# Pixel 11's new HiLight feature makes its flashlight noticeably dimmer than prior models

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-08-24 13:07 UTC · Category: Technology

## Executive Summary
The Pixel 11 Pro's new HiLight flashlight feature is drawing criticism for being noticeably dimmer than previous Google models.

## Intelligence Brief
Google has introduced a new feature called HiLight in the Pixel 11 series, which is sparking discussion due to a reduction in brightness. According to coverage from Notebookcheck, the flashlight on the Pixel 11 is noticeably dimmer than the flashlights found on prior models. This shift in performance is linked to the hardware configuration of the device. A teardown of the Pixel 11 Pro performed by Notebookcheck reveals that the secret behind the HiLight feature is the inclusion of eight RGB LEDs within the device's lighting system. Multiple technology outlets are documenting the user experience and hardware specifications of the new lineup. Notebookcheck has focused on the technical teardown and the resulting loss in brightness compared to older versions.


Simultaneously, Tom's Guide reports on a week-long testing period of the Pixel 11 Pro XL to evaluate its real-world performance. Further commentary comes from PhoneArena, which describes the Pixel 11 Pro as underwhelming, suggesting that the device only feels worthy of its $1,100 price tag when paired with a specific free application. The significance of this trend lies in the trade-off between the new RGB functionality and raw luminosity. While the HiLight feature introduces a different lighting capability via the eight RGB LEDs, the practical result is a flashlight that lacks the intensity of previous iterations. This has led to critical reception regarding the value proposition of the hardware, particularly as PhoneArena highlights the high cost of the Pro model. The contrast between the intended innovation of HiLight and the perceived decline in utility is the primary driver of the current discourse.


Future developments will likely center on whether Google addresses the brightness concerns through software updates or if users continue to rely on third-party solutions. Coverage indicates that the hardware is already fixed as per the Notebookcheck teardown. Observers are monitoring the long-term testing results from outlets like Tom's Guide to see if other aspects of the Pixel 11 Pro XL offset the shortcomings of the flashlight. For now, the focus remains on the hardware's inability to match the brightness of earlier models despite the addition of the RGB LED array.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| Notebookcheck | Pixel 11 Pro teardown reveals 8 RGB LEDs as the secret behind HiLight | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitAFBVV95cUxQT1JpM0liY1hLb2VYV2UzZUh0U1pUVzN0OTdFOWd2VldzbF9lSWlpN3RHTEJUWWUtZXZFcVhNMnpTOUUtdF80RmoyX0RURHZVQ01xa254cHQ2ckhVLXhKZE82RzlWODZkaGlSU3NjMlF2WlVpaW4zYmZCaGI3NXhkSEJuZTBzdlB1VWx2b25GdTNpTTNtMDJQdFZoNnhVb2daNi1iVVVhSi12SFE0Y1haTlEtRDI?oc=5) |
| Tom's Guide | I've been testing Pixel 11 Pro XL for a week — here's why HiLight is the most disappointing new feature | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi5wFBVV95cUxObzJhYkhRT2plT2RLS0U0TmprVVVVdE4xUVY5Z0ZGaWdENkZvdERJTWk3d0NxaGJJbEI5SVNmaWlDRjJSVVNUdWRicS1MaG9nUTg4eExFenRVWk5UZGpGR2dOQmtHWDVsNlZVX0dEZkN3UkFwTnZfTndVd0ZDOFNQdWRYeDV4aFEwME0xVU1IYTdMenlrREVrNW0xaHNvcFVWMTNmNURrMTRoTXZlVW1GRFBISnBfTTRVWnRDdU9FQ0FkVE5BN1pESERvOWZaVzVqT1NVQ3JZbTNwS0twZUxmMlhwMk9RNGs?oc=5) |
| PhoneArena | Thanks to this free app, the underwhelming Pixel 11 Pro finally feels worthy of its $1,100 price tag | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinAFBVV95cUxNeFFMMTZhVVlHdUI2d1lwVFpWM2ZwOFQyaGFFckUwbERxMmJlRFFMVEN0dFJPNG41MUVueGktUGo2aWdsRm1FNmIzMWIxTlBLaVJaeld1Ymp0ZF94cGlLOU9VbTZaRTZ3amtYNHR0dGZjbDA3ZVlmZ0VFQmlIUkVNdGtaTk16aFp2eXVadFBpYUt2S2RvMThUM1duVVM?oc=5) |
| Notebookcheck | Pixel 11's new HiLight feature makes its flashlight noticeably dimmer than prior models | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizAFBVV95cUxQeDFRVkNobWtIeVFJYk9ma0QxdlZXQnV4eDE1cVd2RGJ1TlFIdVU4bjlEeXpyemhQRlpxaDJ0c2dwbWZYQjRZTDRSUXdIYUN4bGg2WWxCNzBpLTZpbjBPcUszbnhKTTlJZmpYck5CTXBsNEdldkU0dmdMbWNiT3hwZXA5YWtJakdRR2pERlN1d2VlVU1XWDgxNHFGTDhtR1JrXzBFOXJPTFNrZ3pLOXlDV19ORjRaR29NeXd1MnU0cWp3LVplUVo0NHdCWV8?oc=5) |

---
*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-08-24/pixel-11-s-new-hilight-feature-makes-its-flashlight-noticeably-dimmer-than*