Google Pixels are the perfect choice for enjoying an Android experience “Made by Google”although they haven’t been without their failures: their software has had some incidents, such as the recent issue that renders the Pixel 6 unusable after factory reset.
However, on the hardware side, they have also received criticism, mainly for the Tensor processors – which will see a turning point next year – less powerful than those of the competition and for somewhat erratic fingerprint readers. Google plans to reverse this situation change the technology of said scanner, in its imminent launch.
An ultrasonic fingerprint reader, finally in the Pixel
Understanding the difference between different fingerprint sensor technologies is simple: basically, while optical ones use a “camera” to capture variations in our fingerprint, ultrasonic ones use sound and a tiny microphone.
Even the Pixel 8a, the latest to hit the market, still has an optical sensor
Which ones are better? There is a simple answer: the latter. ultrasonic sensors they are more precise and because of the speed of ultrasound, faster. Therefore, only some high-end premiums add them. And it’s not that previous Pixels weren’t, but Google opted for optical sensors to reduce the cost of production.
However, this has generated some reluctance from users who are looking for the best components in their next smartphone and now the search giant is going to give in to the evidence. As confirmed exclusively by Android Authority, the Pixel 9 will have for the first time an ultrasonic fingerprint reader.
Until the Pixel 6, the Mountain View-based company hadn’t made the leap to in-display fingerprint readers. Along with the addition of the first Google chip, the fingerprint sensor moved from the back to the front, closer and more natural for our fingers.
Unfortunately for Google, The change did not go as well as expected.: Users have been experiencing issues with both the unlock speed and reliability of said sensors. Over the course of updates, this has improved, as can be attested by a server with his Pixel 6a, which now behaves quite well.
Of course, that pales in comparison to the competition, which is putting ultrasonic sensors in its flagships. And today, with the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 as benchmarks, it continues to happen. Goodix It’s the company that supplied the optical sensors for the Google Pixel, and now it will find itself without some orders with the launch of the Pixel 9.
Among them, we know the versions in three sizes, the leaked performance tests, their cameras, screens and memories, and finally Google AI, the set of artificial intelligence functions that will compete with Galaxy AI and Apple Intelligence. Now, a new ultrasonic fingerprint reader is added Sonic Gen 2 3D by Qualcomm.
This is the same model that Samsung is mounting on your Galaxy S24 Ultra so that its proper functioning is ensured. It also depends, to a lesser extent, on the software, although we doubt that after this addition they will not be able to refine their performance.
The arrival of the ultrasonic scanner is confirmed for all variants of the Pixel 9, with the exception of the Pixel Fold, which keeps the reader on the power button. In any case, the August 13 We will dispel doubts: this is the date chosen to reveal them to the world.
Via | Android Authority
Cover image | Ivan Linares for Xataka
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