Key Takeaways
- Google might add an under-display infrared digicam to the 2026 Pixel 11 for safe face unlock.
- The 2026 Tensor G6 chip will help under-display IR cameras.
- Google might change its thoughts and resolve towards together with the sensor.
Keep in mind the Google Pixel 4 and its Soli-based entrance IR cameras? Apart from varied gestures, the IR cameras supplied a method to unlock the telephone securely. However Google dumped the function the subsequent 12 months because of its restricted usefulness. Whereas all latest Pixel telephones help face unlock, they rely solely on the entrance digicam. This even contains the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, which permit utilizing the entrance digicam for biometric cost authentication. It seems Google isn’t performed with IR cameras, although, and it might return with the 2026 Pixel 11.
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Kamila Wojciechowska, identified for her correct Pixel leaks, claims in a report for Android Authority that Google would possibly add an under-display infrared digicam to the Pixel 11. Primarily based on leaked paperwork from Google’s chip division, the report claims the ISP (Picture Sign Processor) of the 2026 Tensor G6 — destined for the Pixel 11 lineup — will help an under-display IR digicam. It should purportedly function a “lite” front-end, permitting the chip to course of info from the IR cameras with comparatively low energy consumption.
In contrast to on the Pixel 4, the system ought to be positioned beneath the show and won’t require a notch or cut-out to operate.
Will Pixel 4’s Movement Sense additionally return with the Pixel 11?
There is no different info within the doc to recommend the Pixel 11 will home IR cameras, but it surely not less than factors to Google contemplating such a function. Apparently, there are rumors that Apple will change to under-display Face ID on the iPhone in 2026, too.
Because the Pixel 11 is nearly two years away from launch and there’s no different credible info but, you shouldn’t get your hopes up too excessive. The corporate might resolve towards together with the IR cameras because of value or technological causes.
Google seems to be scaling its Pixel ambitions
Pixel telephones have by no means been identified for packing top-notch {hardware}. However all latest indicators recommend Google is engaged on altering that. The Pixel 9 Professional collection makes use of Samsung’s latest, brightest, and best OLED panels but. Even the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely won’t sport the identical show expertise.
Equally, one other report lately claimed that future Pixel telephones will get an iPhone-level SoC improve and use TSMC’s newest 3nm node for the subsequent two years.
All these modifications point out Google is making ready to tackle the massive boys of the Android world with its future Pixel telephones.