The Pixel 11 Pro might eliminate its temperature sensor, and I’m uncertain if that’s a positive change.
What you need to know
– Pixel 11 Pro leaked images reveal a recognizable design, but the infrared temperature sensor could be absent.
– Google seems to be refining the camera bar, removing the two-tone appearance for a more streamlined look.
– The phone may retain a compact form factor with dimensions similar to its predecessor and a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED screen.
Google’s design team frequently states, if something is effective, don’t change it. Nevertheless, there are times when well-functioning features simply vanish unnoticed.
Recent CAD images of the Pixel 11 Pro (arriving shortly after the leaked Pixel 11 visuals), released by Android Headlines in partnership with @OnLeaks on X, provide the clearest view yet of Google’s upcoming flagship. The design is recognizable, but one element seems to be absent: the infrared temperature sensor.
To summarize, the Pixel 10 Pro introduced a thermometer-like sensor within the camera bar. This distinctive feature enabled users to scan surface temperatures or even gauge someone’s temperature. It wasn’t a primary selling feature, but some users found it unexpectedly beneficial.
Now, the new images indicate that Google is enhancing the design of the camera bar. The Pixel 10 Pro’s two-tone style has been replaced. Instead, it features a single black camera bar, with the body color only around the edges. It appears sleeker, but this likely indicates the sensor is no longer included.
Aside from that, the Pixel 11 Pro seems to mirror the previous version closely. The reported measurements are 152.7 x 71.8 x 8.4mm, nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro but slightly slimmer. It will probably maintain the 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which continues to be one of the finest options for a compact flagship.
RAM might decrease
Internally, the Tensor G6 chip is highly probable. The primary concern is RAM. The Pixel 10 Pro featured 16GB, but due to fluctuating component costs, Google may reduce it to 12GB to manage expenses. This hasn’t been confirmed yet, but since other Android manufacturers are making similar adjustments, it’s something to monitor.
Storage could also be adjusted. The Pixel 10 Pro XL eliminated the 128GB entry model. If Google follows suit with the smaller Pro and begins at 256GB, users would benefit from increased storage at what is likely to remain $999, or it might help mitigate a potential price rise.
The Pixel 11 series is anticipated to debut in August, in line with Google’s typical release timeline.
Android Central’s Take
Once more, Google appears to be discreetly removing a handy feature for the sake of aesthetics, and honestly, it’s a bit exasperating. The temperature sensor wasn’t revolutionary, but it was distinctive—a rare situation of Google incorporating something practical rather than merely concentrating on thinner bezels or a marginally sleeker camera bump.