Google Pixel devices usually leak their software features last. It is often only right before launch that we learn about the new software, but hardware details are typically leaked months in advance.
Due to a leak from Google’s gChips division, Android Authority has viewed credible documents that hint at a few new features expected on the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11.
AI Features:
Google phones are currently heavily focused on AI features, and the upcoming Pixel phones are no different.
With its improved TPU, Tensor G5 (expected to debut in Pixel 10 series and newer) will be able to perform “Video Generative ML”. Taking a closer look at the intended use case reveals what this feature will do: “Post-capture Generative AI-based Intuitive Video Editing for the Photos app.” Clearly, Google is using artificial intelligence to improve the editing of videos, but we don’t know what that means precisely. YouTube Shorts might also be able to use the feature.
It’s also developing “Speak-to-Tweak,” an LLM-based editing tool, as well as “Sketch-to-Image,” a self-explanatory feature that’s similar to Samsung’s Galaxy AI feature. In addition, Google’s Gemini project is developing a Sketch-to-Image feature.
The leaked documents also reveal that Google is working on a “Magic Mirror” feature. The Tensor G5 also should be able to run Stable Diffusion-based models locally, which can be used in Pixel Studio instead of the current server-based solution.
Camera Upgrades:
With Google’s heavy focus on cameras, it’s not surprising that many of its new features revolve around them. Tensor G5 finally supports 4K 60fps HDR video, while previous models could only support 4K 30fps HDR.
For both photos and videos, the Pixel 11 may also offer 100x zoom capabilities through Machine Learning. The algorithms used for each format are likely to differ, so don’t expect identical results. There is also mention of an upcoming “next generation” telephoto camera, suggesting that significant hardware upgrades are in the works.
On the Pixel 11, Cinematic Blur gets an upgrade with support for 4K 30fps and a “video relight” feature that changes lighting conditions in videos. This new functionality is made possible by the chip’s “Cinematic Rendering Engine.” With the new hardware block, video recording with blur consumes almost 40% less power.
The Pixel 11 may also offer “Ultra Low Light video,” which is also known as “Night Sight video.” This feature already exists, but it requires cloud processing, whereas this one does not. According to Google, the feature is intended to work under lighting conditions of 5-10 lux. It would be comparable to the brightness of a candle placed about one meter away in a dimly lit room or a cloudy sky at dusk. For the new feature to work, new camera hardware will also be needed.
New Health features:
With a new “nanoTPU” in the low-power Tensor G6, Google plans to add ML-based always-on features to its Pixel phones. Some of the features are health-related, including “agonal breathing, coughing, snoring, sneezing, sleep apnea detection, fall detection, gait analysis, and sleep stages monitoring.” The app also detects emergency sound events.
A collection of tools for runners, such as “coachable pace” and “balance and oscillation” analysis, is included in “Running ML.”
IR Camera on Pixel 11:
Due to smaller bezels on phones, frontal real estate became more valuable. As a result, everything except the camera had to be removed. This resulted in the loss of IR cameras, which were useful for fast, secure authentication even in complete darkness.
Several credible documents from Google’s chips division have been viewed by Android Authority, indicating the Pixel 11 will have an under-display infrared camera.
All Google phones since the Pixel 7 series have a face authentication solution using a color camera. This is a useful feature, but it’s no more secure than a dedicated IR camera. Additionally, it only works in bright light, so it’s less versatile.
Google may be about to make another major change to face unlock on Pixel phones. IR cameras will be integrated into the Google Tensor G6’s image signal processor, according to the documentation we reviewed. An ISP chip designed specifically for this purpose will allow better and less power-hungry handling of such systems due to a new “lite” front end.
The Pixel 11 series does not necessarily have the feature, so just because a chip supports it doesn’t guarantee phones will, but at least Google is considering it. It is rumoured that Apple will launch a phone in 2026 with an under-display IR camera for Face ID if Google’s plan goes forward.
