Google Pixel 11 launch: everything you need to know
Google's biggest event of the year just took place. Made by Google 2026 happened in New York today, and the whole Google Pixel 11 series is officially here. This includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Good timing too, because Student Beans has an offer that pairs perfectly with the one we reckon most students will actually want. From today, you can get up to £850 back on the new Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL with an eligible trade-in. Here's what's new across the whole series, plus exactly how to claim it on the Pro.
Get up to £850 back on the Google Pixel 11 Pro with Student Beans
Trading in your old phone just got a lot more worthwhile. Out of the whole new lineup, it's the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL carrying the big trade-in offer this time round. Buy one and get up to £850 back with an eligible trade-in — that's your device's trade-in value plus a £400 bonus, stacked on top.
The offer runs from today (12th of August 2026) until 11:59pm on the 1st of September 2026 while stocks last, so there's no need to take your time deciding. All you need to do is verify your student status with Student Beans, then unlock the deal with our Google Store student discount and trade in your old handset at checkout to bring the cost down.
One thing to note – the exact trade-in value depends on the phone you're handing over, its condition, and its storage. Basically, the better shape it's in, the more you'll get back.
When is the Google Pixel 11 series out?
The whole lineup was unveiled today at the Made by Google event in New York on the Made by Google YouTube channel. Pre-orders open the same day (today!), with wide availability expected from the 20th of August for all four phones at once (however, this isn't always a given with the very popular Fold.
If you want to lock in your trade-in value on the Pro before stock gets tight on your preferred storage or colour, pre-ordering early is your best bet.
What's new on the Google Pixel 11 series?
The Pixel 11 series brings the usual big Pixel upgrades, plus a couple of genuine surprises:
A new Tensor G6 chip, built for faster on-device Gemini AI without draining your battery mid-seminar
A reworked camera bar with a glassier finish and a new HiLight LED array, sitting where the old temperature sensor used to be
Pro Res Zoom pushed even further — early hands-on previews point to the Pixel 11 Pro zooming up to 120x
A 50MP main camera backed by 48MP ultrawide and 48MP periscope telephoto lenses
Android 17 out of the box, with up to seven years of major software updates
How much does the Google Pixel 11 series cost?
Google confirms full UK pricing at tonight's event, but early reports point to the following starting prices for the 256GB models:
Model | Price | Standout feature |
£879 | Best value, 30x Super Zoom | |
£1,079 | 120x Pro Res Zoom, HiLight — the £850 trade-in offer is on this one | |
£1,279 | Same Pro camera, bigger screen and battery | |
£1,799 | Folds out into a tablet-sized screen |
With up to £850 back on a trade-in, the real cost is a lot more forgiving on a student loan than the headline price suggests.
Weighing it up against an iPhone instead? Our best iPhone deals for students roundup is worth a look before you decide.
How to get up to £850 back with your trade-in
Verify your student status with Student Beans, or log in if you're already verified
Head to Google Store and pick your new Pixel 11 Pro or Pro XL
Answer a few quick questions about your old device to get its trade-in estimate
Apply your Student Beans discount at checkout to unlock the extra bonus
Send off your old phone within 30 days of your new one arriving, and the confirmed trade-in value lands back with you after inspection.
Want it on a plan instead? EE has the whole Pixel 11 series up for pre-order too. If you just want the network sorted, our EE student discount gets you 40% off your SIM — use our EE student discount code at checkout to unlock it. See our best SIM-only deals for students breakdown if you already own a phone and just need the network sorted.
Google Pixel 11 series FAQs
Do I have to trade in a Google phone to get the £850 back?
No. Most major phone brands are eligible, including iPhones. The trade-in value comes down to the phone itself, not the brand.
What if my old phone doesn't have much trade-in value?
The £400 bonus still applies to eligible trade-ins, even if your handset's own value is low, so it's worth checking rather than assuming it's not worth the hassle.
Can I use the offer if I'm not verified with Student Beans yet?
Not until you are, but verifying only takes a few minutes and unlocks this deal alongside every other Student Beans discount.
Do I need to buy through Google Store, or can I go through EE?
Both are eligible. Choose whichever suits how you want to pay — outright through Google Store, or spread across a plan with EE.
Does the £850 trade-in offer cover the whole Pixel 11 range?
This specific £850 trade-in offer runs through Google Store. EE has the Pixel 11 range available to pre-order too, along with a separate Student Beans offer — 40% off your SIM when you use our EE student discount code at checkout.
What if my trade-in phone gets valued lower than expected?
You'll get the confirmed value by email once it's been inspected. If it comes in under 75% of your checkout estimate, the phone gets sent back to you rather than accepted at the lower value, so you're never stuck with a valuation you didn't agree to.
Do I need to wipe my old phone before sending it off?
Yes. Back up anything you want to keep first — the trade-in device can't be returned once it's sent, and it's on you to clear your own data before it ships.
Don't forget to check out the latest Google Store student discount and EE student discount for more ways to save on your next phone.
Unlock even more with Student Beans
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- Sign up for a Student Beans account or log in to start saving on the biggest and best brands.
- Download the Student Beans app to unlock exclusive app-only discounts.
