Pixel 11 reportedly getting ‘improved’ face unlock as 11a said to use Tensor G6

While we wait for the Pixel 11 launch, rumors about the Pixel 11a and even 12a are already emerging.

While we wait for the Pixel 11 launch, rumors about the Pixel 11a and even 12a are already emerging. According to Mystic Leaks, the Pixel 11a, which is codenamed “Formosan,” will be powered by the latest Tensor G6 chip. This comes after the Pixel 10a used the same chip as its immediate predecessor, with rumors suggesting G5 was too expensive.

That will be paired with the latest Titan M3 security chip, PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU, and MediaTek M90 modem, though the RAM remains at 8 GB. The 6.3-inch display remains 1080×2424, though there’s a slight bump in brightness to 2,250 nits HDR and 3,350 nits peak. However, there is a slight downgrade in the minimum battery capacity to 4,870 mAh from 5,000 mAh on the 10a.

The only camera specification today is that there will be a new front-facing camera codenamed “dokkaebi.” In terms of colors, there will be Obsidian (black) and Fog (described as silver), while the fun colors are Olive (green) and Frost (purple). The Pixel 11a will presumably launch in March of 2027, while Mystic Leaks also shared that the Pixel 12a codename is “marmoset” (monkey).

In terms of what’s launching next month, today’s post says “Google actually has improved Face Unlock in the Pixel 11.” Specifically, a “source” is credited as saying that the experience will be “faster, more secure and accurate in low-light.” The Pixel 11 was rumored to introduce IR-powered face unlock.

In May, Mystic Leaks shared that the hardware is “simply still not ready for release.” Today’s update has no other details, such as whether these improvements are software-based or whether the hardware is actually ready. It’s not obvious how algorithm updates could address the lack of light needed for the current camera-only approach.