Earlier this week, Google did some extensive work by unveiling the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (and the rest of the Pixel 9 series), but more specs and features are coming to light after the event, including a major security upgrade for the Google Pixel Fold’s successor.
As reported by Android PoliceThe Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s face unlock feature is a step up from the original Pixel Fold. While the previous foldable phone also had facial recognition (in addition to fingerprint recognition), it’s harder to fool on the new model.
That means you can use your face to unlock secure apps (like password managers or banking apps), as well as the phone itself. It’s a little extra peace of mind if someone else gains access to your phone.
You can verify the upgrade on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by opening Settings and going to Security and privacy, Device LockAnd Fingerprint and face unlockOn that screen, you’ll find the option to use your face to access the most secure apps on the device.
Different class
While many Android phones offer facial recognition, not all of them offer the same level of accuracy and reliability – the kind of accuracy and reliability you get with Face ID on Apple devices like the iPhone 15, for example.
It all comes down to the hardware and software built into the phone. A standard front-facing selfie camera can recognize a face, but it can also be tricked into taking a photo of someone – making it a less than impenetrable defense.
With an added depth sensor to measure the contours of a face, the tech is much more robust. This is known as Class 3 biometric protection, the highest available, and it seems likely that this is what the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has.
Head over to our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold hands-on to find out our first impressions of the device, and we’ll be writing up a full review soon. We also spent time with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
