Pixel 6a to get rid of the Pixel 6’s in-display fingerprint scanner

With some Pixel 6 owners still facing issues, it appears that the Pixel 6a will use a different in-display fingerprint scanner for biometric security.

The removal of the capacitive fingerprint scanner would probably have been less of a hassle if the optical in-display scanner wasn’t so finicky and unreliable for many people. The updates have helped improve overall performance and accuracy, but it’s worth noting that this hasn’t resolved the issues for all Pixel 6 or 6 Pro owners. In most cases, it will work, but multiple scans are needed of fingers before you can effectively unlock your device.

Fortunately, Google’s Rick Osterloh confirmed to android hub that the Pixel 6a is set to use a different in-display fingerprint scanner than the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. While this sounds great on the surface, it’s not yet clear if we’ll see a better quality or more accurate scanner on the Pixel 6a. . Instead, it could simply be an alternative that helps keep costs down on the $449 smartphone.

That said, we have high hopes for the device and if the Pixel 6a packs a faster and more accurate scanner than its more expensive counterparts, that could be a huge plus. Since in-screen scanner technology can vary from brand to brand, we don’t expect Google to stray too far from an optical reader. Samsung uses ultrasound in its flagship lines, but offers in-display optical fingerprint readers on devices like the Galaxy A series smartphones.

android police previously noted that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro currently use a Goodix fingerprint scanner for biometrics. This is the same company that provides OnePlus devices with the same device security technology. It’s unclear if Google will get fingerprint scanners for the Pixel 6a from other manufacturers or if a different model will be used in the future. Hopefully it will unlock every time you try to use it, something that often can’t be said for the flagship Pixel 6 or 6 Pro at the moment.