Highlights

• Leaks reveal Google has chosen bear-themed codenames for the 2026 Pixel 11 series.
• The Pixel 10a might use the Tensor G4 chip instead of the more expensive Tensor G5 to cut costs.
• The lineup includes an entry-level phone, two Pro models and a high-end foldable.
• Pixel 11 series is set to follow the patterns introduced with the Pixel 9.

Excitement for the upcoming Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 series featuring Google’s fully in-house Tensor G5 chip in 2025 has been building up for quite some time now. But it seems Google is already looking forward to what’s coming in 2026. Some recent leaks have revealed some key chipset and codename details about the 2026 Pixel lineup.

Here’s everything we know about the series.

According to documents reviewed by Android Authority, Google has chosen a bear-themed naming scheme for its Pixel 11 series.

Here are the leaked codenames and shorthand for the 2026 Pixel phones:

• Pixel 10a: “stallion” or “STA5”
• Pixel 11: “cubs” or “4CS4”
• Pixel 11 Pro: “grizzly” or “CGY4”
• Pixel 11 Pro XL: “kodiak” or “PKK4”
• Pixel 11 Pro Fold: “yogi” or “9YI4”

This marks another shift in Google’s naming strategy, which moved away from fish-themed codenames with the Pixel 6.

Previous Pixel Phone Codenames –

• Pixel 6 – Birds
• Pixel 7 – Cats
• Pixel 8 – Dogs
• Pixel 9 – Reptiles
• Pixel 10 – Equines (or horses)
• Pixel 11 – Bears

The lineup includes an entry-level phone, two Pro models and a high-end foldable, all continuing a pattern Google introduced with the Pixel 9 series.

One notable rumour in today’s leak is about the Pixel 10a. Google is reportedly debating whether to equip the Pixel 10a with the new Tensor G5 chip or stick with the Samsung-designed Tensor G4 used in the Pixel 9 series. This decision may come down to cost, as the first fully custom Tensor G5 chip is reportedly large and expensive to produce.

The Tensor G4, which debuted with the Pixel 9 lineup in 2024 and is expected to power the Pixel 9a in 2025, could be a more affordable option for the Pixel 10a. This would help keep the price of Google’s A-series phones in check especially as their prices have been steadily rising over the years.

While these plans are still far from finalised, it will be interesting to see how Google balances innovation with cost-effectiveness in its mid-range lineup. For now, the Pixel 11 codenames and the potential break-in Tensor patterns offer an exciting glimpse into what’s coming next.

FAQs

Q1. What are the codenames for the 2026 Pixel 11 series?

Answer. According to reports, Google has chosen bear-themed codenames for the 2026 Pixel 11 series: “stallion” for Pixel 10a, “cubs” for Pixel 11, “grizzly” for Pixel 11 Pro, “kodiak” for Pixel 11 Pro XL, and “yogi” for Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Q2. Why might Google stick with the Tensor G4 chip for the Pixel 10a?

Answer. Google is debating whether to use the Tensor G5 or stick with the Tensor G4 for the Pixel 10a due to cost considerations, as the Tensor G5 is reportedly expensive to produce.

Q3. What does the Pixel 11 lineup include?

Answer. The Pixel 11 lineup includes an entry-level phone, two Pro models, and a high-end foldable, continuing a pattern introduced with the Pixel 9 series.

Read More: Google Pixel 9a Prototype Leak Reveals New Design Changes