Google’s Pixel 11 series revives notification LEDs with the AI-powered HiLight feature and new Gemini Intelligence.
Google is bringing back the notification LED in a new form with its Pixel 11 series, combining the familiar visual alert with artificial intelligence features powered by its latest Tensor chipset.
The new HiLight feature is positioned alongside the rear camera lenses and activates when the phone is placed face-down. It can notify users of incoming calls from preferred contacts and also illuminate while users interact with Google’s Gemini assistant.
The feature represents a modern take on notification LEDs, which have largely disappeared from smartphones as manufacturers shifted towards always-on displays and software-based alerts.
Google is also introducing Gemini Intelligence, a more capable version of its AI assistant for phones, with support expected to expand to smartwatches. The system is powered by the new Tensor G6 chipset, which uses TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process.
The Tensor G6 is paired with a vapor chamber cooling system and Google’s Titan M3 security chip, which supports post-quantum encryption.
The Pixel 11 Pro features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4,850mAh battery. It supports 30W wired charging and magnetic Pixelsnap wireless charging.
The larger Pixel 11 Pro XL comes with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display and a 5,115mAh battery. Its battery capacity is slightly lower than the 5,200mAh unit in its predecessor, although Google is relying on the improved efficiency of the Tensor G6 to extend battery life. The Pro XL also supports 45W wired charging.
Both Pro models feature a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilisation, a 48MP 5x periscope telephoto camera and a 48MP ultrawide camera with autofocus.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also receives the HiLight feature, integrated into its rear camera island. The foldable has a 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner screen, while its battery capacity has fallen to 4,800mAh from 5,015mAh in the previous generation.
The foldable retains an IP68 rating and is available in Midnight and Pine. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL come in Dune, Light Fog, Midnight Haze and Pine.
The Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are now available for pre-order.