Google's Pixel 11 leaks reveal Tensor G6, HiLight LED ring, and faster modem

Google's Pixel 11 series is set to launch next week, and leaked specs reveal an incremental but meaningful upgrade over the Pixel 10. The lineup includes four models: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Fold. All sport the new Tensor G6 processor and Titan M3 security coprocessor, promising cooler operation, better power efficiency, and smoother performance on heavy tasks. A headline change is the move to a MediaTek M90 modem that uses an AI-powered traffic engine to reduce power consumption by up to 18% while boosting potential download speeds — directly addressing a long-standing Pixel complaint about battery drain. The physical design stays largely the same, but new softer colors like pine, dune, and fog (plus hibiscus and pistachio for the base model) add a fresh feel.

The most intriguing addition is HiLight, a color-changing LED ring around the camera that replaces the traditional flash. Leaked details confirm users can assign specific colors to contacts to identify callers at a glance and see when Google's Gemini assistant is active. While that's the only confirmed functionality for now, the feature's potential for third-party developers is huge — think color-coded app notifications or custom alerts. Pricing is steeper this year, with the Pixel 11 Pro starting at just under $1,100, which may give owners of the Pixel 10 or 9 pause. Still, the combined improvements in silicon, modem efficiency, and the novel HiLight feature give the Pixel 11 a distinct identity, even if it's not a radical redesign.