The past year saw Google make a notable change in its Pixel lineup by switching from optical to ultrasonic in-display fingerprint readers for some models in the Pixel 9 series. While optical sensors rely on light to capture a 2D image of the fingerprint, ultrasonic scanners use high-frequency sound waves to create a 3D map of the ridges and valleys on the fingertip. This shift not only brought a more secure approach but also addressed familiar pain points like inconsistent performance with wet or oily fingers. As anticipation builds for the Pixel 10 series, multiple reports suggest Google is doubling down on this biometric upgrade with an even faster and more reliable ultrasonic sensor—potentially refining user experience and security under varied real-world conditions.

Optical fingerprint scanners, common in many smartphones for years, function by shining light through the display to capture a 2D image of the finger pressed against it. While generally effective, they can struggle in bright sunlight or with wet, dirty, or oily fingers, making them less dependable in everyday scenarios. By contrast, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors emit imperceptible sound waves that penetrate the outer skin layer, then measure the returning echoes to reconstruct a detailed 3D map of the fingerprint’s unique topography. This three-dimensional rendering offers higher accuracy and resilience against spoofing attempts, since it captures depth information rather than a flat image. In practical terms, users benefit from quicker unlocks, fewer missed reads, and the ability to authenticate with damp or slightly dirty fingers—conditions that stymie optical and capacitive alternatives.

Android Headlines report indicating the Pixel 10 series will feature an “upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint scanner” that’s “faster than before,” though details about the underlying supplier or exact technical changes remain undisclosed. Android Authority corroborates this claim, noting the Pixel 10’s sensor may outperform last year’s already solid Pixel 9 implementation and shave precious fractions of a second off unlock times. Similarly, Gadgets360 highlights that this new sensor promises enhanced reliability—especially with wet fingers—and hints at Class 3 facial recognition continuing alongside it for secondary biometric unlocking in banking and other security-sensitive apps. Google is refining an existing ultrasonic system rather than making a wholesale redesign, targeting incremental speed and stability gains under challenging conditions like moisture or debris on the screen.

Alongside the fingerprint improvements, Google appears to be retaining its face recognition feature in the Pixel 10 lineup. While not at the level of Apple’s Face ID in terms of hardware-based depth sensing, Google’s face unlock meets Class 3 security standards, deemed sufficient for many banking and payment use cases. By offering both ultrasonic fingerprint and face unlock, Pixel users can choose the most convenient method depending on context—wet fingers may nudge one toward face unlock, for instance—and have fallback options if one sensor is unavailable or obstructed.

To appreciate why a faster ultrasonic reader matters to end users, it helps to understand the basics. When a finger presses against the designated display area, the ultrasonic module sends out an ultrasonic pulse. The wave travels through the cover glass, bounces off the fingerprint ridges and valleys, and returns to the sensor. Sophisticated processing then converts these returning echoes into a 3D depth map of the fingerprint. Because the scan operates on sound rather than light reflection, it is less vulnerable to surface contaminants or ambient lighting. The depth information also raises the bar against simple spoofing techniques (e.g., printed 2D copies of fingerprints), since replicating the 3D shape is significantly more complex.

That said, ultrasonic sensors are costlier to implement and require precise integration beneath the display panel. Early adopters like Samsung, using Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Sensor, demonstrated resilience to wet fingers and higher spoof resistance compared to optical readers. Google’s foray with the Pixel 9 laid groundwork; now, Pixel 10 seems poised to tweak firmware or hardware variations—perhaps finer-pitched transducers, optimized signal processing algorithms, or improved under-glass acoustic coupling—to reduce latency and improve read consistency.

Google will unveil the Pixel 10 series on August 20, 2025, with pre-orders likely opening immediately and retail availability soon after. The expected models include Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and potentially a Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Like last year’s foldable iteration, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may revert to a side-mounted fingerprint sensor—common in foldables due to screen-lamination complexities—while the flat-screen Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro models embed the ultrasonic reader under the primary displays. Alongside biometric tweaks, the lineup is rumored to introduce Google’s next-gen Tensor G5 chipset, improved camera modules (e.g., additional telephoto or tele-macro lenses), and faster wireless charging standards like Qi2.