Reports that Google will finally adopt 'ultrasonic fingerprint sensor' on Pixel 9

Foreign media Android Authority has reported that the Pixel 9 series, which will be released in the fall of 2024, will be equipped with a more reliable ultrasonic sensor rather than an optical fingerprint sensor, which has previously been criticized for its accuracy.

Google is switching the Pixel 9 to an ultrasonic fingerprint reader - Android Authority
https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-9-fingerprint-scanner-3456801/

Google has been using an optical in-display fingerprint sensor since the Pixel 6. However, early optical sensors had problems such as slow response, low accuracy, sensitivity to moisture and dirt on the finger, and poor accuracy even when the finger was dry.

Google's SoC 'Tensor' performance is thoroughly verified by benchmarking the Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro, and the usability of 'eraser magic' and fingerprint authentication is also checked - GIGAZINE

Optical sensors also have other problems, such as their accuracy being further reduced outdoors at night or in a dark room, because they use a mechanism to read fingerprints using strong light emitted from the display, and the light entering your eyes and causing glare if the sensor is not completely covered by your finger.

According to Android Authority, the Pixel 9, which will be released in the fall of 2024, will be equipped with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor instead of an optical one. Ultrasonic sensors read fingerprints by reflecting ultrasonic waves that are placed on a finger, and can be used at night and are generally considered to be more accurate than optical sensors.

Leaker Kamila Wojciechska, who provided this information to Android Authority, said, 'The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will all use the new ultrasonic sensor,' meaning that all models will have the ultrasonic sensor except for the upcoming Pixel Fold 2, which is likely to maintain the sensor built into the power button.

An ULTRASONIC fingerprint sensor for the Pixel 9? #pixel9 #fingerprint #smartphone - YouTube


The sensor unit used is Qualcomm's 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008), the same model as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra .

Android Authority said, 'This is good news, as fingerprint scanners on Samsung devices have always been excellent. While overall unlocking ease and speed aren't determined solely by the hardware, ultrasonic sensors generally perform better than optical sensors.'

The Pixel 9 series is expected to be unveiled at Google's new product launch event 'Made by Google' on August 14, 2024.

Google will hold 'Made by Google' to announce new Pixel products from 2:00 on August 14, 2024, and will announce the Pixel 9 series and Pixel Watch 3 - GIGAZINE