Google Pixel 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Which AI phone should you buy in 2026?

Google

Pixel 11

The next big AI phone

The Pixel 11 is expected to take AI to another level, thanks to a new chip and potentially a mysterious new Pixel Glow. However, it could come at a cost, as it's expected to be priced higher than its predecessor.

Pros

• Same iconic design
• Nice new colors
• Qi2 wireless charging
• 2nm Tensor G6
• 256GB as base storage
• Gemini Intelligence

Cons

• No more Indigo
• No major battery changes
• Outdated GPU
• May miss out on Pixel Glow

Samsung

Galaxy S26

Some old, some new

The Galaxy S26 is Samsung's latest "small" flagship, stuffing a ton of performance and AI into a relatively pocketable phone. However, even with an exciting new chip, other important specs remain sadly unchanged.

Pros

• Great performance
• All-day battery
• Good mix of Samsung and Google AI
• Fantastic software

Cons

• No built-in Qi2 magnets
• No major camera upgrades
• Relatively slow charging
• Missing some useful specs

Samsung's Galaxy S26 has been out for some time now, but it's about to get some fierce competition from Google with the upcoming Pixel 11 series. With newer chips and more capable AI, the battle between these two phones (and the companies making them) is surely going to be pretty interesting.

That said, we don't know all there is to know about the Pixel 11. Google has released small teasers, but most details are left up to leaks and rumors. Still, there's enough speculation to paint a pretty good picture of what we can expect from the Pixel 11 and how it will stack up to the Galaxy S26.

One has the more effective design

(Image credit: Android Headlines)

Like the Galaxy S26 and its predecessor, the Pixel 11 is expected to look just like the Pixel 10. The leaked renders show a device that, if you didn't know any better, could easily pass for the Pixel 10, save for some small details. For example, the camera housing on the back will reportedly be fully glass this time.

There are also rumors of new colors, which may include Midnight Haze (black), Light Sterling (gray), Moss (green), and Fuchsia (pink), although the color names may not be final. I am a bit sad that Indigo likely won't be back this time around, but the pink color looks quite good.

(Image credit: Android Authority / Amazon)

One benefit the Pixel 11 should have over the Galaxy S26 is built-in magnets for Qi2 charging. It helps that the Pixel camera bar sits higher and horizontally, allowing for more space. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 camera bar sits vertically to one side, which limits internal space and is likely why Samsung has yet to fully adopt Qi2.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S26 tends to wobble when you put it face up on a flat surface, something you likely won't get with the Pixel 11.

(Image credit: Google)

We've also heard rumors of a mysterious Pixel Glow, which appears to be part of the LED camera flash. It will likely be a notification light of sorts and have something to do with Gemini. That said, it's unclear if it will be limited to the Pro models or if the base Pixel 11 will get it, too.

But the hardware favors another

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Pixel 11 is expected to be powered by the Tensor G6, which should be the first chip to use TSMC's 2nm process. That means the phone should be more powerful and much more efficient, although we'll have to wait until we test it to see how much of an improvement it is.

The phone will likely be paired with 12GB of RAM and, for the first time, 256GB of base storage. That all sounds great, especially since you're getting double the storage of the Pixel 10, although for a higher price.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, perhaps the most powerful smartphone chip on the market right now. It, too, has 12GB of RAM, so it's pretty speedy and likely may have the upper hand in performance over Google's Tensor G6.

Category	Google Pixel 11	Samsung Galaxy S26
Processor	Google Tensor G6	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
Display	6.3-inch Actua OLED, 1080 x 2424, 422 PPI, 60-120Hz, 3000 nits	6.3-inch, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass
OS	Android 17, 7 years of OS and security updates	One UI 8.5 (Android 16), 7 years of OS and security updates
Storage	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB
RAM	12GB	12GB
Cameras	50MP Wide + 13MP Ultrawide + 10.8MP 5x Telephoto	50MP Wide + 12MP Ultrawide + 10MP 3x Telephoto
Security	Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor	Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6, LTE	5G (sub-6, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC
Battery	4,980mAh	4,300mAh
Charging	30W wired, 15W Qi2 Pixelsnap wireless	25W wired, Qi2 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Dimensions	---	71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm
Weight	---	167g
Colors	Midnight Haze (black), Light Sterling (gray), Moss (green), and Fuchsia (pink)	Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold

It's unlikely Google went with a silicon-carbon battery, which is disappointing.

The Galaxy S26 has a smaller battery but can still last all day. The downside is that it has relatively slow 25W charging, and the Pixel 11 is expected to retain 30W charging. The upside is that the Pixel should still have Qi2 magnetic charging, while the Galaxy S26 needs a case.

Who has the better camera?

(Image credit: Android Headlines)

The Galaxy S26 has a triple camera setup, and the Pixel 11 is expected to also have three cameras, although the details of these sensors are expected to be quite different.

It's been rumored that Google could bump the main sensor to 50MP. That would bring it in line with the Galaxy S26, although with the added benefit of a 5x telephoto camera, whereas the S26 only has a 3x optical camera.

Google also tends to do better with camera processing, although the Galaxy S26 can hold its own.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The Pixel 11 is likely to introduce more camera and image editing features. It's unclear what they will be, but they could bring more social features

One gets the best of both worlds

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

The software experience is very different on Samsung and Pixel phones. While Android 17 is rolling out to Pixel phones, many features expected to arrive with the Pixel 11 are still pending, along with any unannounced additions.

Google has a nice suite of AI capabilities, and Android 17 is slowly making Pixel phones more creator-focused with features like Camera Coach, Screen Reactions, and more.

(Image credit: Android Central)

The Galaxy S26 doesn't have any of these features, but it still gets some of Google's latest, such as Gemini Screen Automation. Samsung also has its own suite of Galaxy AI features, many of which are baked into the Gallery app for easy access to powerful editing tools.

Furthermore, both phones are expected to receive Gemini Intelligence features, which will provide even more advanced AI features.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Aside from the AI, the Pixel 11 will likely receive seven years of software updates. The Galaxy S26 should receive Android 17 any day now, and both phones will likely receive software support until 2033.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Overall, choosing between the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 comes down to your priorities. It sounds like the Pixel 11 Tensor G6 will be a nice step up, although if you're looking for raw power and not just AI prowess, the Galaxy S26 might be the phone for you.

The Galaxy S26 also has the upper hand in software, taking advantage of solutions from both Google and Samsung, although the Pixel 11 should have an impressive suite of features. Additionally, the Pixel is expected to have the better camera and magnetic charging, but the Galaxy S26 is no slouch.

It's not an easy decision, but once the Pixel 11 is launched, we should have a clearer picture.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 10 Pro: Should you bump your Pixel Pro to the newest one when it comes out?

Google Pixel 11 Pro

New sheriff in town

Google might have a tough sell on its hands with the Pixel 11 Pro. Allegedly, the upcoming flagship will feature almost identical specs to the Pixel 10 Pro, with some downgrades and brand-new Pixel Glow LED lights embedded in the camera bar. There could also be some upgrades like 256GB base storage and the Tensor G6.

Pros

• Base model finally starts with 256GB
• Pixel Glow expected to be a fun feature
• Google's 7-year software update guarantee
• Dependable cameras, hardware, magnetic Qi2.2, and IP68 rating
• Upgraded Google Tensor G6 2nm chipset
• Should support Vulkan leading to gaming performance boost

Cons

• Price increased by $100
• Base 256GB model comes with lower 12GB RAM
• Selfie camera downgraded to 13MP
• Smaller battery and unchanged charging specs
• Poor PWM rate
• Probably still doesn't keep up with Qualcomm flagships

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Old and reliable

The Google Pixel 10 Pro might be turning a year old, but it could have some advantages over the Pixel 11 Pro. If rumors are true, you get the same display, camera, charging speed, and hardware specs with a bigger battery, more RAM for the base model, and a superior selfie camera.

Pros

• 16GB standard RAM across the board
• Retails for $100 cheaper and frequently discounted for a lot lesser
• 7 years of OS and security updates
• Fantastic cameras and solid hardware all around, with magnetic Qi2.2
• IP68 water and dust resistance
• Bigger 4,870mAh battery and same charging speed as Pixel 11 Pro

Cons

• Base model starts with 128GB
• Doesn't support the latest version of Vulkan
• Low PWM rate
• Doesn't keep up with Qualcomm flagships

We're a few weeks away from the launch of the upcoming Pixel 11 series, prompting Pixel owners and those interested in owning one to start researching. Whether you own a Pixel 10 Pro or are looking to become the proud owner of one, should you be considering the Pixel 11 Pro? I'm here to help you answer the question based on everything we know so far. Mind you, this is all purely speculative, so take in this info with a pinch of salt.

Thanks to a healthy number of leaks, we have a pretty good idea of what the Pixel 11 Pro will look like. This is great because once August 12 rolls around, we'll all be well informed about the merits and demerits of the Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 10 Pro. Here's what you need to know.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 10 Pro: A familiar face

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

So far, leaks and rumors paint a familiar picture of the Google Pixel 11 Pro. The only noticeable design difference is the fun Pixel Glow light expected to sit inside the Pixel 11 Pro's camera bar, though we still don't know how useful it will be. Perhaps Google will play around with custom notification lighting, like the Glyph Interface on Nothing phones.

The Pixel 11 Pro may retain the Google Pixel 10 Pro's Moonstone and Obsidian colorways, although recent leaks reveal that the Pixel 11 Pro may come in Dune, Light Fog, Midnight Haze, and Pine.

(Image credit: Android Headlines)

Both phones are expected to share the same 6.3-inch 120Hz Super Actua OLED display, IP68 water and dust resistance, 30W wired fast charging speed, magnetic Qi2.2, and an identical main camera setup. We've also heard tell that the 10 Pro's 4,870mAh battery will be reduced to 4,850mAh in the 11 Pro.

A major change that I'm excited for is the upcoming Tensor G6 2nm SoC built by TSMC. Rumors indicate that the new chip might adopt a more efficient 1+4+2 core structure. It's also supposed to have a new MediaTek-built modem, so connectivity should be better. The Pixel 11 Pro should also support Vulkan, leading to improved gaming performance. Unfortunately, the Pixel 11 Pro might come with a five-year-old, outdated GPU.

Category	Google Pixel 11 Pro (rumored)	Google Pixel 10 Pro
OS	Android 17, 7-year update promise	Android 16, 7-year update promise
Storage options	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
RAM	12GB	16GB
Display	6.3-inch 120Hz Super Actua OLED	6.3-inch 120Hz Super Actua OLED, 3,300 nits
Processor	Google Tensor G6	Google Tensor G5
Battery and charging	4,850mAh, 45W wired, 15W Qi2 Pixelsnap wireless	4,870mAh, 30W wired, 15W Qi2 Pixelsnap wireless
Cameras	50MP main, 48MP 123-degree ultrawide with macro focus, 48MP 5x telephoto, 13MP ultrawide PD AF selfie, 4K/60 10-bit HDR on all cameras, 8K/30 on rear cameras	50MP main, 48MP 123-degree ultrawide with macro focus, 48MP 5x telephoto, 42MP 103-degree Dual PD AF selfie, 4K/60 10-bit HDR on all cameras, 8K/30 on rear cameras
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6, LTE	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6, LTE
Colors	Dune, Light Fog, Midnight Haze, and Pine	Moonstone, Obsidian, Jade, Porcelain

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro are expected to share the same rear cameras, so the photography and videography experience should be just as spectacular on both phones. However, the newer 11 Pro ditches the 42MP 103-degree Dual PD AF selfie camera for a 13MP ultrawide lens instead.

While the 11 Pro finally starts at 256GB instead of 128GB on the base model like the 10 Pro, it's also $100 more expensive at its $899 starting price.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 10 Pro: Software and AI features

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google promises seven years of OS and security updates on both phones, and Pixels are always first in line for the latest updates. Pixel users also enjoy monthly feature drops, keeping them fresh.

The Pixel 10 Pro runs Android 16 out of the box, but the Pixel 10 series has already started to receive the Android 17 over-the-air update. This means that the software on the Pixel 10 Pro and 11 Pro should be almost identical, if not exactly the same. Owners of both will get to enjoy the best features of Android 17 like Bubbles, custom widgets, Rambler, an improved new UI, lots of Gemini goodies, and more!

Naturally, the 11 Pro will also retain all of the Pixel 10 Pro's AI features while gaining some exclusive capabilities. We're also expecting the 11 Pro to go all-in on agentic AI with Gemini Intelligence. However, many of the new features on the 11 Pro will likely flow over to the 10 Pro eventually via updates.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 10 Pro: Which Pro phone is better and is it worth upgrading?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Based on everything we know so far, the Google Pixel 11 Pro may have improved gaming performance, but will likely still pale in comparison to the best Qualcomm chipsets. Performance-heavy gaming has never been a priority for Google.

It is puzzling that the 11 Pro will likely see a downgraded battery and selfie camera. Even if the newer chipset is more efficient and performs better, and the base model starts with more storage, I'm not so sure it's worth $100 more.

If you've already got a Google Pixel 10 Pro, I don't suggest upgrading. I daily drive a 10 Pro, and I know the Pixel Glow lighting and a few menial spec bumps aren't worth the upgrade, so I'm going to wait for the Pixel 12 series.

In fact, if you do want a Pro-grade Pixel, I suggest waiting for the Pixel 11 to launch and taking advantage of the Pixel 10 discounts that will follow to get an even better deal on the 10 Pro. You'll get an outstanding phone with Pixelsnap, awesome software and hardware all around, and six more years of updates to go.

Honor's new era is cinema: major Robot Phone camera details, AiMAGE image engine confirmed

What you need to know

• Honor held an Image Technology event in Hengdian, China today (July 28) where it highlighted the camera tech behind the Robot Phone.
• The phone will feature its in-house AiMAGE imaging engine, alongside a partnership with ARRI to fuel cinematography for "everyday scenarios."
• The Robot Phone will launch on August 12.

Honor is entering a "new era" ahead of its Robot Phone launch. Today (July 28), the company unveiled what its future as an "AI terminal ecosystem company" will look like, beginning with the cinema photography.

In Hengdian, China, Honor held its Image Technology Launch event, where it detailed its mobile technologies and how it intends for professionals to use its "cinema workflow." Honor shared that information with us this morning, highlighting its chip-device-cloud imaging engine, AiMAGE, and a partnership with ARRI.

During the keynote, the company said: "...mobile imaging progress depends on the combined evolution of physical image capture and intelligent processing: optical and sensor capabilities define the foundation of image quality, while AI, algorithms and cloud capabilities amplify what users can create."

This is the driving force behind the AiMAGE chip-device-cloud imaging engine. The chip side of its development is handled by its in-house Transformer-based native AI ISP, which helps "reconstruct the image processing pipeline from the ground up." Since this technology is headed to the Robot Phone, Honor says it's taking full advantage of its titanium alloy three-axis gimbal, "precision" sensing hardware, and more to improve image quality and motion control.

It's almost time

(Image credit: Honor)

Honor's partnership with ARRI delivers "a more professional color and workflow foundation to the HONOR Robot Phone." Most of this is thanks to ARRI Look, LogC3, and Wide Gamut 3.

The company wanted to nail mobile imaging technology for true, cinematic creative scenarios. At the keynote, Honor says it invited Claudio Miranda to use the Robot Phone's camera to "recreate" a cinematic scene. Regarding the device's performance, cinematographer Wang Boxue said, "What impressed me is not only the image quality, but also how a compact mobile device can enter spaces that traditional camera setups cannot. This gives creators more freedom in camera movement and helps reduce the burden of production while expanding creative possibilities."

These are "long-term" ambitions Honor has set out to accomplish for the Robot Phone's AI and cinematography for "everyday scenarios." Pushing us further will be the device's 200MP main lens, 50MP ultrawide, and a 200MP telephoto sensor (via NotebookCheck). The Robot Phone is preparing to debut on August 12 to "redefine" our mobile devices.

Honor's been slowly but surely giving consumers and others information about the Robot Phone. The device was in Barcelona during MWC 2026, where the Robot Phone was said to debut globally in Q3 2026. The main highlight of this phone is its curious gimbal camera, which observes the world. The camera can automatically track movement using many of the technologies that Honor discussed at its event in China today.

Android Central's Take

When Honor posted that teaser about the Robot Phone months ago, it reminded me of WALL-E. The way it looks around curiously. I can almost hear WALL-E quips and whirrs. The Robot Phone is different. Maybe we need that right now. One feature Honor first teased was that users could flip up the camera, and it would "watch the world" as you move around. The phone might even take pictures or record videos for you. Imagine that.

T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for free with new deal — here's how to grab yours

If you've been on the fence about preordering the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, T-Mobile just shared a deal that might encourage you to take the leap. 

From now through the wearable's August 7th release date, you can get the Galaxy Watch 9 for FREE when you add a line with T-Mobile's Watch Plan Plus. That's $430 of promo credits over 24 months, no trade-in required and no additional eligibility requirements to worry about — just good old-fashioned savings on a device that's almost certain to rank among the best Android smartwatches of 2026. 

Get a FREE Galaxy Watch 9 with this new T-Mobile deal

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (LTE) 40mm: $430 FREE with watch line at T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 doesn't officially hit store shelves until August 7th, but you can already preorder the highly-anticipated wearable for free by adding a line with Watch Plan Plus at T-Mobile. The savings appear in the form of $430 in promo credits over 24 months, no trade-in required!

Watch Plan Plus costs $15 per month and comes with unlimited talk, text, and data for your wearable, plus unlimited texting and up to 5GB of data in over 200 countries around the globe. View Deal

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 may look almost identical to its predecessor, but there are a few notable improvements under the hood. The 2026 watch features upgraded battery life (up to 40 hours) and the incorporation of the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset without adding any extra weight to the frame. You also get all of the latest on-device Galaxy AI software features and some improved health and fitness tracking capabilities.

Just like last year's version, the Galaxy Watch 9 also boasts a vibrant AMOLED display and "squircle"-style design with 32GB of onboard storage, dual-band GPS, and IP68/5ATM durability.

The new chipset and upgraded battery are enough reason to call the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 one of the best smartwatches of the year, but last year's Galaxy Watch 8 is no slouch either. If you prefer Bluetooth and can find a good deal on the last-gen model, go for it. But if you want to use a 2026 smartwatch on your cellular network, T-Mobile's preorder deal is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. This offer ends on August 7th, however, so don't wait too long to make your move. 

Google Play services update brings seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed

What you need to know

• Google's latest System update brings Play services v26.29 and Play Store v52.5 with upgrades for Wallet, Wear OS, Play Games, and content discovery.
• Play services' latest version adds new Maps and Wear OS APIs for developers alongside unspecified system bug fixes.
• The Play Store is becoming more engaging, with a smoother Play Games Sidekick dashboard, comic previews in Play Shorts, and smarter travel app recommendations through the updated Engage SDK.

Google’s latest Google System update won’t grab headlines for fancy new tricks, but it does bring a handful of changes that could help make everyday Android use just a little bit smoother. The latest rollout brings Play Store v52.5 and Google Play services v26.29 with content discovery improvements, Play Games and Wallet updates, and Wear OS improvements.

On the Google Play services side, version 26.29 continues the trend of Google pushing new features out of full Android OS updates. Maps APIs for Android Auto, phones, tablets, TVs, Wear OS, and PCs are now available for developers, as are new utilities APIs for Wear OS. Google also managed to slip in bug fixes for system management and diagnostics on phones, but it hasn’t said what those patches are for.

Wallet gets the largest batch of changes. For new users, the update saves a few steps, as Pixel Watch owners can now set up Express Pay directly from the watch. Google is also renaming the “Connected apps” section to “Linked apps” on its platforms, a small change that better reflects how third-party services connect to Google accounts. For Pix users, Gboard now works within messaging apps, and there are new developer tools for digital wallet and payment experiences.

Android Central's Take

I like how Google keeps pushing useful updates through Play services instead of making us wait for the next big Android release. People actually notice quality of life upgrades like easier Wallet setup on the Pixel Watch and smarter Play Store recommendations.

The Play Store’s v52.5 update is more about how you find and interact with content. Google says the Play Games Sidekick dashboard is now more stable and responsive, which leads to a gaming companion experience that’s less likely to experience hiccups. Play Shorts is also branching out beyond apps and games, with the addition of popular comic book previews that you can swipe through before you get to the full story if something catches your eye.

Google is also giving a lift to travel apps. With updates to the content clusters in the Engage SDK, third-party travel apps that are supported can now show your previous searches, helping you to get back to your trip planning.

Bad news for your wallet: Qualcomm's chip prices are going up, and your next phone will cost more

What you need to know

• Smartphone prices are climbing rapidly as rising RAM and chipset costs force Android brands to charge more for new devices.
• Qualcomm's upcoming chipset price hike could push the prices of Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Honor, and other Android phones even higher.
• Buying an Android phone later this year or in 2027 will likely cost more than buying an equivalent model today.

The best time to buy a new smartphone was probably yesterday. Why? Because the next one you buy is almost certainly going to cost more.

It's no secret that smartphone prices have been climbing this year. Samsung has already raised prices across its Galaxy Z8 lineup, while Google's upcoming Pixel 11 series is also expected to launch at higher prices than its predecessor. Much of that has been blamed on the ongoing RAM price crisis that's affecting the entire smartphone industry.

Unfortunately, things don't seem to be getting any better. According to a Bloomberg report, Qualcomm has informed its hardware partners that it will increase chipset prices by a double-digit percentage starting September 1, 2026. The company reportedly told partners that it can no longer absorb the higher manufacturing costs and will instead pass them on.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

That, in turn, means smartphone makers will have to pay more for the chipsets that power their devices. And when component costs go up, those increases almost always make their way to consumers.

Since Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips power smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Honor, Motorola, and many other Android brands, this isn't just a problem for one company.

It's an industry-wide issue, and chances are the next Android phone you buy in late 2026 or even 2027 will cost more than an equivalent phone would have just a year earlier.

That's exactly why I say the best time to buy a new smartphone was yesterday.

Of course, sales events like Black Friday and the holiday shopping season will still offer some excellent deals. But if list prices continue to climb the way they have, even those discounts may not end up feeling quite as generous as they once did.

EBO Max review: The AI-powered family robot that gets smarter over time (and my cat adores)

Enabot's cutesy robots on wheels are always fun contraptions, but the most perplexing thing about them is their animal magnetism. Cats can't seem to get enough of them, as witnessed not just by me but by my colleagues as well. I genuinely wonder if Enabot rubs catnip on their robots at the factory level before shipping them out.

This is perfect, however, because Enabot's smart family robots are primarily advertised as pet companions, with a secondary focus on family companionship and home surveillance. It's an all-in-one security camera on wheels that monitors your beloved family members, whether two-legged or four.

The EBO Max isn't cheap

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Enabot launched the EBO Max family bot on March 31, 2026. Priced at $599.99, it is the second most expensive such robot offered by the brand. You can also buy a EBO Max Style Pack for $29.99 that has four cosmetic add-ons, including deer antlers and rabbit ears.

The EBO Max comes with a charging dock, a 32GB SD card pre-inserted into the robot, an adapter, and a resetting pin in the box.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The EBO Max is a mid-sized robot, a lot smaller and more compact than the larger EBO X, but slightly larger than the EBO Air models. The charging dock is significantly smaller and slimmer than the EBO X and other models.

Just like other Enabot robots, you can easily take off the wheel tracks of the EBO Max for cleaning. The entire bottom unit with the wheel tracks slides off with a few clicks. This is also where the memory card slot is located.

Enabot EBO Max specs

Category	Enabot EBO Max
Camera	8MP, 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, 131° FOV, night vision
Memory	64GB local storage (47GB available), expandable up to 256GB via memory card
Comms	Speaker, microphone
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 2.4G, 5G
Navigation	V-SLAM Navigation
Speed	20cm/s-60cm/s
Obstacle height	≤12mm
Climbing slope	≤15°
Battery and charging	2,500mAh, 4–6hrs standby/video recording, up to 3hrs continuous movement, 3-4hrs charge time
Hardware	PC+ABS, brushed gear motor, 53dB operating noise
Dimensions	129 x 127 x 117 mm, 750g

What can this robot do?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Before setting the EBO Max up, it was really important to let my cat sniff the robot to his heart's content. This helped ease him into a new element in the house, as cats tend to hate change and can be very nervous around moving objects.

Once he was happy with the smell and familiarized himself with it, I set up the EBO Max charging dock and turned it on. My cat was more curious than afraid, and he even started cuddling with the bot right away.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Initial setup involves the EBO HOME app, which immediately gives you a comprehensive walkthrough of the robot's capabilities. This is helpful because there's a lot to learn and explore in the app, which is the robot's main control center.

The EBO Max bot can use V-SLAM Navigation to map out your house. It can recognize family members once you've registered their faces and voiceprints, and once those are saved, you can set up voice calling settings for those members. If a fall is detected, you can select certain family members to be notified.

You can change the style and color of the "eyes" of the EBO Max robot, which are incredibly expressive. They follow you around, almost in a sentient manner, which can be cute and human-like — but also really creepy at 3 AM. There is a sound localization feature that makes the robot turn to you when it hears your voice. Thankfully, the bot can be scheduled to "close its eyes" during your chosen "Do Not Disturb" hours.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Because the EBO Max has two-way comms, family members can even receive voice calls when fall detection is triggered. You can take this one step further with activity detection, so if no movement is detected for your selected number of days, you and your chosen family members will be notified.

The robot can be scheduled to patrol and play or monitor people and/or pets at home during your selected hours, and you can set it to smartly patrol the house on your chosen route once the house is mapped. Additionally, you can adjust event recording settings to automatically record photos and videos of interactions. When the EBO Max runs low on battery, it returns to the charging dock on its own.

The EBO Max can be remotely controlled via the app as it has Wi-Fi. It sports an 8MP camera with a 4K resolution, a wide 131° field of view, and night vision, so the image quality is very crisp and clear in diverse lighting scenarios.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

You can queue actions and sounds, individually or together, when playing with children or pets. There are plenty of cat and dog sounds, as well as many movements, including some of the best actions from other EBO bots, like the figure-eight dance from the EBO X.

Everything from the robot's movement speed and the audio and call volume settings can be adjusted too. There's no manual mic and video shut-off button or shutter, though, which is a bit of a privacy oversight.

However, the "Do Not Disturb" mode can be used as an alternative. You can set the robot's active "wake up" hours, and even choose to have the screen (or the "eyes" of the bot) automatically shut off during your selected DND nighttime hours.

Because of course there's AI

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The EBO Max family bot has a wide array of useful AI features. You start by saying "EBO EBO" to initiate conversations or give instructions, all in natural language. You can use the "EBO EBO, follow me" command to make the robot leave the charging dock and follow you around the house.

Other features include setting timers, reminders, or alarms; asking about the weather; asking the robot to find a certain family member; and more.

You can change the AI voice tone or clone your voice to be used as the robot's voice using the Pet Parrot feature. So, the EBO Max can read your text when you send it to the robot.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Enabot gave the EBO Max family bot an AI-powered brain, so it literally learns from all the information it absorbs and gets smarter the longer you use it. This adaptive behavior means the bot remembers patterns and perceives its surroundings, and it can even role-play depending on the role you assign it.

You can also assign more complex commands. For example, you could say, "I'm going on holiday for two days starting tomorrow. Patrol the house three times a day and alert me of any unusual activity. Record a video of any movement," and the EBO Max robot will do just that.

Eventually, it can even distinguish memories and learn about your habits, hobbies, preferences, and daily home life. This can be helpful for questions like "Did Grandma take her morning medicine yesterday?" or similar scenarios.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Using the AI functions sometimes causes the robot to run a little hot, and the AI also hangs or glitches at times, especially after being asked a few questions simultaneously. Also, when you're using an AI feature, this prevents you from queuing movements or animal sounds when remotely controlling the robot.

Unfortunately, there is no smart home integration with Gemini or Alexa, so you miss out on automations and options like playing music or switching on your TV. There is also no Bluetooth speaker mode. I find both features incredibly useful on the EBO X, so this was a bummer.

Should you buy the Enabot EBO Max?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

In many ways, this is the smartest robot Enabot has ever made, although it's missing smart home integration and some refinement. Native Matter support would've made this a monumental leap in the smart home world.

Once the EBO Max builds memories and learns enough, and with the help of firmware updates, I truly believe the small hiccups will iron themselves out. Enabot is very good with updates — I got one as soon as I installed the EBO Max robot.

At $599, the EBO Max is a lot cheaper than the $999 EBO X, which includes Alexa and physical shut-off buttons for the mic and the camera. So getting a large portion of its features and an AI-powered brain that gets wiser over time, all for $400 cheaper, is a bargain if you ask me.

If you need a smart home camera that can follow and monitor your loved ones or even keep your kids and cats entertained, EBO Max is an outstanding family robot for you.

Enabot

EBO Max

Smart-maxxing

The Enabot EBO Max is an AI-powered family robot with crystal-clear cameras, loudspeakers, a clear mic, and plenty of handy features. The EBO Max can grow to be a member of your household, a bot that monitors the well-being of your family, keeps them company, and entertains your pets, all while patrolling the house every night and alerting you to suspicious activity.