For those who think standard Android isn't secure enough, GrapheneOS is a solid alternative. Built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), this privacy-focused OS makes it harder for cybercriminals to exploit code vulnerabilities. It officially supports the Pixel 6 through Pixel 10a, but the new Pixel 11 is missing out because Google has removed hardware memory tagging support.
Even if you aren't interested in GrapheneOS, the omission makes the Pixel 11's security inherently weaker.
Cost savings over security
The Pixel 11 lacks MTE support. | Image by GrapheneOS
When attempting to make GrapheneOS work on the Pixel 11, the developers found that it doesn't support ARM hardware memory tagging (MTE). MTE detects programming mistakes that can lead to security exploits.
Google appears to have dropped support to save money, because apparently, reduced RAM, a kneecapped processor, and a struggling GPU weren't enough compromises.
GrapheneOS uses MTE throughout the operating system, including the kernel, which is the core of the OS. It protects against almost all attacks involving memory management vulnerabilities.
How does this make you feel about the Pixel 11?
A downgrade
Even on MTE-capable Android phones, the capability wasn't used broadly. In contrast, Apple's Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) is always enabled on the iPhone 17. However, even Apple didn't enable MTE as aggressively as GrapheneOS did and left out third-party apps due to stability concerns.
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The Pixel 11 comes with notable security improvements. It uses the post-quantum cryptographic ML-DSA algorithm, has moved to the AOSP IMS framework from the proprietary Samsung Shannon IMS software, and features the latest Titan M3 security chip.
However, those upgrades don't make up for the loss of MTE. The GrapheneOS developers went so far as to caution against buying the Pixel 11. They have their reasons. For instance, while Titan M3 makes it harder for someone in physical possession of the Pixel 11 to break into it, it may not defend as well against malicious websites and apps.
Those looking for a secure Android flagship are being advised by the GrapheneOS team to wait for upcoming Motorola hardware.
According to Google's own research, bugs related to how memory is handled are the biggest contributors to security vulnerabilities. MTE is a foundational technology that mitigates risk.
Apple has called it the 'most significant upgrade to memory safety in the history of consumer operating systems.'
You will be fine
Even on the iPhone, third-party apps aren't protected by MTE, and all hell hasn't broken loose. However, for customers who explicitly chose Pixel phones to have peace of mind, the Pixel 11 isn't an option.
Reasons I always bought pixels is because it's better to deal with one vendor bloat than two, the ease of installing OS-es like graphene (never had a bricked phone) and knowing that the hardware security is decent. Glad the people behind graphene are creating this discourse I probably would have ordered a new pixel because I was used to the reasons I give above.
ederhex, Pixel user, August 2026
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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