The Google Pixel 11 is officially here, which means Android shoppers have a decision to make: buy Google's newest phone now or wait for Samsung's Galaxy S27?
The Pixel 11 starts at $899 and brings Google's new Tensor G6 processor, a triple-camera system with 5x telephoto zoom, Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging, and seven years of software updates.
Meanwhile, Samsung hasn't announced the Galaxy S27 yet. Based on Samsung's recent release schedule and current reporting, the next Galaxy S series is expected in early 2027.
So, is the Pixel 11 worth buying now?
For most people who need a new Android phone today, yes. But if your current phone is working just fine, there are a few good reasons to wait and see what Samsung does next.
Pixel 11 vs. Galaxy S27: The Quick Answer
Here's where we'd lean based on what we know today:
There's one big caveat: we know exactly what the Pixel 11 offers. We don't know exactly what the Galaxy S27 will offer.
Samsung hasn't announced the S27, and early leaks can change before launch. Think of this less as a traditional spec-for-spec comparison and more as a decision between a phone you can buy today and one that's still several months away.
What Do You Get With the Google Pixel 11?
The standard Pixel 11 starts at $899 with 256GB of storage, making it $100 more expensive than the Pixel 10 was at launch.
Browse the Google Pixel 11.
For that price, you get:
- 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a 60–120Hz refresh rate
- Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Google Tensor G6 processor
- 12GB of RAM
- 256GB or 512GB of storage
- 4,985 mAh battery
- 30+ hours of claimed battery life
- Pixelsnap Qi2.2-certified wireless charging up to 25W
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
- Android 17 out of the box
See more specs here.
The camera system is also notable. You get a 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera, with Super Zoom up to 30x.
That telephoto camera matters because you don't have to jump up to the more expensive Pixel 11 Pro just to get optical zoom.
Google also added new software and AI features such as Magic Capture, Camera Looks, Camera Coach, and its latest Gemini Intelligence features.
So, is the Pixel 11 actually good?
Early reviews suggest the standard Pixel 11 may actually be the sweet spot in Google's new lineup.
The Verge called it the "smartest buy" among Google's 2026 Pixels, noting that it shares the Tensor G6 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB starting storage with the Pixel 11 Pro while costing $200 less.
That's not to say it's a revolutionary upgrade.
The Pixel 11 is more refinement than reinvention. Its $899 starting price also puts it firmly into flagship territory, so there's more pressure on it to compete with Samsung and other premium Android phones.
If you already have a relatively new flagship, especially a Pixel 10, upgrading probably isn't necessary.
What Do We Know About the Samsung Galaxy S27?
Here's where things get trickier.
Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy S27. That means there are no confirmed Galaxy S27 prices, final specifications, or release date yet.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, with U.S. availability beginning March 10. Based on that timing, it's reasonable to expect the S27 generation in early 2027, but Samsung could always change its schedule.
We are starting to see credible reports about what Samsung is working on, though.
A new processor is coming
Samsung has confirmed that its next-generation Exynos 2700 processor is in development. While Samsung hasn't officially said the chip will power the Galaxy S27, it's widely expected to be used in at least some versions of Samsung's next flagship lineup.
Other markets or models could use Qualcomm's next Snapdragon flagship processor.
What that means for you: performance and efficiency could improve, but it's too early to know by how much.
Cameras could get some attention
Early reports suggest Samsung may make camera changes across the S27 lineup, although exactly which models get which upgrades is still unclear.
One July leak points to new camera sensors being tested across the lineup, including a 50MP main camera on the standard models and potentially larger upgrades on higher-end S27 models.
That's worth watching, especially if camera quality is one of the biggest factors in your next phone.
But we wouldn't recommend waiting solely for a rumored camera upgrade. Until Samsung announces the phones, these specs aren't guaranteed.
Samsung is reportedly testing new battery technology
Another interesting rumor involves the battery.
Reports suggest Samsung is testing silicon-carbon battery technology for the Galaxy S27 family. Silicon-carbon batteries can pack more capacity into a similar amount of physical space, which could eventually mean better battery life without making phones significantly larger.
There's a catch: current reporting suggests the technology may not come to every S27 model, and Samsung hasn't confirmed any of it.
In other words: promising, but don't start planning your upgrade around it just yet.
3 Reasons to Buy the Pixel 11 Now
1. You actually need a phone
This sounds obvious, but it's probably the most important point.
If your current phone has a dying battery, cracked screen, terrible performance, or other issues, waiting several months for an unannounced phone probably isn't worth it.
The Pixel 11 gives you flagship hardware today, and Google's seven-year update commitment means it isn't going to become outdated the second Samsung releases something newer.
2. You like the Google Pixel experience
Pixel and Galaxy phones may both run Android, but they don't feel exactly the same.
Pixel gives you Google's take on Android and puts Google's newest software, Gemini, and Pixel-specific features front and center.
If you already know you prefer Pixel phones, the Galaxy S27 probably isn't going to suddenly make the Pixel 11 a bad purchase.
3. The standard Pixel finally gives you a telephoto camera
This is one of the Pixel 11's more useful hardware features.
The standard model has a dedicated 5x telephoto camera and up to 30x Super Zoom, giving you significantly more flexibility without requiring the $1,099 Pixel 11 Pro.
If you want a smaller flagship with a versatile camera system, that's a compelling argument for buying now.
3 Reasons to Wait for the Galaxy S27
1. Your current phone works perfectly fine
This is probably the strongest reason to wait.
If your phone is only a year or two old and still works well, you don't lose much by holding onto it for a few more months.
Once Samsung announces the Galaxy S27, you'll be able to compare two actual phones instead of comparing one phone with a collection of rumors.
And even if you still choose the Pixel 11? Waiting could potentially mean finding it at a better price.
2. You're already a Samsung person
If you own a Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds, tablet, or other Samsung devices, there's value in staying within that ecosystem.
The S27 is also expected to continue Samsung's heavy focus on Galaxy AI, cameras, and premium hardware.
You don't necessarily need to abandon all of that simply because the Pixel 11 is newer today.
3. The early S27 rumors are interesting
Potential new processors, camera changes, and new battery technology give Samsung fans legitimate reasons to be curious about the S27.
The important word there is potential.
We wouldn't recommend keeping a terrible phone for six months because of a spec someone leaked online. But if you're perfectly happy with your current device anyway, waiting gives you more information before spending flagship-phone money.
What If You're Choosing Between Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26?
There's another option hiding in plain sight.
You don't actually have to wait for the Galaxy S27 to buy a Samsung phone. The Galaxy S26 series is already available.
That makes the more immediate Android comparison Pixel 11 vs. Galaxy S26.
The Pixel 11 makes a strong case if you want Google's software experience, its newest AI tools, a 5x telephoto camera on the standard model, and Pixelsnap magnetic charging.
The Galaxy S26 makes more sense if you prefer Samsung's software and ecosystem or simply find a better deal on it.
Don't automatically assume "newer" means "better for you." Price, storage, camera preferences, size, and the ecosystem you're already using can matter more than which phone launched most recently.
So, Should You Buy the Pixel 11 or Wait for the Galaxy S27?
If you need a new Android phone now, we'd buy the Pixel 11 rather than wait solely for the Galaxy S27.
You know what you're getting: a 6.3-inch flagship with 256GB of starting storage, Google's newest processor and software, a dedicated 5x telephoto camera, magnetic Qi2.2 charging, and seven years of updates.
Waiting makes more sense if your current phone still works well and you're seriously considering Samsung.
The S27 could bring worthwhile improvements. But until Samsung announces it, they're exactly that: coulds.
And there will always be another phone coming.
If your current device does everything you need, waiting gives you more choices. If it's hanging on by 3% battery and sheer determination, buy the phone that works for you now.
Don't Forget About Your Phone Plan
A new phone is only one part of the cost of upgrading.
Before you buy, check whether changing your carrier or plan could save you money, too. You can browse phones on Goji and compare phone plans side-by-side to see your options without jumping between a dozen carrier websites.
You may find that saving money on your monthly plan makes the new-phone math a whole lot easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Google Pixel 11 cost?
The Google Pixel 11 starts at $899 in the U.S. with 256GB of storage. Prices can vary with promotions and trade-in offers.
When will the Samsung Galaxy S27 come out?
Samsung hasn't announced the Galaxy S27 or its release date. Based on Samsung's recent Galaxy S launch schedule, it's expected in early 2027, but that timing isn't official.
Is the Pixel 11 worth buying?
For someone upgrading from an older phone, the Pixel 11 is a strong Android option with a versatile triple-camera system, Tensor G6 processor, Pixelsnap wireless charging, 256GB of starting storage, and seven years of updates. It's a less compelling upgrade if you already own a Pixel 10 or another recent flagship.
Should I wait for the Galaxy S27 instead of buying a Pixel 11?
Wait if your current phone works well and you're interested in Samsung's next flagship. If you need a phone now, there's little reason to hold off for months based entirely on unconfirmed S27 rumors.
Is the Pixel 11 better than Samsung Galaxy phones?
Neither brand is automatically better for everyone. Pixel is particularly appealing for Google's Android experience and Google-first features, while Galaxy phones are a better fit for some users who prefer Samsung's software, hardware, and wider ecosystem.