Google claims the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro's slow fingerprint reader recognition is a feature, not a bug

Google has received plenty of praise for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, with the pair offering a lot of flagship hardware compared to the Pixel 5. Many reviewers have found that both devices have slow fingerprint readers though, which has not been a problem for previous Pixel smartphones.

Initially thought to be a software bug, Google has clarified that their recognition speed is a feature. Writing on Twitter, the Made by Google team explained:

In essence, Google is implying that its in-display fingerprint sensors are superior to those in competing devices, like the Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, it has not explained how the new fingerprint sensor is more secure than the capacitive ones found in previous Pixel smartphones, save for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

Incidentally, Google recommends using a screen protector that is 'Made for Google certified' with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro for the best fingerprint recognition. Currently, only Otterbox, Panzerglass and Zagg have released screen protectors that meet the Made for Google certification.

Hopefully, Google enables facial authentication on both devices. There is ample evidence that the company has tested the method on the Pixel 6 series, including in marketing assets. Perhaps, Google will introduce the feature in a feature drop at some point.

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