Pixel 6 Fingerprint Scanner Is Not Good

J. Fingas, writing for Engadget:

Ask Pixel 6 owners about their top gripe and they’ll likely point to the slow, finicky fingerprint sensor. There may be an explanation for that momentary anguish, though. Google is telling users that the Pixel 6’s fingerprint reader is using “enhanced security algorithms” that may either take longer to check your digits or require better sensor contact.

Google hasn’t elaborated on its statement. We’ve asked Google for comment.

That’s in reference to this tweet from the Made By Google account:

We’re sorry for the hassle. The Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor utilizes enhanced security algorithms. In some instances, these added protections can take longer to verify or require more direct contact with the sensor. Try troubleshooting steps: https://goo.gle/36GYhYB. Thanks.

That is some seriously weak sauce. I read a bunch of Pixel 6 reviews, and while the phones were received very well overall — particularly the cameras’ still photo capabilities, as usual — every single review mentioned that the fingerprint recognition was too slow.

Is this a dealbreaker? I don’t know. But fast, accurate biometric authentication — fingerprint or facial recognition — is table stakes for a phone today. The face unlock feature on my two-year-old Pixel 4 works perfectly. Seems weird that Google would ditch a good facial recognition scanner for a slow fingerprint scanner.

★ Tuesday, 9 November 2021