Google Pixel 9 Series Takes a Page from Samsung's Playbook

Written by Camilla Jessen

Aug.15 - 2024 5:25 PM CET

Technology
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The Google Pixel 9 has "borrowed" a popular feature from Samsung’s Galaxy S24.

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The Google Pixel 9 series has integrated a popular feature previously seen in the Samsung Galaxy S24.

For the first time, Google has chosen to abandon the traditional optical fingerprint reader in favor of more advanced ultrasound-based technology, which has already gained popularity in Samsung's Galaxy S24 series.

The new ultrasonic fingerprint reader in the Pixel 9 series is the same as Qualcomm's acclaimed 3D Sonic Gen 2.

According to Google, this technology is 50 percent faster than the optical fingerprint reader used in previous Pixel models.

This improvement allows users to unlock their phones more quickly and with greater precision, as reported by Swedroid.

But the benefits extend beyond just speed.

Ultrasound technology creates a 3D image of the user's fingerprint using sound waves, offering higher security compared to the traditional 2D image used by optical readers.

This technology also excels in difficult conditions, such as when the finger is wet or greasy — situations that often pose challenges for optical readers.

Another advantage of this technology is that it allows the fingerprint to be scanned without the screen needing to light up, which improves the user experience, especially in dark environments.

This means that users are spared the blinding flash that often occurs when an optical reader is activated.

The Pixel 9 series is not only a step forward for Google but also a strong signal that they are ready to compete with some of the best in the market.