The Google Pixel 11, expected to launch in 2026, might reintroduce a significant feature to its flagship lineup. A leak from Google’s chip division hints at plans to incorporate an under-display infrared (IR) camera, potentially allowing for a more secure face unlock experience on Android.
According to details reported by Android Authority, the Pixel 11 series could bring back the under-display IR camera technology, providing a more reliable face authentication method compared to the current system, which relies on standard front-facing colour cameras. The IR camera sensor would be powered by Google’s upcoming Tensor G6 chipset, featuring a specialized “lite” front-end image signal processor (ISP) tailored to support this function.
Unlike the Pixel 4, which needed a large top bezel to house this technology, the Pixel 11 is expected to embed the IR camera beneath the display, requiring no additional space on the front panel.
The 2019 Pixel model introduced two infrared cameras for facial recognition, enabling reliable performance even in dark environments; however, later Pixel versions dropped this feature. Since the Pixel 7 series, all models have relied on a face unlock system using the standard front-facing colour camera. Interestingly, reports suggest that Apple also plans to incorporate under-display IR cameras for Face ID by 2026.
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Google Pixel 11 Other Features (Expected)
In addition to under-display IR technology, the Pixel 11 is rumoured to offer advanced features like 100x zoom powered by machine learning for both photos and videos, a cinematic blur effect, a video relighting tool to adjust lighting conditions in the footage, and an upgraded Night Sight mode that could enhance low-light video quality.
The Pixel 11 series is also expected to run on the next-generation Tensor G6 chipset, promising improved performance over previous models.