powerful chips in the market. The S26 also offers a full day of battery life and promises strong performance. However, it doesn’t support Qi2 wireless charging, and aside from AI improvements, there haven’t been many major upgrades to the phone’s hardware, especially when it comes to the camera.
Design: Which one stands out?
The Pixel 11 is expected to have a design similar to the Pixel 10, with a fully glass rear camera module. Rumored color options include Midnight Haze (black), Light Sterling (gray), Moss (green), and Fuchsia (pink). However, some fans may be disappointed to hear that the popular Indigo color may not return for this generation.
The Galaxy S26 has a vertically aligned camera bar on its back, which limits internal space and may explain why it doesn’t support Qi2 wireless charging. The Pixel 11, in contrast, has a horizontally aligned camera bar, allowing space for Qi2 magnets. This design change means the Pixel 11 can sit flat on a table without wobbling, a feature that could give it an edge over the Galaxy S26.
There’s also the rumored Pixel Glow. Early reports suggest it might be connected to the LED flash and could act as a notification light. However, details are still unclear. Some speculate it may only appear on the Pro models, but the final decision hasn’t been confirmed.
Chips and performance: The hardware showdown
The Tensor G6 chip for the Pixel 11 is built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm manufacturing process, which should result in better efficiency and performance. For comparison, Apple’s A16 chip is built on 4nm, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite is also on 4nm. This means the Pixel 11 could potentially offer a significant leap in performance compared to other smartphones.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26, however, isn’t holding back. It features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which has already shown strong performance in early tests. With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S26 should be fast and efficient. The big question remains whether the Tensor G6 will outperform the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — early rumors suggest both chips may be closely matched.
Battery life is another key factor. The Galaxy S26 has a smaller battery but still promises a full day of use. Its charging speed is 25W, which is slower than the Pixel 11’s expected 30W charging speed. However, the Pixel 11 may retain Qi2 wireless charging, while the Galaxy S26 requires a special case to support that feature.
Beyond AI: What else sets them apart?
Both phones are being marketed as major steps in the evolution of AI on mobile devices. The Pixel 11 will use Google’s Gemini Intelligence to integrate AI more deeply into the user experience. The Galaxy S26 combines Samsung’s own AI features with Google’s, offering a blend of smart assistance and automation. However, neither phone has made major updates to their camera hardware, which could leave photography enthusiasts unimpressed.
The rumored Pixel Glow feature might be a novelty, but it could also be a gimmick unless it functions as intended. If it’s tied into Gemini Intelligence, it might offer some unique notifications or features. The Galaxy S26, while more refined and polished overall, lacks some modern wireless features, including Qi2 support.
