Google Pixel 11 Pro Teardown Reveals RGB LEDs Behind HiLight Feature
A teardown of Google's new Pixel 11 Pro has revealed that the phone's HiLight notification ring utilizes eight RGB LED lights. The feature's current limitations appear to be software-based.
With the release of Google's latest Pixel 11 series, the company introduced a new rear visual reminder ring named HiLight, replacing the infrared temperature sensor found in previous Pixel generations. IT Home reports that the HiLight module is constructed around the rear camera flash and encompasses all models in the series.
The HiLight feature currently pulses when Google's Gemini assistant is activated and illuminates for calls from favorite contacts when the phone is placed screen-down. While Google announced support for text messages at launch, this capability was absent. Furthermore, HiLight does not support third-party app integration, meaning users cannot assign specific colors for individual apps. Visual customization is also restricted to five preset colors, with no option for red.
To understand how the HiLight feature operates, YouTuber Phone Repair Guru performed a detailed teardown of the Pixel 11 Pro. After removing the back glass and the bracket securing the rear camera bar, the video clearly showed the module. This component contains eight surface-mount LEDs arranged in a circle around the central camera flash. Above these LEDs sits a matte white optical diffuser, designed to blend the individual lights into a smooth, continuous glow.
Under magnification, each of the eight LEDs revealed independent red, green, and blue diodes within, confirming the use of RGB LEDs. The teardown indicated that the limitations of HiLight are entirely software-based, with Google currently restricting the feature to a few basic triggers and preset colors, preventing users from accessing the full potential of the hardware.