Pixel 11 Pro Flash Drops to 89 Lux as HiLight Diffuser Softens Beam
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · Aug 25
Pixel 11 Pro Flash Drops to 89 Lux as HiLight Diffuser Softens Beam
3 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Aug 25
Summary
Android Authority’s preliminary test put the Pixel 11 Pro XL at 89 lux in torch mode, down from 123 lux on the Pixel 10 Pro XL and far below the iPhone 16 Pro’s 490 lux.
The likely cause is a physical diffuser built into the camera visor for Google’s new HiLight LED array, which spreads light more broadly but reduces forward intensity and leaves subjects darker in flash shots.
Reddit users had already flagged the flash as unusually weak, with some calling it dimmer than the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 17e; Android Authority said team impressions were mixed, though stronger rivals made the drop clearer.
The finding adds to criticism of HiLight, a notification-style LED feature already seen as heavily limited in software, because its hardware tradeoff appears to have reduced everyday flashlight and camera-flash utility.
Why did Google intentionally restrict the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight LED to basic functions when the hardware is clearly capable of much more?
With third-party developers hacking the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight LED, will Google officially unlock its full potential or block these complex workarounds?