Google Pixel 6: here’s why its fingerprint sensor is slow and finicky

Since the launch of the Google Pixel 6, its fingerprint sensor has not been popular with users. Google explains why its system is slow and unresponsive.

Source: Arnaud Gelineau – Frandroid

the Google pixel 6 is now part the most beautiful references – if not the most beautiful – in its price segment. Its value for money has seduced the specialized press, to the point of obtaining a score of 9/10 in the columns of Frandroid. However, this phone is not without its flaws.

As many users point out, the smartphone’s fingerprint sensor seems to be a problem: it’s slow and “ fairly unresponsive, we must admit “, We even wrote in our test of the Pixel 6. A defect that deteriorates the experience and prevents a person from accessing their phone smoothly.

A story of algorithms

On Twitter, a certain “ian” has also directly addressed the Mountain View firm on this subject. The interested party declares his love for the Pixel 6, but firmly complains about the fingerprint sensor spoiling his experience. Most of the time, he has to do it 6 or 7 times… before having to type in his code. Damn annoying.

Google Pixel 6 // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

To this indictment, Google provides an answer :“We are sorry for these problems. The Pixel 6’s sensor uses strong security algorithms. In some cases, these protective layers may take longer to verify the impression or require more direct contact with the sensor.“.

Security algorithms are therefore the cause of the problem. It’s a shame, because Google uses an optical fingerprint sensor that is less precise and easier to fool than an ultrasound system, but which is also supposed to work a bit faster. However, this is clearly not the case.

Towards a software patch?

The Mountain View firm relies heavily on its algorithms and has complete confidence in its expertise in this area. Except that here, the security algorithms seem to thwart Google’s plans, by slowing down the operation of the optical fingerprint sensor.

Google could perhaps use a software update to correct this extremely disturbing daily anomaly. The group has not yet communicated on any solution and is content to publish the same message of apology to the complainants. We cannot yet confirm that these concerns also affect the Pixel 6 Pro, but it is very likely.

The Google Tensor chip is undoubtedly the greatest curiosity of the new Pixel 6. Anandtech has peeled it all over the place to better understand Google’s choices.
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