Since the launch of the Google Pixel in 2016, all the models have come with a fingerprint scanner. Earlier, the scanner was at the rear, and then it switched to under the display with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
However, one generation of Pixels, in particular, didn’t come with any fingerprint scanner. They were the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL.
It’s ten months into 2024, and we had the Pixel 9 series launch a couple of months back. It was a usual generational upgrade, just like most other smartphones. The Pixel 10 series will come out next year, as expected. However, even before the Pixel 10 leaks, we received new Pixel 11 leaks.
Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4XL were launched by Google in 2019. They came with an IR face unlock for biometrics rather than the fingerprint scanner. This version of face unlock is known to be more secure than just using the selfie camera. Additionally, it’s also known to be quicker and work in dark environments.
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL did this by making the top bezel of the phone thicker to accommodate the required hardware. However, it looks like an improved version of this feature may come back in Pixels, starting with the Pixel 11.
According to Android Authority, in the documentation they viewed, Google Tensor G6’s Image Signal Processor (ISP) will be getting support for an under-display IR camera system. They also reported the image signal processor (ISP) will also have a new “lite” front end designed specifically for this purpose. This will also allow the chip to be more efficient and, thus, less power-hungry.
It is important to note that just because a processor supports a feature doesn’t mean the phone will utilize it. However, it may still imply the company may be considering it for the future. However, if Google decides to continue with this feature, then it may potentially match Apple’s rumored under-display FaceID, which is coming in 2026.
Although all this was about the IR tech being under the display, the documentation reportedly does not mention anything about the selfie camera. Most likely, the selfie camera will not be under display.
With the current technology, under-display selfie cameras have much worse image quality. So, with Google being known to prioritize camera performance, it’s given that the selfie camera will stay in a punch-hole cutout.
