I’ve been a Google phone diehard for 10 years – here’s my 5-part wishlist for Pixel 11

Written by Artie Beaty, Contributing WriterContributing Writer July 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT Kerry Wan/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

Google has officially scheduled the Pixel 11 event — Aug. 12. In less than a month, we'll see what Google has in store for this year, including a redesigned Fold, the Pixel Watch 5, and the Pixel 11 phone lineup with the highly-touted Pixel Glow. Pixel Glow is a multi-colored LED light feature on the rear of the phone. It was initially thought this might be a light strip around the camera bar, but the latest leaks show a circular light that lives in the current flashlight position.  Also: Own a Pixel? You can add device protection now for $5/month – but should you? I've been a Pixel user since the first phone debuted in 2016, and I'm still firmly on team Google. However, I feel like Pixel phones are starting to become a little stale compared to the innovative powerhouse they once were. Google is promising a lot for its next phone series, and while I know some (maybe even most) of my wishlist won't happen, here's what I'd love to see at the Pixel 11 event.  First introduced with the Pixel 8 Pro in 2023, the built-in thermometer has become one of my favorite Pixel features. I use it often for a quick check if my kids aren't feeling well, and it's come in handy quite a few times if I'm out with family or friends and someone wonders if they might have a fever. It's a fantastic "check out what my phone can do" trick, and I can't count how many times someone asked how I did it.   Also: Google Pixel 10a review: Should Android users consider anything else at this price? Several leaks of the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro indicate that the temperature sensor is being dropped to make room for the Pixel Glow feature. It's not clear exactly what phones are getting Glow (at least the Pro), but I hope Google can find a way to eventually make these two features coexist if the shiny new lights are coming to the whole Pixel 11 lineup.  2. Maximum functionality for the Glow feature  If Google is going to kill my favorite feature for Pixel Glow, I hope it's not just a light show for notifications.