A fresh leak has pulled back the curtain on Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 Pro, and it brings a mix of welcome upgrades and a few surprises that fans may not love. The details come from the Telegram channel Mystic Leaks, a source that has shared accurate Pixel information in the past.
According to the report, Google is preparing new camera sensors, a fun lighting feature called Pixel Glow, a brighter display, and a quiet RAM cut that has already started a debate among Pixel users.
The Pixel 11 series, codenamed “Grizzly” for the Pro and “Kodiak” for the Pro XL, is expected to launch in August 2026.
Big Camera Changes Are Coming to the Pro Model
Google does not update its camera hardware very often, so this leak stands out. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are said to receive two new sensors. The main camera will reportedly use a sensor code-named “bastet,” while the telephoto camera will use one called “barghest.”
The exact specs are still unclear, but a hardware refresh usually means improvements in low-light shots, sharper detail, and better dynamic range. For people who care about phone photography, this could be one of the most meaningful changes in years.
What About the Other Pixel 11 Models
The base Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold are also getting a new main sensor, a 50-megapixel unit code-named “chemosh.” This suggests Google is paying attention to camera quality across the entire lineup, not just the most expensive models.
Pixel Glow Replaces the Thermometer
One of the more interesting changes is the removal of the temperature sensor on the back of the phone. Few users found a daily use for it, so its goodbye is not a big shock. In its place, Google is reportedly adding a small RGB LED array next to the camera bar. This feature is being called Pixel Glow.
The idea is similar to the Glyph lights on Nothing phones, but smaller. The lights are expected to flash for things like notifications, incoming calls, and possibly Gemini AI interactions. Pixel Glow is said to appear on the Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold, while the base Pixel 11 may miss out.
A Surprising Cut in RAM
Now for the part many people are not happy about. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are said to come in two RAM options, 12GB and 16GB. That is a step back from the Pixel 10 Pro, which shipped with 16GB across the board.
The leaker points to the global RAM shortage as a likely reason. Memory prices have been climbing because of heavy demand from AI data centers, and phone makers are feeling the pressure. Google may keep the 16GB version for higher storage models, such as the 512GB or 1TB options. In daily use, 12GB of RAM is still plenty for most people, though some worry it could limit how well future Gemini features run on the device.
Tensor G6, Display, and Battery Details
Under the hood, the Pixel 11 Pro will run on the new Tensor G6 chip. TSMC builds it on an advanced 2nm process, which should bring better speed and battery efficiency. Reports also suggest Google is dropping the Samsung Exynos modem in favor of a MediaTek M90 modem, a change that could fix the signal and connectivity issues that have bothered Pixel owners for years. One small concern is the GPU, which appears to use an older design and may not bring big gains for gaming.
The display story is more positive. The Pixel 11 Pro keeps its 6.3-inch LTPO OLED screen, while the Pro XL stays at 6.8 inches. Google expects both to reach 2,450 nits in HDR and up to 3,600 nits in peak brightness, which is a clear jump over the Pixel 10 Pro’s 3,300 nits. Outdoor visibility should feel noticeably better.
Battery sizes look slightly smaller on paper. The Pro lists at 4,707 mAh and the Pro XL at 5,000 mAh, compared to 4,870 mAh and 5,200 mAh on the Pixel 10 Pro models. Real-world numbers may end up close once Google finalizes the figures.
Finally, Google says Project Toscana, the rumored face unlock system, is not ready, so it will not debut this year. With Google I/O just weeks away, more details should arrive soon.
