Skip to main content

Watch the Pixel 6a’s fingerprint sensor beat the Pixel 6 Pro

Despite launching with several admirable qualities, Google’s Pixel 6’s fingerprint sensor proved to be the phone’s Achilles heel. Google’s Pixel 6a is ditching that for a much faster fingerprint sensor. And now, a video has emerged to show just how fast its improved sensor really is.

Google had typically offered some of the best fingerprint sensors on smartphones with its ‘Pixel Imprint’ sensors. Debuting on the original Pixel in 2016 and running all the way through the Pixel 5a, the Pixel Imprint’s location on the rear of the phone made unlocking an easy and convenient task, with Pixel phones being unlocked as soon as they came out of pockets.

Google Pixel 6a camera close up.

The Pixel 6 didn’t have that luxury, as Google switched to a more futuristic — but ultimately unreliable — front-facing in-display sensor. A slew of software updates have rolled out to attempt to fix it, but software can only go so far to cover for flawed hardware.

An early review of the Pixel 6a shows the faster fingerprint sensor in action, and it truly competes more than favorably with the 6 Pro despite the phone being much cheaper. By way of comparison, our Pixel 6 Pro review called out that fingerprint sensor for being “rubbish,” “slow,” and “unreliable.”

Pixel Paling Murah ! Google Pixel 6a Review ?

Google’s seemingly learned from the reception of the Pixel 6 and targeted areas where it can squeeze out a tangible improvement, despite the Pixel 6a being a more affordable and less technically impressive handset. It has the first-generation Tensor chipset, warts and all. It also touts the older camera of the Pixel 5 and 5a, a smaller battery, and a slow 60Hz display where Android rivals from the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi feature 90Hz or even 120Hz displays. Still, the Pixel 6a should be a good phone for the price — especially if you need something with a fast and reliable fingerprint sensor. The 6a is set to launch on July 28.

Editors' Recommendations

Michael Allison
A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…
Have the Android 14 beta on your Pixel? You need to download this update now
Google Pixel 7a held in hand showing home screen

Google revealed a bunch of new goodies during its opening keynote for Google I/O 2023, showing off its latest advancements in AI with Bard, as well as the brand new Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. There was also a sneak peek at upcoming features in Android 14, including new lock screen clocks, shortcuts, and generative AI wallpapers.

If you have a Pixel phone, like the new Pixel 7a or the older Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, then -- surprise -- Google is rolling out the Android 14 Beta 2 starting right now.

Read more
The Pixel 7 Pro’s camera has finally met its match
The Huawei P60 Pro with the Google Pixel 7 Pro.

Huawei was once the camera phone brand to beat, with amazing models like the Mate 20 Pro and Huawei P30 Pro impressing with their ability — and setting significant trends in motion.

But over the past years, it has struggled to compete with Samsung and Google -- and more recently with brands like Xiaomi. However, there’s something different about the new Huawei P60 Pro.

Read more
Google Pixel Watch 2 may launch a lot sooner than we thought
Google Assistant listening on the Google Pixel Watch.

We're expecting a lot of Google Pixel hardware in 2023, and according to one new report, one of Google's upcoming releases this year is the Pixel Watch 2.

A report from 9to5Google on May 5 cites a "source" that claims the Google Pixel Watch 2 will be released later this fall alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Given Google's past Pixel smartphone releases, that means we'll likely see the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8 series debut in early October.
We could see the Pixel Watch 2 next week

Read more