Google is planning to significantly improve the unlocking system on its new Pixel 9 smartphone series by introducing an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. This could be the answer to long-standing user complaints about the operation of the under-display scanners on previous models.

According to 9to5Google citing Android Authority, the new Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro smartphones will feature a Qualcomm 3D Sonic Gen 2 ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, a significant improvement over the optical sensors used in current Pixel models.

Ultrasonic technology uses sound waves to create a three-dimensional image of the fingerprint, which provides greater accuracy and speed of unlocking. The advantage is especially noticeable when working with wet fingers. By the way, a similar sensor is already used in the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The surface area of ​​the new scanner has been increased by 77% compared to the previous generation, facilitating finger positioning and enabling the processing of 1.7 times more biometric data.

It is worth noting that Google did not switch to ultrasonic technology for a long time, despite numerous complaints from users about optical scanners, especially when using protective films on the screen. The company implemented universal face unlock on the Pixel 8 as a temporary solution, but this feature has limitations when working in low-light conditions.

The introduction of an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 9 is expected to significantly improve the user experience and security of the device. Official confirmation of this information has not yet been received from Google.