The Google Pixel 9 could finally fix a bug that’s been plaguing us for years
Google’s upcoming Pixel 9 series is getting a much-needed upgrade: a better fingerprint scanner.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Android Authority reports that the smartphone line will feature Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 ultrasonic fingerprint scanner at launch. That’s the same component that powers fingerprint unlocking and authentication on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.
To understand how big of an upgrade this is, you first have to understand the current situation on Pixel phones. To put it mildly, users are not happy with the optical fingerprint scanner in Google’s hardware. You can find Reddit threads going back years where people consistently complain about the feature’s poor performance. A person called it “useless,” while another wondered if there was something wrong with their fingers.
Android Authority explains that optical scanners simply aren’t that good. They’re slow, often inaccurate, and susceptible to moisture and dirt. Dirty fingerprints can mess up the sensor. The technology also doesn’t perform well in low-light environments.
“Optical scanners require the screen to flash a very bright light,” the publication said. If you don’t completely cover the “circle on the screen,” you’ll simply be hit with a blinding light. It’s one reason why many smartphone manufacturers have moved away from optical sensors.
Ultrasonic improvements
Ultrasonic scannerson the other hand, are much better. As the name suggests, the technology works by “sending pulses of ultrasonic sound waves from the transducer to your finger.” This allows the hardware to pick up the echo as it bounces back, making the sensor faster and more reliable than the old technology.
Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 adds its own twist by creating a “deeply accurate image” of a person’s fingerprints, pores and all. It highlights all the unique features found on a user’s prints, making the technology safer than optical scanners. 3D Sonic even offers “high performance under a wide range of operating conditions.” It doesn’t matter if your fingers are dry, wet or have a bit of schmutz on them. The ultrasonic scanner works either way.
The report claims that every Pixel 9 variant will feature the new part, except the upcoming Pixel Fold 2. The sensor will remain on the power button.
Google is hosting an event on August 13, where we can expect to see a smorgasbord of Pixel devices, from smartphones to smartwatches, perhaps a new pair of Pixel Buds. We’d highly recommend staying tuned for news coverage for when the big stuff arrives.
Until then, check out TechRadar’s list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.
