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Google’s next few Pixel flagships could see a major bump in the performance that will make them compete with the best.
Google could finally have a Face ID-like tech for Android users.
Google Pixel 11 is expected to be released in 2026, and we could see a major feature making its comeback on the Google flagship phones. A leak from the tech giant’s chip division suggests that the company is planning to add an under-display infrared (IR) camera to the Pixel 11 that could enable a more secure face unlock on Android.
The details from Google’s chips section as reported by Android Authority, says Google could have the older under-display infrared (IR) camera back for the Pixel 11 series. This would provide a more secure and adaptable face unlock function than the existing face authentication system based on standard front-facing colour cameras.
The camera sensor will reportedly be powered by Google’s Tensor G6 chipset and the image signal processor (ISP) of the chip will have a new “lite” front end designed specifically for this purpose.
However, the Pixel 4 required a large top bezel to accommodate the technology, the Pixel 11, on the other hand, will insert the IR camera beneath the panel, taking up no extra space.
The 2019 Pixel featured two infrared cameras for facial recognition that work even in the dark, however, these were removed in subsequent Pixel versions. Since the Pixel 7 series, all Pixel phones have used a facial authentication mechanism based on the standard front-facing colour camera. Reportedly, its tech rival Apple is also expected to introduce the under-display IR cameras for its Face ID tech in 2026.
Apart from this, the Google Pixel 11 is said to offer 100x zoom capabilities through machine learning for both videos and photos, a cinematic blur feature, a new video relight feature, which might change lighting conditions in videos and a new night sight video feature that might improve the quality of video even in low lighting. Additionally, the next-generation Google Pixel devices are expected to come with the Tensor G6 and G6 chipset, promising better performance than its predecessors.