Pixel 11’s dark-friendly face unlock and Pixel 10’s 4K HDR: Google’s Next Big Steps in Smartphone Tech
Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 could tackle a long-standing issue with its face unlock feature, allowing it to work seamlessly even in dark or low-light settings. Leveraging the new Tensor G6 chip, Google is reportedly enhancing its face unlock capabilities by potentially adding an under-display infrared (IR) camera system, which is designed to be energy-efficient. While specific details haven’t been confirmed, this new IR technology is expected to be key for reliable face unlock in any lighting, making Pixel 11 a big step forward in biometric security.
The concept of face unlock on Pixel devices dates back to the Pixel 4, which used a combination of dot projectors, flood illuminators, and IR cameras to recognize faces even in complete darkness. However, with the Pixel 7, Google shifted to a camera-based approach, which was later enhanced in the Pixel 8 with Google’s upgraded Class 3 face unlock, enabling secure access to Google Wallet, banking apps, and other services requiring high-level security. Although this system works well in bright conditions, it often struggles in low light, making users rely on the fingerprint sensor at night or in dim spaces.
The integration of an under-display IR camera in the Pixel 11 may eliminate this limitation, enhancing face unlock reliability across all lighting environments. This IR feature is particularly promising because it allows Google to avoid bulky bezels or design changes that could detract from the Pixel’s sleek look, an essential factor for 2026 and beyond.
Beyond just face unlock improvements, Google’s Pixel series is expected to bring significant camera upgrades with the upcoming Tensor G5 and G6 chips. According to recent leaks, the Pixel 10, powered by the Tensor G5, is set to support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second with HDR, a substantial upgrade from the Pixel 9’s 4K30 limitation. This change puts Google’s video capabilities on par with industry leaders and adds a new level of detail and clarity to high-quality video content.
In addition, Google plans to introduce AI-enhanced video editing features on the Pixel 10 through the Photos app, potentially offering tools similar to the Magic Editor for photos. The Tensor G5 will power on-device Stable Diffusion-based models, enabling features like “Speak-to-Tweak” and “Sketch-to-Image” for more intuitive editing experiences.
Looking even further ahead, Google’s Tensor G6 chip is expected to bring an on-device “Ultra Low Light video” feature on the Pixel 11. This capability aims to capture high-quality video in dim or cloudy environments without requiring cloud-based processing. This local processing will save time and resources, allowing smoother video capture in challenging lighting conditions like dusk or indoors with minimal light.
On the hardware side, the Pixel 11 is anticipated to introduce a new telephoto camera, offering advanced machine-learning powered 100x zoom for both photos and videos. This technology could potentially revolutionize zoom functionality, providing crisp detail at extreme magnifications. Google’s cinematic blur feature is also expected to see improvements, supporting 4K30 video and a new “video relight” function to adjust lighting effects in recorded footage, along with improved power efficiency during video recording by almost 40%.
With these advancements, the upcoming Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 will set new standards in both video quality and AI-enhanced editing, while also addressing user experience with powerful, reliable face unlock that works regardless of lighting conditions. Google’s use of AI to redefine smartphone photography and security marks a forward-thinking shift, positioning its Pixel lineup as a leader in mobile technology.