Lyra Martin Tech 06.27.2022 09:Jun AM EDT

Google's Pixel 6a Reportedly Faster, More Reliable With Fingerprint Scanner

Before Google announced the Pixel 6a during I/O 2022, a new review said the device's fingerprint scanner was faster than Google's Pixel 6 Pro.

Google acknowledged the Pixel 6's fingerprint scanner employs complex security algorithms, which may create a delay or need a more direct touch. This was after several reviews said that the sensor appeared slow.

Google Launched its Newest Pixel Gadget at the I/O 2022

Earlier this year, at the I/O 2022 keynote, Google unveiled its most recent Pixel gadget, the Pixel 6a. Even though the product hasn't yet hit the market, several leaks have occurred. In a hands-on video from a few weeks back, Malaysian YouTuber Fazli Halim offered us an in-depth look at the most recent cheap Pixel. The device's fingerprint reader is quicker than the one on Google's flagship Pixel 6 Pro, according to a thorough review just published.

The Google Pixel 6a, which went on sale on July 28, has seen a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Due to substantial trade-offs on display and primary camera compared to Google's flagships, this new phone will be the less expensive alternative to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro while still having some of the same capabilities.

The Pixel 6a will cost $449, the same as the Pixel 5a before it, the firm said at Google I/O 2022. Given that it has similarities to the $599 Pixel 6 in terms of specifications and functionality, the Pixel 6a is probably a great deal at that price. However, Verizon consumers need to fork out $499 to get mmWave.

It will replace the Snapdragon 765G and the very uninteresting design of the Pixel 5a by using the same Google Tensor technology and characteristic camera hump. The Pixel 6a will provide features and performance you seldom see on a mid-range handset, despite some significant downgrades compared to the Pixel 6.

People shouldn't have that issue with the Pixel 6a's fingerprint sensor. In the video, the phone is displayed next to a Pixel 6 Pro, and the Pixel 6a can be unlocked more quickly and consistently, while the Pixel 6 Pro requires you to press your finger down for a little bit longer. Both smartphones use in-screen fingerprint sensors, so it's conceivable that Google discovered a firmware patch (which would enable a repair for the flagship versions), or, more likely, the company just learned its lesson and switched to a different, more dependable sensor.

Some Reviews: Pixel 6 Series In-Display Fingerprint Sensors are Slow

For those unaware, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro's fingerprint scanner have been a topic of discussion since they were introduced to consumers last year. The in-display fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro reportedly seemed slow compared to other high-end flagships, according to multiple reviews after the smartphones went on sale.

Google has acknowledged the issue and explained why the fingerprint scanners on some of its most recent flagships might sometimes look slow. Despite these claims, Google changed the software for the Pixel 6 series in November 2017 to improve the fingerprint scanner's performance. However, there was a slight improvement after the change.

Google acknowledged that the Pixel 6's fingerprint scanner employs complex security algorithms, which can create a delay or need more direct touch with the sensor in response to a tweet from a user who was dissatisfied with how well it worked.

When Google debuted the less costly Pixel 6a at I/O this year, many were curious whether it would include a better in-display fingerprint scanner. It does, in fact, YouTuber Fazli Halim compares the fingerprint scanners on the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6a side by side in his review of the Pixel 6a.