Google has added four new smartphones to its Pixel series, and tech experts have hailed a 'clever' new feature not found on Apple or Samsung devices. On August 20, Google's Pixel 11 finally landed alongside its three powerful siblings.
Alongside the base model and a brand-new foldable handset, the Pixel 11 series features two premium phones in the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, which come equipped with one distinctive feature. As well as an enhanced camera system, cutting-edge Gemini features and the lightning-fast Tensor G6 chip, an impressive new addition comes in the form of the HiLight.
How HiLight works
This ambient LED light wraps around the camera flash and illuminates when a call comes in while the phone is face down. What sets this apart is its customisable colour-coded function, which allows users to assign different colours to individual contacts.
Users could designate one colour for a parent and another for a partner so when the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight glows in one of these colours, it's immediately apparent who is calling. This allows people to quickly and effortlessly identify who is trying to reach them without glancing at the screen, enabling them to decide whether to pick up or divert to voicemail.
Beyond its clever notification system, HiLight is also seamlessly integrated with Google's AI assistant Gemini. Usually, users would need to consult their screen to confirm Gemini is listening during hands-free queries, but on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, the HiLight illuminates whenever Gemini is active, reports Birmingham Live.
TechRadar's verdict
Tech experts at TechRadar were given early access to the Pixel 11 series before its official launch and declared HiLight as 'the surprising standout'.
"Google's made nearly all the improvements I wanted to see, and HiLight is the surprising standout," they said. "HiLight can glow in that colour and tell you who's trying to reach you without you needing to pick up the phone."
"That feels particularly clever because flipping a Pixel face down has traditionally been a way to disconnect from it and silence notifications. HiLight doesn't completely undo that idea; instead, it gives you a way to stay disconnected while still knowing when something important is happening."
TechRadar added that HiLight's capabilities are 'relatively limited' at launch, but praised it for adding 'flair' to the Pixel 11 Pro models. "The Pro models get better displays and cameras, and a genuinely new hardware trick in HiLight. The Pro feels like the sweet spot, offering a true flagship experience that feels very much like a Pixel and tosses in some flair with HiLight."
Availability and pricing
HiLight is available on the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, both of which are available with discounts worth up to £850 at the Google Store. When purchasing either of these handsets by Tuesday, September 1, Google will knock up to £850 off when trading in an eligible device, which includes a £400 bonus on top of the standard value.
Prices for the 256GB Pro and Pro XL start at £1,079 and £1,279 respectively, but with Google's trade-in offer these can be lowered to £229 and £429, depending on the device exchanged. It's worth noting the full £850 is calculated on trading in an iPhone 16 Pro 1TB, so other handsets may receive a lower value. Google will also include six months of Google AI Pro and three months of YouTube Premium, worth a combined £152.
Many users will require a SIM to accompany the phone if purchasing outright, but as Google supplies its handsets unlocked, they can be selected from any network. Giffgaff is now offering its 18-month unlimited SIM for £14 (was £25), while its monthly-rolling unlimited SIM is now £20 (was £35).
Meanwhile, Currys-backed Mobiles.co.uk is giving away a set of free Pixel Buds Pro 2 with its rival offer with the Pixel 11 Pro on a 24-month contract. The is available on iD Mobile's £29.99 per month tariff, with £129 upfront for 100GB. The equivalent tariff for the Pro XL comes in at £35.99 per month with £129 required upfront.
