Google Explains Why Pixel 6 Fingerprint Scanner Is Not Blazing Fast

Google has decided to explain why the Pixel 6 series fingerprint scanner is not blazing fast. Before we get into it, do note that both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have an optical in-display fingerprint scanner.

They utilize the very same fingerprint scanner, by the way. These two phones are the first Google-made smartphones with an in-display fingerprint scanner, by the way. Up to this point, Google has been using capacitive fingerprint scanners.

Something that users were able to notice, when it comes to these fingerprint scanners, is that they’re slower than what the competition offers. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, for example, also have optical fingerprint scanners, and are considerably faster. The same goes for OPPO and Vivo flagships.

The Galaxy S21 series includes ultrasonic fingerprint scanners, and they’re also noticeably faster. So, what’s the deal? Why are the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro’s fingerprint scanners slower?

Google explains why the Pixel 6 fingerprint scanner is not as fast as it should be

Well, Google says it’s because of “enhanced security algorithms”. Google didn’t really go any further than that, but it seems like there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.

We’re not sure if Google can and will improve this via software updates, but that would be nice to see. Let’s hope that these fingerprint scanners will work better as time goes on, as they are not exactly shinning at the moment.

Knowing Google, it’s easily possible these algorithms will get used to your fingerprint scans and improve recognition over time. It wouldn’t be the first time a Pixel functionality improved over time, that’s for sure.

For the time being, though, you’ll have to deal with somewhat slower fingerprint scans. These fingerprint scanners, in our experience, take about half a second to unlock, though we didn’t really have a way to test that.

Let’s hope it will improve in time

They do feel slower than the competition, but it’s not something to panic about, you get used to it, that’s for sure. It would be nice to see some improvement, though.