Pixel 9 series to get a much-needed fingerprint sensor upgrade

The Pixel 9 series may fix a significant drawback of Google smartphones. The next-gen Pixels will reportedly feature an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, letting go of the suboptimal optical sensor for good. The entire Pixel 9 lineup will get this important QoL (quality of life) upgrade.

Google to upgrade the Pixel 9 to an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor

Google arrived at the under-display fingerprint sensor scene later than the competition. The Pixel 6 (2021) was the first model to upgrade from the traditional rear-mounted capacitive sensors. However, unlike some rivals, the company chose to use an optical solution rather than an ultrasonic one—Samsung moved from a rear-mounted capacitive sensor to an under-display ultrasonic sensor with the Galaxy S10 series in 2019.

That’s not to say that optical sensors aren’t outright poor. They are slower, less accurate, and more sensitive to moisture or dirt than ultrasonic sensors. However, the Pixel 6’s fingerprint recognition had some severe reliability issues that likely originated from the Goodix-sourced hardware. Google addressed the problem to some extent via software updates and further improved things with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series.

But all this while, it stuck to an optical sensor. The much-needed jump to an ultrasonic sensor might finally come this year. Android Authority has learned that the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will all feature an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor. While Goodix recently launched its own ultrasonic sensor, Google isn’t relying on the firm anymore. The Pixel 9 series will use Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008) sensor.

This is the same fingerprint-sensing hardware as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s tried and tested and is incredibly fast and reliable. Of course, it isn’t a day-night gap over optical sensors. However, existing Pixel users upgrading to the Pixel 9 may feel the difference. The bottom line is an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor is always better than an optical sensor. So, kudos to Google for finally making the switch.

The Pixel Fold 2 won’t get this upgrade

Google has confirmed that the Pixel 9 series will debut on August 13. The Pixel Fold 2 should accompany the flagship trio. However, it may not get the upgraded fingerprint sensor. Like Samsung’s foldables, Google will equip its second-gen Fold with a side-mounted sensor embedded into the power button. The new Google foldable is said to feature Samsung’s M14 OLED display, the same as the Pixel 9 series. It is the best smartphone display yet, better than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.