Pixel 11 disappointments continue after Google leaks another Pixel Glow detail

With exactly one week left before Google finally premieres the Pixel 11 series, there’s very little left to learn about the upcoming devices. We’ve already seen some disturbing details about their specs, and the designs have leaked time and time again. 

Now, we’re getting one more confirmation about the only truly new feature the company may present on August 12.

Google may have leaked an important detail about the HiLight feature

Pixel 11’s built-in light might be able to glow in a limited number of colors. The colors have been revealed in strings of code found by 9to5Google inside the version 4.85 release of the Google Contacts apps.

The code describes details about how the app will support the HiLight feature, which bears the codename “glow.” According to the leak, users will be able to assign a specific “glow color” to their favorite contacts for when those contacts call.

The available colors for the Pixel 11 HiLight feature are the following:

• Blue
• Cyan
• Green
• Orange
• Pink
• Purple
• Teal
• White
• Yellow

Google is certainly not using the Pixel Glow name

While we’ve seen the Pixel Glow feature first mentioned in the Android 17 Beta 4 release, Google is now all but confirmed not to use this name. First reported by Dylan Roussel and then reiterated by Roland Quandt on Bluesky, the feature is now expected to bear the name HiLight.

This claim is confirmed by the newly leaked strings of code. One of the descriptions specifically mentions “Tap to configure HiLight for favorite callers.”

Quite limited functionality

This leak all but confirms one of the leaked functions that are expected to come with the HiLight feature. Alongside the color-coded signals when one of your favorite contacts calls you, the feature is also expected to illuminate when Gemini is active and the phone is facing down.

While that may come as shocking news, considering the leaks dating back to April, it may feel disappointing to anyone who was hoping for something more advanced on the back of their phone. Even the LED lights, which used to be a standard feature on Android phones in the past, could light up for more than just calls.

This is something that has been bothering Android and Pixel fans ever since rumors about Pixel Glow started popping up. In a recent thread about HiLight, one user was particularly mad about the Pixel 11 not getting what they call “real improvements” and instead will have this “useless feature.” 



In a similar spirit, another user appeared annoyed by Google promoting the feature as something new and revolutionary, while it’s a more limited feature than the RGB LEDs on Nexus phones.

Not the only disappointment from the Pixel 11 phones

Expectations about the Pixel 11 series are pretty low already. Google has already confirmed the phones will cost more than last year’s models, which is bad enough, but it’s not the only issue.

The base Pixel 11 is expected to be more or less identical to last year’s Pixel 10, save for a slightly smaller battery, and lighter weight. Internally, the phone will lose the telephoto camera, but it’ll gain double the base storage, which will start at 256GB now.

Something similar will happen with the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro XL, which will all lose some battery capacity and weight. Unlike last year’s Pixel 10 Pro models, which went up to 1TB storage, this year, the storage will be limited to 256GB or 512GB. All models will also have versions with 12GB and 16GB of RAM.

Google needs to do much more

Leaving the fact that the highlight Pixel 11 Pro feature will be a light called HiLight aside, Google should’ve done much more with it. Adding a Gemini signal will be easier to accept if it comes with more customization options, and until August 12, we can only hope that will be the case.

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile