Google Pixel 11 Pro: Is Pixel Glow Enough?
Google Pixel 11 Pro: A New Era for Smartphones?
Google has recently released a teaser video for the upcoming Pixel 11 series, set to be featured at Made by Google 2026 on 12 August. The video showcases the various Google services that many of us use, including Gmail, Google Maps, and Gemini, before drawing the conclusion that the next logical step is to buy a Google Pixel phone.
The video also gives us a glimpse of the Google Pixel 11 Pro‘s silhouette, including its signature camera bar and the highly-anticipated ‘Pixel Glow’ feature. This feature appears to be an advanced LED notification system, with the camera flash lit up in multiple colours.
Pixel Glow: A Game-Changer or a Gimmick?
The Pixel Glow feature has been heavily leaked, and this is our best official look at it yet. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is set to replace the thermometer that was introduced with the Google Pixel 8 Pro. The thermometer allowed users to measure the temperature of everyday objects and people using the dedicated infrared sensor.
While some may find the Pixel Glow feature useful, others may see it as a gimmick. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, for example, employs its own ‘Glow’ system, which has supplied various forms of animated indicators and timers over the years. It remains to be seen whether Google’s implementation will be able to match this.
A Comparison with Rivals
In comparison to other smartphones on the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, the Google Pixel 11 Pro’s Pixel Glow feature may not be enough to set it apart. The Samsung Galaxy S25, for example, boasts a large 6.8-inch display and a powerful Exynos 2400 chipset, while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and a powerful A16 Bionic chip.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air M2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer a range of features that may appeal to those looking for a more integrated ecosystem. The iPad Air M2, for example, features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and a powerful M2 chip, while the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts a range of health and fitness features, including a built-in ECG and GPS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Google Pixel 11 Pro’s Pixel Glow feature may be a unique selling point, it’s unclear whether it will be enough to sway consumers. With the rise of smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, as well as the increasing popularity of devices like the iPad Air M2 and the Apple Watch Series 10, Google will need to do more to convince consumers that the Pixel 11 Pro is the right choice for them.
