The Pixel 11 Pro’s flashlight is a little bit worse because of ‘HiLight’ [Gallery]

The Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature actively degrades its flashlight performance. Google's new rear LED system, marketed as HiLight, compromises the basic flashlight function that every other phone handles without issue.

This is not a minor tradeoff for a meaningful gain. HiLight delivers limited practical utility while simultaneously making one of the most-used hardware features on any smartphone measurably worse.

The full piece includes a gallery showing the real-world impact. Read it to understand exactly what Google sacrificed, and why this decision raises questions about hardware priorities on a flagship device.