Overview
- Reviewers and users reported on Monday that the Pixel 11 Pro's rear flashlight is visibly weaker than prior Pixel models and some competitor phones.
- Independent preliminary testing measured the Pixel 11 Pro XL torch at about 89 lux versus roughly 123 lux on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, signaling a substantial drop in usable flashlight output.
- Coverage and side‑by‑side photos from outlets and Reddit trace the dimness to the milky diffuser that covers the HiLight LED array, which softens the beam for notification pulses but cuts usable lumen throw for a torch.
- Despite weaker raw torch output, reviewers find camera flash results for photos remain largely comparable thanks to image processing and different flash use in photography.
- Third‑party developers published a sideloaded app called HiLight Studio to unlock more LED control, a move that could increase pressure on Google to offer an official API or design change.