The latest Google mobiles have arrived on the market without facial unlocking, but this does not mean that the option did not exist: as we now know, Google removed it from phones shortly before releasing them. And we were able to steal said unlock thanks to a ROM: Pixel Experience.
Few Android mobiles have the security of a 3D facial scanner, as Apple includes it in iPhones with Face ID or Huawei in some of its mobiles, such as the Huawei Mate 40 Pro. It is the only system with enough security so that no one uses the phone without the permission of the owner. And while a camera can do enough facial analysis, you run the risk of unlocking your phone with just a photo. Many brands are removing face unlock for this reason, surely as happened to Google.
The Google Pixel 6 are prepared for face unlock
Initial Face Unlock Setup
Google pulled the feature at the last minute and everything indicates that it intends to introduce it again in an upcoming quarterly update, still in a single model: the Google Pixel 6 Pro. Although the hardware is very similar to that of the Pixel 6, Google considers the feature to be premium; so it would stay on top mobile.
Although it cannot be physically activated, face unlock exists in the Google Pixel software. And we were able to test it in the Pixel Experience ROM that we installed in the Xiaomi Mi A3, a ROM that simulates, precisely, the Google Pixel 6 Pro.
All security panel operation and access configuration menus fit into the Material You design that prevails in Android 12.
We tested the feature extensively and the truth is that it behaves like a charm: instant unlock and much more efficient than using fingerprint. Even if so, it’s less secure: despite Google’s AI facial recognition, a Pixel 6 Pro with this unlock could open the door with a simple photo.
Unlock by face recognition in security options
The interface extracted from Pixel Experience is that of the Google Pixel 6 Pro, it is translated into Spanish except for a few specific phrases. And, as we said at the beginning, sure to land on phones in a future update. Although less secure, it can be used in addition in the event that the mobile does not leave the house too much, for example.
