Google Pixel 11 face unlock could rival iPhone's Face ID with nighttime capabilities

Rumor mill: With under-screen fingerprint scanners, Android phones don't necessarily need face unlock – especially since a secure version requires complex hardware, like the setup Apple uses in its iPhone notch. Still, a new leak suggests Google thinks it's a feature worth adding to the Pixel 11.

The scoop comes from Android Authority, which obtained internal documentation from Google's chip division. According to these documents, Google is exploring the idea of integrating an under-display infrared camera into the upcoming Tensor G6 processor, which is expected to power the Pixel 11 series.

The publication explains that a newly designed "lite" front-end component for the image signal processor, developed specifically for under-display cameras, would enable the chip to manage these systems more efficiently and with reduced power consumption.

Currently, Pixel devices already offer face unlock. Notably, since the Pixel 8, the implementation meets Android's highest biometric security standard (Class 3), meaning it could theoretically be used for high-security applications, such as payment verification. These cameras feature dual-pixel autofocus (DPAF) to scan faces in 3D with the help of machine learning.

However, the current setup relies on the standard selfie camera, which limits its functionality in low light and lacks the sophistication of Apple's Face ID.

It's also worth noting that, back in the Pixel 4 days, Google used a more advanced face unlock system with dual IR cameras and a dot projector, enabling reliable facial recognition even in low light – though it still fell short of Face ID's security standards. This new under-display approach seems to be inspired by that earlier, more robust setup.

As Android Authority points out, adding this capability to the Tensor G6 doesn't guarantee it'll make it into the final Pixel 11 phones. Google could decide to scrap or delay the feature. Still, with Apple and Android brands constantly striving to outdo each other, Google would miss a significant chance to compete head-on with the iPhone's authentication system if they chose to hold back.

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Google Pixel 11 face unlock could rival iPhone's Face ID with nighttime capabilities

I hate fingerprint readers, but that's mostly because I have gloves on at work and, when I don't, my finger prints are covered in dirt making them unreadable. The face ID is fairly useful, but I ended up having to enter in my pin for apps constantly anyway because many only support your fingerprint as a biometric. I find this REALLY ANNOYING because many apps just open the fingerprint reader by default and it's impossible to turn off. Or in the case of my banking app, you can turn the fingerprinter on but it cannot be turned off once it is turned on. You have to hit the X on the fingerprint reader and then manually enter your pin.

I have no idea where I was going with this. Anyone need a tangent? It would seem I have a few extras in my lunch box....

I just wish they would go back to the fingerprint sensor on the back, or on the side. Much more convenient and natural. But, just like removable battery & headphone jacks, they won't.