Google recently announced the Pixel 6a with an in-display fingerprint scanner. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also have this type of scanner, but it has proven to be very slow. Reason for Google to provide the Pixel 6a with another, faster one.
There are roughly two types of fingerprint scanners; optical and ultrasonic. The first one works with vision, the latter with sound waves. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages, but for users, one stands out. Optical scanners are slower and it is precisely this type that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro uses.
Therefore, it also rained complaints after the introduction of both premium phones. Google is now listening to that because according to Android Central, the Pixel 6a uses a different type. Whether this is actually an ultrasonic we do not know, those details were not given.
Biometric security
Incidentally, Google did make improvements to the speed of the fingerprint scanner of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro via software updates. Yet it remains slower than those of competitors, to the dismay of users. Especially since there is no other way of biometric security available. For example, current Pixel phones don't have face unlocking. But according to rumors, Google is working on adding that.
Pixel 6a prices
Google announced the Pixel 6a during Google I/O and only mentioned 1 price there: $449. The company has since announced more prices in various currencies, including euros. Below is a list.
| Country | Price |
|---|---|
| Germany | EUR 459 |
| France | EUR 459 |
| Italy | EUR 459 |
| Ireland | EUR 459 |
| Spain | EUR 459 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 399 |
| United States | USD 449 |
| Australia | AUD 479 |
| Canada | CAD 599 |
| Singapore | SGD 749 |
| Taiwan | NTD 13.990 |
| Japan | JPY 53,900 |
The Google Pixel 6a will be available for order starting July 21 and should be in stores a week later. Available colors are Charcoal (black), Sage (green), and Chalk (white).
