Key Points:
- Pixel 9 lineup ditches optical sensors for faster, more secure ultrasonic technology.
- Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 sensor, the same as Galaxy S24 Ultra, promises improved performance.
- The upgrade addresses previous concerns about the slowness and inaccuracy of Pixel’s fingerprint sensor.
Google’s highly anticipated Pixel 9 series, launching a touch earlier than usual on August 13th, is poised for a significant upgrade in the realm of fingerprint security. According to a recent report by Android Authority, citing reliable sources, the Pixel 9 lineup will abandon the optical fingerprint sensor used in previous iterations like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, in favor of a more advanced ultrasonic sensor. This exciting development encompasses all three models – the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and the newly introduced Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, the Pixel Fold 2 will reportedly retain a capacitive fingerprint sensor integrated within its home button.
Intensifying the intrigue surrounding this upgrade is the revelation that Google has opted for the very same ultrasonic fingerprint sensor unit gracing the Galaxy S24 series, including its top-of-the-line Ultra model. This sensor, designated as the Qualcomm 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008), has already garnered praise for its superior speed and reliability compared to the optical sensors that plagued previous Pixel phones.
The report sheds light on the shortcomings of the optical fingerprint sensors employed in Pixel devices since the Pixel 6. These sensors, manufactured by Goodix, while functional in securing the device, were consistently criticized for their sluggish performance and lack of accuracy when compared to ultrasonic sensors. Additionally, users encountered issues with unlocking the screen when their fingers were even slightly damp.
Another point of contention with the optical sensors was their behavior in low-light environments. The unlocking process often involved a burst of light illuminating the user when the sensor area wasn’t completely covered by the finger.
The decision to embrace ultrasonic technology in the Pixel 9 series signifies a welcome departure from these drawbacks. This upgrade joins a growing list of exciting enhancements for the upcoming lineup, including a captivating new Pink colorway recently unveiled in leaked hands-on videos. With the official unveiling scheduled for next month, anticipation for the Pixel 9 series continues to build.
