Google just posted the official factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5, introducing a unified build strategy.
The Pixel Watch 5 now uses a single software build (CD5A.260611.00) for both Wi-Fi and LTE models.
Flashing factory images still requires Google’s invite-only debug adapter.
Google has released factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5, and it seems the new smartwatch uses a single software build for both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE models, which could make future updates easier.
The Pixel Watch 5 is listed with the codename “goteria” and build CD5A.260611.00. Interestingly, it’s not split between Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE models like previous generations (via 9to5Google).
That sounds like a small developer-facing change, but it could simplify Google’s internal software process by consolidating the builds and may reduce the complexity of future updates. The Pixel Watch 5 runs on Wear OS 7, which is based on Android 17.
There’s one more catch for anyone who thinks about tinkering with the software. As with the Pixel Watch 4, flashing the factory image still requires a debug adapter that Google only ships by invite. Google also notes that unlocking the bootloader will make the watch less secure and that installing a factory image will wipe it.
The Pixel Watch 5 is already receiving new software features like Gemini Intelligence and At a Glance along with hardware upgrades such as 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
With the software foundation now in place, the September update should give us a better idea of how quickly Google can extend that experience to older Pixel Watches.
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Choosing the best Google Pixel Watch 5 screen protectors isn't an easy job. It's easy enough to match your Pixel Watch 5 size variant to 41mm or 45mm screen protectors, but narrowing it down to one choice can be tough. There are so many decent options out there, after all. This is exactly why I have rounded up the best picks in terms of quality, price, performance, and durability, and gathered them here in one place. Enjoy your shopping, and don't forget to grab a sweet Pixel Watch 5 band or two afterward.
Have your pick of the best Pixel Watch 5 screen protectors
The ZAGG Ultra Eco Smart Watch Screen Protector for the Pixel Watch 5 is a plant-based, self-healing, scratch-proof protector with a lifetime replacement warranty. Choose the 41mm or 45mm option based on the size of your Pixel Watch 5.
EGV 6 Pack Google Pixel Watch 5 45mm Screen Protector TPU Film
Best oleophobic (45mm)
The EGV 6 Pack Google Pixel Watch 5 45mm Screen Protector TPU Film consists of six malleable TPU films designed to fit the 45mm Pixel Watch 5 perfectly. It is scratch resistant, can self-repair, and has a water and dust-repellent oleophobic coating.
EGV 6 Pack Google Pixel Watch 5 41mm Screen Protector TPU Film
Best oleophobic (41mm)
The EGV 6 Pack Google Pixel Watch 5 41mm Screen Protector TPU Film is designed for all 41mm Google Pixel Watches, including the first iteration. This 41mm six-pack of oleophobic films can be shared by multiple Pixel Watch owners across generations.
The Ringke Dual Easy lineup of screen protectors spans across many devices, smartphones and wearables alike. The Google Pixel Watch 5 variant comes with two of the Korean brand's self-repairing EPU films and a very handy installation frame.
ArmorSuit 6 Pack for Google Pixel Watch 5 45mm Screen Protector MilitaryShield HD Clear TPU Film
Best U.S.-made (45mm)
ArmorSuit's MilitaryShield HD Clear TPU films are all made in the U.S.A, so if you're looking to support local products, this is an excellent pick. This is the 45mm Google Pixel Watch 5 variant, with six pieces of self-healing, scratch-proof protectors included.
ArmorSuit 6 Pack for Google Pixel Watch 5 41mm Screen Protector MilitaryShield HD Clear TPU Film
Best U.S.-made (41mm)
Don't worry if you chose the 41mm size option of the Google Pixel Watch 5, because the American-made ArmorSuit MilitaryShield HD Clear TPU Film 6 Pack is also available in the smaller size.
Pick the right set of Pixel Watch 5 screen protectors
The best overall Google Pixel Watch 5 screen protector is the plant-based creation from ZAGG. The ZAGG Ultra Eco Smart Watch Screen Protector for the Google Pixel Watch 5 might be a bit pricey at $24.99, but it comes with a no-questions-asked lifetime replacement warranty. This will basically pay for itself over the years! Plus, you get a very high quality edge-to-edge impact and scratch-proof screen guard with ZAGG's own Self-Healing Nano-Memory Technology. You get an installation tray and cleaning kit in the box as well.
Bargain hunters will find that virtually every other pick that I have listed here is very affordable. If you want to split the difference between a budget buy and a branded pick, Ringke has a great two-pack for below $20. This includes two high-grade EPU films with self-repairing properties and an installation and alignment tool that simplifies the installation process.
For bottom-of-the-barrel deals, both EGV and AmorSuit have $10 kits with six units of TPU screen protectors for the Pixel Watch 5, available in both 41mm and 45mm variants. You can't go wrong with either, as both are very well-reputed names in the biz.
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I enjoyed using the Reno 15 Pro, and the new imaging hardware was a revelation: the new 200MP camera and dual 50MP auxiliary lenses meant it could measure up to the likes of the Find X9 Pro. As is tradition with OPPO, the brand is following up the phone with the launch of a new model, the Reno 16 Pro — just in time to challenge the Xiaomi 17T Pro.
The Reno 16 Pro isn't too different to the 15 Pro; it has the same cameras, and retains the delightful compact design. You get a bigger 6,700mAh silicon-carbon battery, but only in select markets — Europe gets a smaller 6,000mAh battery this time.
The biggest change is the rear design, or as OPPO calls it, the 3D Pop Planet Design. The rear glass uses a custom three-layer structure, and it creates a unique floating effect of a planet that seemingly shifts around as you move the phone around. It is undeniably cool, and I like that OPPO is constantly bringing fresh designs to its phones. The effect is limited to the Pop White model, and if you don't care for it, there's also a black model with a standard matte texture.
As striking as the design is, what I like the most about the Reno 16 Pro is its compact form factor. The phone retains the 6.32-inch AMOLED panel, and it is an absolute delight to use. The in-hand feel is just right, and it's using a similar choice of materials as the Find X9 Ultra and X9 Pro. Oh, and it retains IP68 and IP69K dust and water resistance as well, which is great to see. The only issue is that the fingerprint sensor is located a little too low on the panel, and that makes accessing it a bit of a hassle.
There's no doubt that the 6.32-inch AMOLED is one of the best in its class. It is one of the brightest in outdoor use, colors are vibrant out of the box, and you get all the usual customization options. There was an intermittent lag when I initially set up the phone, but a software update sorted that out.
The Reno 16 Pro comes with MediaTek's Dimensity 8550, which is identical to the Dimensity 8400 but with a slight boost in frequencies. OPPO should have used the Dimensity 9500 — like Xiaomi did with the 17T Pro — instead, because that platform uses the latest C1-Ultra cores and Mali-G1 Ultra, and is much better at gaming.
As it stands, the Reno 16 Pro is quite good at mundane tasks and handles demanding workloads, but it throttles during intensive gaming sessions, and it doesn't quite measure up to the 17T Pro in this area. That said, the 17T Pro is much bigger, so if you need a small phone with standout gaming potential, I'd suggest getting the Xiaomi 17 — it's now selling for the same price as the Reno 16 Pro.
Where the Reno 16 Pro truly comes into its own is the cameras. The sensors are unchanged, but you get a slate of new filters and effects. There's a 200MP Samsung HP5 main camera, 50MP tele lens, and a 50MP wide-angle module. You get a 50MP camera at the front, and it is one of the best you'll see on a phone today.
Predictably, the Reno 16 Pro does an outstanding job in just about any scenario. The main camera is fantastic by any measure, and it easily outshines other phones in its class. But what I like the most is that the telephoto and wide-angle lenses aren't just an afterthought; they're genuinely good in their own right. The tele lens has 3.5x optical zoom, and you get usable shots up to 7x without any visible grain or noise.
The phone doesn't quite manage shots on the same caliber as the Find X9 Pro or X9 Ultra, and that's the only shortcoming I can think of. Basically, you're getting flagship cameras, but the phone itself doesn't cost as much as Find X models, so if you intend to take a lot of photos and videos, the Reno 16 Pro is easily worthy of your consideration.
Reno models always sold well with younger audiences, and OPPO did a good job adding unique filters to the 16 Pro. You get 4K60 video out of all the lenses — including the selfie camera — and there's a new Pop mode that brings a little bit of vintage camera flair to the device. With eight filters available, you can heavily customize the look and feel of the shots when using this mode, and there's even the option to tailor the balance of each filter. I enjoyed using AI Remix Collage as well; it uses AI to create stickers effortlessly, and it's a fun tool.
Battery life is reliable; I'm using the model with a 6,700mAh battery, and I easily got over a day even with heavy use. I was able to eke out a day and a half on average with medium use, and with 80W charging tech, there's no need to plug in this phone overnight.
I like ColorOS 16 a lot, and it has the right blend of modern design, customizability, and fluidity. I used the skin predominantly in 2026 — thanks to the Find X9 Pro and X9 Ultra — and it is one of the best around on Android. The only issue is that the device won't get as many software updates, and that's annoying.
Now, let's get down to pricing. While the Reno 16 Pro debuted at an exorbitant £899 ($1,195) in the U.K., it's down to £749 ($996), and this is for the 12GB/512GB edition. It's a similar situation in other countries in the region, with the Reno 16 Pro now down to €899 ($1,022) from its €1,099 ($1,250!) launch price. Incidentally, this brings the phone in line with what the Reno 15 Pro debuted for earlier this year, and that model is still available for €799 ($908).
This is how much Find X flagships used to cost just a few years ago, but phone prices are getting increasingly higher, and the Find X9 Pro was introduced at €1,299 ($1,477). With RAM and storage demand exceeding availability, we should see even higher prices in the next 12 months. It makes sense, then, that OPPO didn't launch the Pro model in India, with the standard Reno 16 selling for ₹61,999 ($647) in the country.
The Reno 16 Pro isn't a sizeable upgrade, and if you're in a country where the 6,000mAh model is sold, you're not even getting as big a battery as its predecessor. There's also the fact that the 15 Pro is still a solid phone, so if you can get it on a deal, I'd suggest buying it while it's still available. Otherwise, the Reno 16 Pro is your best bet if you want flagship-level cameras in this category.
OPPO
Reno 16 Pro
The Reno 16 Pro continues to excel in the areas that matter. It may not have huge upgrades, but it does enough to stand out, and with the price correction, you're not paying anywhere as much to get your hands on the phone.
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Google's latest flagship lineup has finally hit store shelves, and I'm hard at work tracking down the best Pixel 11 deals (and Pixel 11 Pro deals) so you don't have to go searching. Whether you're interested in the base model Pixel 11, the powerful Pixel 11 Pro, or the super-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL, there are already quite a few deals and leftover preorder promotions that could make these AI-powered flagships pretty cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right.
The new generation of Pixel phones takes the stellar foundation of the Google Pixel 10 series and adds a new processor, an upgraded camera system, and a set of stylish new color variants. The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL also feature the new HiLight LED system, a fancy light array around the camera bar that's sure to turn heads.
Another bit of good news is that, other than the Pixel 11 Pro XL (which now starts at $1,299), Google's 2026 lineup wasn't hit with a price increase this year. Still, the phones aren't exactly cheap, which is why the following deals are so important. Whether you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or a free gift card, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 discounts on the web (so far).
You read that right: the Pixel 11 was literally just announced, but you can already get the base model flagship for free by adding a line with most plans on T-Mobile's website. That includes the carrier's affordable Essentials 2.0 tier!View Deal
Add a line with the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan and Verizon will give you enough promo credits over 36 months to make the new Google Pixel 11 completely free! There's also some trade-in credit available. View Deal
Add a line with an eligible data plan and AT&T will knock the price of the Google Pixel 11 down to only $5.43 per month for 36 months. No trade-in required!View Deal
Order the base model Google Pixel 11 unlocked from Amazon and you'll get a free $100 gift card with your purchase, no strings attached! There's also some trade-in credit up for grabs (in the form of an additional gift card).View Deal
Just like Amazon, if you order the Google Pixel 11 unlocked from Best Buy you'll receive a free $100 gift card to spend on anything you want. There's also some trade-in credit available.View Deal
Buy the Google Pixel 11 directly from the source and you'll be eligible for up to $500 of trade-in credit. You'll also get six months of Google AI Pro for free (a $119 value).View Deal
Add a line with the Mobile Plus plan and trade in an eligible device and Xfinity Mobile will give you $899 in promo credits, effectively making the Google Pixel 11 free. Don't have anything to trade in? Skip that part of the process and you'll still score a $600 discount. View Deal
Process a trade-in and add a new line on the Experience More plan (or higher) and T-Mobile will hook you up with a FREE Pixel 11 Pro. The carrier is being pretty generous with the devices it accepts, so dig up those old phones and see how much you can save. View Deal
Verizon is running a deal that will give you $1,100 in promo credits when you add a line with the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans. That's enough to make the Pixel 11 Pro totally free!
Verizon is also really pushing its Simplicity plan right now: bundle the new wireless plan with the Pixel 11 Pro and you'll get both for as little as $45 per month. View Deal
Process an eligible trade-in and add a line with a qualified unlimited plan and AT&T will give you enough promo credits to make the powerful Google Pixel 11 Pro completely free!View Deal
Buy the Pixel 11 Pro unlocked from Best Buy and you'll get a free $200 gift card with your purchase, no strings attached. You can also claim up to $1,000 of trade-in credit when you send the retailer an old or broken phone. View Deal
Order the Pixel 11 Pro from the Google Store and you'll score up to $600 off when you trade in an eligible device. You'll also get a free six-month subscription to Google AI Pro. View Deal
Just like the base model Pixel 11, you can add a line with the Mobile Plus plan and score a FREE Pixel 11 Pro when you trade in an old or broken device at Xfinity Mobile. There's also a $600 discount available if you skip the trade-in process. View Deal
Process a trade-in and add a new line with the Experience Beyond plan and T-Mobile will give you enough promo credits to make the Pixel 11 Pro XL completely free! Go with the cheaper Experience More plan and you'll be eligible for up to $1,100 of trade-in credit. View Deal
Add a line with an eligible data plan and AT&T will hook you up with a FREE Pixel 11 Pro XL when you trade in an old or broken device with a value of $200 or higher.View Deal
That's right: the affordable carrier Xfinity Mobile will give you the Pixel 11 Pro XL for FREE when you add a line with the Mobile Plus plan and trade in an eligible device. That's $1,300 in savings!View Deal
FAQ
(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)
How much does the Google Pixel 11 series cost?
The base model Google Pixel 11 is set to retail for $899 / €999, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost $1,099 / €1,199 and $1,299 / €1,399, respectively. The 128GB storage configuration has been removed with the Pixel 11 series, which means all three phones now start with 256GB of onboard storage.
The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is the only phone in the flagship lineup to receive a price hike this year, selling for $100 more than its predecessor.
Which Google Pixel 11 phone should I choose?
It depends on what you're looking for! If you want something compact and affordable, the base model Google Pixel 11 is a great choice, with a stunning display, Tensor G6 processor, and a seven-year software promise.
If you want the same size but more power, you can upgrade to the Google Pixel 11 Pro and get a brighter display, better cameras, and the new HiLight LED light array. Last but not least, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL takes the foundation of the Pixel 11 Pro and supersizes it, adding a 6.8-inch display with a larger battery and up to 16GB of RAM. Despite the higher cost, it's a great choice if you like using large phones (consider it Google's answer to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra).
No matter which device you choose, you're getting a powerful AI-boosted Android phone with an efficient Tensor G6 chipset, at least 12GB of RAM, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.
(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)
I already own the Pixel 10. Should I upgrade to the Google Pixel 11?
This is always a tough question whenever new phones come out. On the one hand, I'm generally of the opinion that manufacturers don't need to be producing new phones every single year, particularly when most flagship releases come with seven years of OS upgrades as standard.
If you already own the Google Pixel 10, you won't see a massive upgrade with the Pixel 11. I'd only jump to the new phone if you're particularly interested in the latest and greatest Pixel experience.
If, on the other hand, you own an older device and can score a good deal through the channels listed above, then by all means go for it. After all, these phones are sure to rank among the best Android phones ever built, so you won't be disappointed.
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