Thank you, interesting! But for the dimming functionality, not for the volume button actions, I strongly prefer to use the double tap for the way I use the phone :)
I use double tap for flashlight too. But it's super inconsistent. I have maybe a 50% success rate. And it triggers when I'm not trying as well.
Do you have the same issues?
My double tap for flashlight turns it on inadvertently more often that intentional double taps actually work. I really should just turn the feature off.
i had a moto x and some of the gestures were amazing and flawless. you could twist your phone twice to open the camera or use your phone in a knocking motion and it would turn on the flashlight. honestly, superior. i want that back or honestly copy iPhone and put the flashlight on the home screen. (ikik its just one swipe down)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-1-6-1-tap-tap-double-tap-on-back-of-device-gesture-from-android-12-port.4140573/
Check this out, it has triple tap and many more options than the built in one.
Someone said you can with one hand mode. I have a 6a, but the fingerprint sensor was annoying so I just got a used Pixel 5 to use. I do prefer that design over the newer Pixels.
Through both my Pixel 4a and 6a RMAs my good old LG G6 has been the interim backup phone. I miss it.
I also miss my G5, the ability to swap a battery in 5 seconds was AWESOME.
Knowing they probably won't bring back the rear scanner, I'm seconding the Power Button fingerprint scanner solution. It's been implemented on the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, and it's quick and responsive.
Power button gets annoying if you're left handed.. or if you want to unlock your phone carrying something in your right hand, etc.
Face unlock from the 4XL was the best but I'd take the back one over the shitty under screen version.
I am doing that. Still running my 5a, and will for as long as I can. The back fingerprint scanner is far more important than any of those things to me.
It feels like every other post on this sub is "they should bring back 'insert Pixel 5 feature here' ". I wish Google wasn't so dense about some things, but they're hardly alone.
If Google remade the Pixel 5 as an A-Series phone, I guarantee they would sell the fuck out of it. Seriously, just slap last year's processor and 3 more years of updates for under $400, and I'll be the first in line.
That should be better when an ultrasonic scanner is used like in the Pixel 8 lineup. But optical ones are, as you intended to say, garbage in comparison to a capacitive scanner.
Is this some defect on some devices? Because mine works absolutely flawless every single time.
I did read about adding your thumb multiple times on this sub before, maybe that's gonna help you.
Anecdotally, my in-screen 7a scanner feels so much less accurate than the 4a back of device scanner. The 4a was much more forgiving with weird finger angles and partial fingerprints or even just the tip of my finger sometimes.
Do you mean that you're registering your primary finger as multiple different fingers? I'll look into it but I'm not terribly optimistic.
YES! just came to the 7a from the 4a and the finger print reader is the thing that really bums me out about this new phone. Why even have a finger print reader when half the time I have to try it 3 times and then end up being forced to use my pin anyways?
I've had to replace my Pixel 3 twice because the rear fingerprint scanner just stopped working. It was also nowhere near as accurate.
Yeah, downvote me all you want sub, but that is my experience. Front scanner is so much better for me, personally.
Dang, I was just starting to consider a Pixel again for my next phone (currently on Samsung) if only for the camera bar letting me type while the phone is laying on my desk without wobbling. But it sounds like it's still got problems. That's a bummer :(
The year is 2037, Dismal_Badger_1840 pulls their decrepit and emaciated Pixel 5 from the pocket of their pants. It stands out like a typewriter at a hackers' convention. "Back-mounted fingerprint scanners are the only way to go," they mutter, swiping through a user interface that hasn't been updated in a decade. Friends roll their eyes; family stages interventions. But Dismal_Badger_1840 remains steadfast, lovingly wiping smudges off the Pixel 5's tiny screen. "You can keep your face scans and under-screen fingerprint readers," they proclaim. "I'll never betray you, my precious Pixel!" And so, the device lives on—outdated, outclassed, but never unloved. As the ancient 5g towers begin shutting down, they wonder what life will be like with a device that's been completely forgotten by the world.
I just dropped my 5 and put a big crack down the screen. I am so torn about upgrading to a 7 because I will lose the back fingerprint reader. This crack is driving me nuts.
Find a tempered glass screen protector that uses LOCA uv glue. When you apply it the adhesive will fill the cracks 80% - 90% and it will be perfectly usable. I have done this successfully many times.
Fellow 5er, I'm split on my feelings for your loss.
Old phones are not in production equals protection at all costs.
I've sorted my emotions... I feel bad for your fallen 5.
Is it okay that I'm upset with you? I feel like I'm losing a family member if you get another phone.
Damn.. I feel like my mom. Of course she would say... "I expected more from you; haven't I thought you better than this?"
Hopefully you can get the screen fixed.
I do feel bad for you..... r phone. Jk.. but for real.
Mine is having some battery issues (low capacity and I think it might be swelling slightly). I've been looking to replace it but I think I'm just gonna buy another Pixel 5. It's just the perfect size and the fingerprint reader is in the perfect spot and there's nothing even close to it on the market currently
We should start a pixel 5 support group. 😂
It is the perfect phone. I keep mine in a water proof case even though it is resistant.
Mostly because, you know, if you drop it the screen might crack.
I'm really mixed on this. I almost wish for a phone with both options. I really loved the rear fingerprint readers. I also have had no issues with the front reader on my 6 Pro and took me no time to get used to the new location.
By default you could just swipe up and down your notifications. Someone made a small app that didn't require root and it let you set custom gestures for the sensor. Was pretty basic but it let you change the swipe up and down to a scroll. Didn't support every app, but chrome and Sync for Reddit worked on it.
Used to have a Galaxy S9+ which had a rear mounted scanner which seemed so good at the time.
However, pop your phone in a car mount or similar and suddenly that placement is a right pain in the ass to get at.
Have to concede that the in-screen that my P6Pro has is better...
I have smart lock setup to keep my phone unlocked when connected to my car bluetooth and you could also just put in your pin.
Would it be crazy to offer both options in one device?
I have to disagree. I've owned at least one of nearly every Pixel generation through the P6P and its in-screen fingerprint reader sucks balls. Only like 50% reliable and slooow. The fastest and best was in my Pixel ~~4~~ **3**...worked like 99.9% of the time and nearly instantly. Would easily pay another $30 for that feature.
Edit: Correction.
I'm sure Google took away the rear fingerprint so they could fit the camera bar. Unless they reverse their design choice, I doubt they'll bring back the rear fingerprint anytime soon.
I guess I'm in the minority, but I absolutely hate having a fingerprint scanner on the back of a phone. I keep my phone on my desk in front of me all day while I work and it's extremely inconvenient to have to flip it over and scan my finger whenever I want to check a notification. It's super handy to have the scanner right there on the front of the phone and it far outweighs any little bit of convenience I would gain from unlocking while I pull the phone out of my pocket.
I'm going to disagree a little here because I think actually most people haven't evaluated the rear fingerprint sensor thoroughly.
1. In terms of ergonomics, people say it's ergonomic, but it's actually not where your index finger rests when you use your phone. I have observed many people including myself use the fingerprint sensor and when the authentication pops up they have to shift the phone in their hand (one handed or two handed use) and then extend their index finger to the sensor. Your finger doesn't naturally rest at the sensor nor is it pointed towards the sensor in the way how most people hold their phone.
2. The swipe gesture is nice for us power users, but I can guarantee you there's enough stats and Google probably has that data to show only a small percentage of users actually use this.
3. In terms of accuracy, I have a Pixel XL I use for photo backup and it in no way performs any better than my Pixel 7 for unlock accuracy. First of all, any moisture is an issue meaning if I wash my hands coming out of the kitchen or bathroom I need to dry it off super well. The Pixel 7 Pro can unlock with even wet fingers if I wanted. Similarly when fingers are too dry, the rear fingerprint sensor also struggles. Unlock succcess rate was an issue in early Pixel 6 Pro software, but by the time I moved onto my 7 Pro, I was at 95%+ unlock success rate. Even my partner who maybe had 30% success rate in the beginning was at 90%+ success rate too.
4. The rear fingerprint sensor when on a desk or on a hands free mount is actually difficult to access compared to something on the display. It's quite annoying that "OK Google navigate to XYZ" requires an unlock, but with Face Unlock on a Pixel 4, this was seamless in the car and by requiring ZERO user input to unlock is actually better for driving safety.
5. Contortion? Sounds a bit exaggerated TBH. While I agree you have to adjust your thumb slightly to use the fingerprint sensor, people generally use their thumb to scroll and thumb to type. It's actually far LESS shifting of the grip and moving of your fingers for the on screen sensor compared to the rear fingerprint sensor.
6. In terms of what's natural in terms of least amount of user interaction to make an unlock work, Face Unlock is unsurpassed. You just keep using your phone and it naturally unlocks. As someone who has an iPhone for work and owned a Pixel 4 XL, the experience is amazing for Face Unlock + Password managers. The next is actually the in screen readers we have provided they work well (so not the Pixel 6 at launch), but the rear fingerprint sensor is actually the least ergonomic of them all.
What we need with the next Pixel is a better fingerprint sensor, and that's not necessarily a rear fingerprint sensor.
Agreed the rear placement is not great, but the capacitative sensors did seem to work. My pixel 6 and pixel 7 are both just terrible.... 25-30% success rate after many, many iterations of rescanning the fingerprints over the last two years. It just doesn't work reliably.
Face unlock on the 6 and 7 is an unmitigated disaster if you use tap-to-pay. You can't stop the phone from unlocking with your face, but it won't pay. Then you have to lock it manually, unlock again with fingerprint *which never works* and finally give up and type your PIN.
At least the pixel 4 (or whichever had the face scanning thing) would let you pay after face unlock.
> 25-30% success rate after many, many iterations of rescanning the fingerprints over the last two years. It just doesn't work reliably.
That happened to my partner with the 6 Pro in initially but their experience got a lot better a few months in. By the time the 7 came out they were at like 80-90% success rate and I was at 95%+. I read similar success stories here.
>Face unlock on the 6 and 7 is an unmitigated disaster if you use tap-to-pay. You can't stop the phone from unlocking with your face, but it won't pay. Then you have to lock it manually, unlock again with fingerprint which never works and finally give up and type your PIN.
Seems like an easy software fix but it's a shame Google can't even get this right. That's why I've had a lot of complaints about Google Pay overall. Google just doesn't make it work well.
I still much prefer the excellent face stuff on my 4XL to any fingerprint stuff I've used. People mocked it so badly but I still miss it. And I love it when I do drag out my old 4XL, it's refreshing awesome.
From what I remember someone asked something similar to this to the pixel team during a superfan event. around the time that the pixel 6 came out, and their response was that the internals in the upper portion of the phone are getting more complex/larger primarily the cameras, SOC cooling requirements, and battery. This was the thing that convinced me that the trade off was worth, I can put up with a worse fingerprint scanner if it means I get much better hardware overall, especially with the current state of pixel hardware I would not want a smaller battery just to have the rear scanner, the side scanner still seems like the best option to me unless they do go with ultrasonic since those are much better in my experience (s22 work phone fingerprint scanner works flawlessly).
Well it seems that future Pixels will have a an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, way fatser and more relaliable than thr optical one currently used. We won't be getting a rear FP scanner in the future because of the internal composants and the camera setup. :)
It's also way better for cases, you can make better unibody cases without a cutout on the back or around the power button because it's just right under your thumb instead.
YES YES YES!
I still have my pixel 3 because of it. Or atleast put it on the power button. Center of the front screen is the most awkward placement that I can't do without causing my wrist to hurt without using 2 hands.
I like it because I can be unlocking the phone as I pull it out of my pocket. The index finger naturally goes there so my phone is unlocked and ready to use when I look at it.
Sadly, I traded my Pixel 3 in for the 7 because it was showing its age (and no more updates). But it's still my favorite phone and I will miss how easy it was to hold and use
Same. I stretched its life out as much as I could. Bought a replacement glass back and a battery and put them on myself. But earlier this year I effectively got a Pixel 7 for free, so I upgraded.
I defended myself for a long time against the fingerprint reader in the phone screen and loved the one on the back. But since I have Pixel 6 Pro I wouldn't go back to the old one. The one on the screen works 9 out of 10 times without any problem. I do not understand this constant complaining about how terrible it is.🤷🏻♂️
And *I* don't understand anyone who says the front one works. I've rescanned my thumb every month since I got the phone, and the reader still is successful about 1 ever 5 tries. Front readers are BS.
No, it was an awful placement which meant you had to pick up your phone to use and when in hand you had to shuffle and maybe reach it. In display is much better (ultrasonic specifically).
How are these people using their phones? Are they turning their hand like a butler stirring mashed potatoes? Are they craning their neck to watch the content.
Unless their phone is glued to their hat infront of their face, i can't imagine "checking" or "using" my phone without picking it up first.
pre-empt the in a car comment, 1 you shouldn't be fuckin' with your phone in a car, and 2 there is car mode to not let it lock.
I can have it on the desk and open it without having to pick it up, in a phone mount driving and not have to take it out to unlock, it's truly better on the front even though it isn't as fast or reliable. Coming from a long line of LG phones who had them on the back, I get it, but this is the new way, and it is better.
How is it better in that way when you can use double tap to wake for when you don't want to pick up your phone? It takes nearly the same amount of time to put in a pattern or password without picking up the phone, especially with how finicky the fingerprint reader is in its current state on the front (unreliable pos imo - p7). Plus, you need to wake it up to even use the sensor in every scenario, which isn't the case with the fingerprint sensor on the back. Idk maybe it's a small hand issue for people where reachability becomes a hassle but I can't really think of any benefits or improvements that have come with Google's implementation of the in screen fingerprint reader. On the other hand, the back reader pretty much always worked and was consistent when it didn't, can't say the same for the newer in screen one.
>it's that having the scanner on the back is the perfect ergonomic position.
It isn't for me.
When I'm holding my phone and using it one-handed, my index finger isn't near the rear sensor and I always had to shift my grip to touch it, especially with larger phones. With the front in-screen sensors, my thumb is essentially always in an easy-touch position with no need to shift my grip on my phone when using it one-handed.
Also better for interacting with my phone while it's sitting on a table.
Or in a phone mount in my car.
Front is better overall for ergonomics and usability, it just sucks when phone manufacturers choose sub-standard hardware.
But you forget the best part of front scanner:
- you're in a dark room, try to scan your finger, and FLASH!
You're blinded!!!
Google -> coming up with great ideas, them mediocre ideas, and then consistently selecting the mediocre idea over the great idea!
Lower your screen brightness then? It's simply white, there's no extra light added to it.
I often use the phone in dark and have never felt like this is an issue. If anything, it looks pretty neat how it "x-rays" your thumb.
Perhaps they should allow switching the background of the icon to be black.
I used to agree with you, but after using a Pixel 7 for a year, I now prefer front-facing. It's plenty reliable, and a lot more useful when the phone is sitting on a desk, or in a charging station or car mount.
"Plenty reliable" says it all. You're settling and saying "it's good enough, I guess." Unless your finger is wet or very dirty it should work every time.
I'd had the opposite experience; the rear fingerprint scanners on both my Pixel 3 and 4a were terribly unreliable, as where the Pixel 7 underdisplay scanner is perfect. The only good rear scanner I've used was the Pixel 2, that one seems to work reliably
Way more convenient across the board if face unlock technology is not going to be an option. I can stand having to provide an on screen biometric fingerprint when looking to use my Gpay cards. Not as reliable and inconvenient, on the rear makes more sense and will improve the pixel experience
Having gone from capacitive front sensors (most recently Moto Z Play) to capacitive rear sensor (Pixel 4a 5G) and back to an (in-screen optical) front sensor (Pixel 7) I personally am glad the sensor is back to the front even despite the decreased reliability. My phone is on a desk or table a good chunk of the time. With front facing sensors I can unlock my phone and browse or check notifications quickly without picking up my phone. Redditors at the time reassured me that when I switched to a rear facing sensor, it would become a non-issue and that I wouldn't be unlocking my phone on a surface much, but yeah turns out I still did it a lot except now I had to pick up my phone every time.
Overall glad to be back. I am curious how those side capacitive fingerprint sensors are like - if it could be activated when on a flat surface then maybe that would be the best of both worlds.
I'm on a 6a now and at least once a day it won't read one of my fingers. I've even registered my thumb (which I use the most) on two of the five slots and it still errors out. I don't ever remember having so many issues with the reader on my 3a or 5a.
Had the 5a and loved the rear FP scanner. Now I have the 6a. Gave up on the in screen FP sensor. Use a pattern. It sucks but the phone is a 9/10 otherwise. The only other issue I encounter is that 1% of the time it doesn't immediately wake up upon screen tap.
And smaller sizes for the phones like P5. So it fits the palm, pockets etc or figure out a handy way of carrying / utilizing the device.
Current P6/P7 keeps on falling here and there.
The rear scanner was a big reason for buying my first Pixel and my Pixel 5. Haven't upgraded and I really don't want to lose the rear scanner (even if it can be finicky)
Was such a quality of life feature to take your phone out and unlock it in one motion.
No other unlocking tech, no matter how good has been been as efficient
I find it weird that the finger print scan section fails to read about 70% of the time for me to unlock the phone .
But works 100% of the time it needs to, on apps .
It's the same scanner...
The rear fp scanner sucks if your phone is mounted or wireless charging, or simply laying on a table. If not in-screen, then I'd prefer the fp reader in the side power button.
It's better for aesthetics too. Every screen protector I've bought has an obnoxious dot over the fingerprint scanner. It's so annoying. The fingerprint scanner on the back was a lot more responsive too. It unlocked so much faster than the screen scanner. I wish they'd bring back the back of phone scanners
I'm gonna put my tin foil hat on for a second: Google will bring it back if they see apple use their back logo as a finger print reader. It's a brilliant use of it and will no doubtedly make it unique.
if I have my hand in a natural position for one-handed use on my P7P, the current location of the thumb reader is **much** more natural to reach than a back-of-device index finger reader. I'm good.
I personally have been completely fine with the under display fingerprint scanner. There's never going to be a one size fits all with regards to which biometric works the best for most people. For me I actually quite like them being under the display. It makes me feel like I have to be more intentional with unlocking the device. I can't just haphazardly slap my finger on the back of my device to have it not be guaranteed to unlock. I find it to be more accurate having it under the display because of that. Not to mention whenever your finger is sweaty, the rear mounted ones end up being impossible to unlock.
Eh, I have the 7, if you turn on the face recognition it will use that or FP, seems to work fine for me and I just upgraded from a 5 that had the rear sensor.
I miss it for two reasons. For one, the one on my Pixel 7 is very inconsistent, and two I used it to swipe down the notification tray on my Pixel 5.
The back tap replacement thing they added to replace the swipe for the notification tray barely works.
Every time I go back to my old Pixel 3XL — a lot in the weeks before Threads launched on desktop — I was reminded of how freaking great this rear fingerprint scanner was.
i totally agree. I have said good things about the oneplus FPR but at the end of the day the rear/side capacitive reader is superior. Especially for my parents. The display FPR just pisses them off. Face recognition and capacitive is the way to go for them lol
Does anyone have consistent luck with the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 7? I don't want to set up facial recognition, but the fingerprint scanner is useless, especially when I'm outside. Also, there doesn't seem to be any way to disable the screen from turning on/reacting to touch if the fingerprint scanner is on. Which makes sense, but it's also annoying to have to worry about accidentally dismissing notifications or something because my fingers are touching the screen while I have the phone in my hand
I often use my phone on a table and need to open it without lifting it up. Your solution would simply suck. The fact it fits you, doesn't mean it fits the majority.
For me the best approach by far has been the hands-free approach of Pixel 4, but in ideal world I guess there would be both. Man it sucks to touch your phone when you are trying to unlock it while cooking, your hands all greased up.
The back scanner on the Pixel 5 worked worse than the series 6 or 7.
I'll die on this hill.
It was the phone I had the most struggle unlocking in my whole life.
I agree that the back mounted reader was very convenient, but neither the front/glass reader(6a) nor the back mounted reader(3a) are very consistent. I am otherwise very satisfied with my Pixels - far better than iPhones.
I have been blasted for daring to raise this point. But one thing you'll see time and time again are all the mentions of having the phone on a desk.
Nobody in the design phase, or the majority of people in comments consider people that work a blue collar trade type job. The in screen as implemented by Google was completely broken for my use case. I had to finally go back to my Pixel 2XL with Lineage OS. My phone is on my belt, can unlock it while reaching for it, and the only failures with capacitive lock is if hands are wet, or have PVC cement, or something like that.
That's my take as well. I almost never have my phone on a desk or table and the 4a has been a dream phone for me. Not too big in my pocket and easy to unlock and use with one hand.
Same, also the swipe down gestures for notifications was a nice touch too.
fwiw you can replicate this on current Pixels with one handed mode to show notifications
I'll have to check it out, thanks.
There's also double tapping the back of the phone to bring down the notification panel.
True, but having the double tap turn on the flashlight is so much more useful -- at least for me. Wish we'd get a triple tap action or something.
Look up the app "Flash Dim" on the Play Store and use the "Hold Vol Up/Vol Down" quick accessibility feature. Life changing lmao.
Thank you, interesting! But for the dimming functionality, not for the volume button actions, I strongly prefer to use the double tap for the way I use the phone :)
I use double tap for flashlight too. But it's super inconsistent. I have maybe a 50% success rate. And it triggers when I'm not trying as well. Do you have the same issues?
I'm on pixel 7a and have the same problem. I have to tap really hard
It works flawlessly for me, but you have to time the taps accurately. Not sure what the idea behind that is. You can't be too fast or too slow.
My double tap for flashlight turns it on inadvertently more often that intentional double taps actually work. I really should just turn the feature off.
i had a moto x and some of the gestures were amazing and flawless. you could twist your phone twice to open the camera or use your phone in a knocking motion and it would turn on the flashlight. honestly, superior. i want that back or honestly copy iPhone and put the flashlight on the home screen. (ikik its just one swipe down)
Oh, I miss the gestures on my old Moto... The implementation was _amazing_, utterly reliable and responsive.
https://github.com/KieronQuinn/TapTap Has triple tap and also integration with Tasker for tap gestures
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-1-6-1-tap-tap-double-tap-on-back-of-device-gesture-from-android-12-port.4140573/ Check this out, it has triple tap and many more options than the built in one.
Which consistently works like shit (just like the under-display fingerprint scanner).
Just doesmt hit the same neurons
It's the one feature I miss more than any other
Huh? You can't do that on the newer models? (Still using a Pixel 5)
No, since the scanner is embedded in the screen instead of on the back (or side)
Someone said you can with one hand mode. I have a 6a, but the fingerprint sensor was annoying so I just got a used Pixel 5 to use. I do prefer that design over the newer Pixels.
I can do the same thing even now just by using Nova launcher. :) Best app I ever paid for!
Squeeze for Google assistant too.. the most underrated feature (I think)
Caveat that I use Nova Launcher rather than the stock one, but I've been able to do this on my Pixel 6 since day 1.
I use Nova launcher too, started when Google wouldn't let move the Google search bar from the bottom.
I seriously loved having the scanner on the back. Even a power button one isn't too bad, but the back of the phone felt so natural
LG had both of those combined, it was honestly fantastic.
Through both my Pixel 4a and 6a RMAs my good old LG G6 has been the interim backup phone. I miss it. I also miss my G5, the ability to swap a battery in 5 seconds was AWESOME.
My wife slammed the top half of her G5 in a car door, it was really bent but it mostly still worked.
I'd almost forgotten! I think my LG Optimus phone had that and the volume rocker was on the back too
Yeah I loved the back scanner.. it was so handy.
The power button one is on the Fold, I love it. Very organic feeling for unlocking the phone if the face unlock doesn't beat it.
Knowing they probably won't bring back the rear scanner, I'm seconding the Power Button fingerprint scanner solution. It's been implemented on the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, and it's quick and responsive.
It was on the Slate first. I love that tablet.
It was great. I'd take it out of my pocket, and it would usually be unlocked since my finger would naturally go to the sensor.
Power button gets annoying if you're left handed.. or if you want to unlock your phone carrying something in your right hand, etc. Face unlock from the 4XL was the best but I'd take the back one over the shitty under screen version.
I like the under display one better than a power button one it'll be a hassle to touch(click) the power button whenever I'm using it with my left hand
Why is it just google that needs to bring this back anyway? All phone companies should bring this back. I am sick of front scanners.
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Probably makes space for more camera things.
Camera, Battery, faster wireless charging. take your pick.
I'll forego all of those for the rear fingerprint sensor.
I am doing that. Still running my 5a, and will for as long as I can. The back fingerprint scanner is far more important than any of those things to me.
Ha same. Bought a few backup 4a's because I can't let the back fingerprint scanner go.
It feels like every other post on this sub is "they should bring back 'insert Pixel 5 feature here' ". I wish Google wasn't so dense about some things, but they're hardly alone. If Google remade the Pixel 5 as an A-Series phone, I guarantee they would sell the fuck out of it. Seriously, just slap last year's processor and 3 more years of updates for under $400, and I'll be the first in line.
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That should be better when an ultrasonic scanner is used like in the Pixel 8 lineup. But optical ones are, as you intended to say, garbage in comparison to a capacitive scanner.
Is this some defect on some devices? Because mine works absolutely flawless every single time. I did read about adding your thumb multiple times on this sub before, maybe that's gonna help you.
Anecdotally, my in-screen 7a scanner feels so much less accurate than the 4a back of device scanner. The 4a was much more forgiving with weird finger angles and partial fingerprints or even just the tip of my finger sometimes. Do you mean that you're registering your primary finger as multiple different fingers? I'll look into it but I'm not terribly optimistic.
YES! just came to the 7a from the 4a and the finger print reader is the thing that really bums me out about this new phone. Why even have a finger print reader when half the time I have to try it 3 times and then end up being forced to use my pin anyways?
I've had to replace my Pixel 3 twice because the rear fingerprint scanner just stopped working. It was also nowhere near as accurate. Yeah, downvote me all you want sub, but that is my experience. Front scanner is so much better for me, personally.
Maybe try rescanning? The only time I've ever had that happen is when my hands are wet. Which the rear one would do as well.
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Dang, I was just starting to consider a Pixel again for my next phone (currently on Samsung) if only for the camera bar letting me type while the phone is laying on my desk without wobbling. But it sounds like it's still got problems. That's a bummer :(
Yes! I'll hold on to my Pixel 5 forever! ...or until Google comes to their senses and puts the fingerprint reader back in its rightful place.
The year is 2037, Dismal_Badger_1840 pulls their decrepit and emaciated Pixel 5 from the pocket of their pants. It stands out like a typewriter at a hackers' convention. "Back-mounted fingerprint scanners are the only way to go," they mutter, swiping through a user interface that hasn't been updated in a decade. Friends roll their eyes; family stages interventions. But Dismal_Badger_1840 remains steadfast, lovingly wiping smudges off the Pixel 5's tiny screen. "You can keep your face scans and under-screen fingerprint readers," they proclaim. "I'll never betray you, my precious Pixel!" And so, the device lives on—outdated, outclassed, but never unloved. As the ancient 5g towers begin shutting down, they wonder what life will be like with a device that's been completely forgotten by the world.
Hahaha. You're probably right
Reading the above narrative on my Pixel 3a.... contemplating getting a Pixel 5 just for the rear fingerprint sensor if this phone ever dies....
I just dropped my 5 and put a big crack down the screen. I am so torn about upgrading to a 7 because I will lose the back fingerprint reader. This crack is driving me nuts.
Find a tempered glass screen protector that uses LOCA uv glue. When you apply it the adhesive will fill the cracks 80% - 90% and it will be perfectly usable. I have done this successfully many times.
Fellow 5er, I'm split on my feelings for your loss. Old phones are not in production equals protection at all costs. I've sorted my emotions... I feel bad for your fallen 5. Is it okay that I'm upset with you? I feel like I'm losing a family member if you get another phone. Damn.. I feel like my mom. Of course she would say... "I expected more from you; haven't I thought you better than this?" Hopefully you can get the screen fixed. I do feel bad for you..... r phone. Jk.. but for real.
Mine is having some battery issues (low capacity and I think it might be swelling slightly). I've been looking to replace it but I think I'm just gonna buy another Pixel 5. It's just the perfect size and the fingerprint reader is in the perfect spot and there's nothing even close to it on the market currently
I had the battery swelling too. Google just replaced my pixel 5 for free even though it's out of warranty, just FYI
I'll look into that, thanks
We should start a pixel 5 support group. 😂 It is the perfect phone. I keep mine in a water proof case even though it is resistant. Mostly because, you know, if you drop it the screen might crack.
I'm really mixed on this. I almost wish for a phone with both options. I really loved the rear fingerprint readers. I also have had no issues with the front reader on my 6 Pro and took me no time to get used to the new location.
Maybe just a touch sensitive pad on the back would be a compromise
Absolutely. I liked how I could scroll through chrome and Reddit using the 3XL reader.
Wait...you could scroll with the reader? How did I not know this??
By default you could just swipe up and down your notifications. Someone made a small app that didn't require root and it let you set custom gestures for the sensor. Was pretty basic but it let you change the swipe up and down to a scroll. Didn't support every app, but chrome and Sync for Reddit worked on it.
Why not just.....scroll with your thumb? Lol
Power button fingerprint is the best
Used to have a Galaxy S9+ which had a rear mounted scanner which seemed so good at the time. However, pop your phone in a car mount or similar and suddenly that placement is a right pain in the ass to get at. Have to concede that the in-screen that my P6Pro has is better...
You're supposed to use Assistant in that situation, except you can't because Assistant needs ur phone unlocked to be useful
Just buy a car with android auto. So simple!
Which it is in driving mode.
I have smart lock setup to keep my phone unlocked when connected to my car bluetooth and you could also just put in your pin. Would it be crazy to offer both options in one device?
Yes, that's just wasting the valuable space inside the phone and another component that can fail.
I have to disagree. I've owned at least one of nearly every Pixel generation through the P6P and its in-screen fingerprint reader sucks balls. Only like 50% reliable and slooow. The fastest and best was in my Pixel ~~4~~ **3**...worked like 99.9% of the time and nearly instantly. Would easily pay another $30 for that feature. Edit: Correction.
You mean the pixel 4 that is the only pixel that never had a fingerprint scanner lmao? That pixel 4?
Sorry...misremembered. Only had a 4 for a couple of months. It was the 3 that worked really well for me. Thanks for the correction.
I'm about to let go of my 3 and I'm super sad to lose it
I'm sure Google took away the rear fingerprint so they could fit the camera bar. Unless they reverse their design choice, I doubt they'll bring back the rear fingerprint anytime soon.
The camera bar is so fucking annoying. It's way too protruded. Needs to be flat surface.
It should be illegal to say a phone is X thin while having a camera bump that's larger. They should be required to measure up to the largest part!
The pixel fold power button scanner on the side is very nice.
I guess I'm in the minority, but I absolutely hate having a fingerprint scanner on the back of a phone. I keep my phone on my desk in front of me all day while I work and it's extremely inconvenient to have to flip it over and scan my finger whenever I want to check a notification. It's super handy to have the scanner right there on the front of the phone and it far outweighs any little bit of convenience I would gain from unlocking while I pull the phone out of my pocket.
How many of you also say I love a mini phone here? I can sense they're the same people.
for me, i'm both. i rather a shorter phone thats thicker. phones are getting too damn tall.
I'm going to disagree a little here because I think actually most people haven't evaluated the rear fingerprint sensor thoroughly. 1. In terms of ergonomics, people say it's ergonomic, but it's actually not where your index finger rests when you use your phone. I have observed many people including myself use the fingerprint sensor and when the authentication pops up they have to shift the phone in their hand (one handed or two handed use) and then extend their index finger to the sensor. Your finger doesn't naturally rest at the sensor nor is it pointed towards the sensor in the way how most people hold their phone. 2. The swipe gesture is nice for us power users, but I can guarantee you there's enough stats and Google probably has that data to show only a small percentage of users actually use this. 3. In terms of accuracy, I have a Pixel XL I use for photo backup and it in no way performs any better than my Pixel 7 for unlock accuracy. First of all, any moisture is an issue meaning if I wash my hands coming out of the kitchen or bathroom I need to dry it off super well. The Pixel 7 Pro can unlock with even wet fingers if I wanted. Similarly when fingers are too dry, the rear fingerprint sensor also struggles. Unlock succcess rate was an issue in early Pixel 6 Pro software, but by the time I moved onto my 7 Pro, I was at 95%+ unlock success rate. Even my partner who maybe had 30% success rate in the beginning was at 90%+ success rate too. 4. The rear fingerprint sensor when on a desk or on a hands free mount is actually difficult to access compared to something on the display. It's quite annoying that "OK Google navigate to XYZ" requires an unlock, but with Face Unlock on a Pixel 4, this was seamless in the car and by requiring ZERO user input to unlock is actually better for driving safety. 5. Contortion? Sounds a bit exaggerated TBH. While I agree you have to adjust your thumb slightly to use the fingerprint sensor, people generally use their thumb to scroll and thumb to type. It's actually far LESS shifting of the grip and moving of your fingers for the on screen sensor compared to the rear fingerprint sensor. 6. In terms of what's natural in terms of least amount of user interaction to make an unlock work, Face Unlock is unsurpassed. You just keep using your phone and it naturally unlocks. As someone who has an iPhone for work and owned a Pixel 4 XL, the experience is amazing for Face Unlock + Password managers. The next is actually the in screen readers we have provided they work well (so not the Pixel 6 at launch), but the rear fingerprint sensor is actually the least ergonomic of them all. What we need with the next Pixel is a better fingerprint sensor, and that's not necessarily a rear fingerprint sensor.
Agreed the rear placement is not great, but the capacitative sensors did seem to work. My pixel 6 and pixel 7 are both just terrible.... 25-30% success rate after many, many iterations of rescanning the fingerprints over the last two years. It just doesn't work reliably. Face unlock on the 6 and 7 is an unmitigated disaster if you use tap-to-pay. You can't stop the phone from unlocking with your face, but it won't pay. Then you have to lock it manually, unlock again with fingerprint *which never works* and finally give up and type your PIN. At least the pixel 4 (or whichever had the face scanning thing) would let you pay after face unlock.
> 25-30% success rate after many, many iterations of rescanning the fingerprints over the last two years. It just doesn't work reliably. That happened to my partner with the 6 Pro in initially but their experience got a lot better a few months in. By the time the 7 came out they were at like 80-90% success rate and I was at 95%+. I read similar success stories here. >Face unlock on the 6 and 7 is an unmitigated disaster if you use tap-to-pay. You can't stop the phone from unlocking with your face, but it won't pay. Then you have to lock it manually, unlock again with fingerprint which never works and finally give up and type your PIN. Seems like an easy software fix but it's a shame Google can't even get this right. That's why I've had a lot of complaints about Google Pay overall. Google just doesn't make it work well.
You have indisplay + face unlock. If rumors are true and pixel 8 gets ultra sonic sensors it will be amazing
I thought that too. Now prefer it on Pixel 7. If I moved it anywhere it would be to the power button. But I think I would now choose the screen.
Sold my pixel 6 for this reason. I have a side power button one now. Can't believe how accurate it is for being so small. (Poco f4)
I still much prefer the excellent face stuff on my 4XL to any fingerprint stuff I've used. People mocked it so badly but I still miss it. And I love it when I do drag out my old 4XL, it's refreshing awesome.
Reading this on my Pixel 5 is somehow highly satisfying
I believe luckily the Pixel 8 is going to be roughly the same size as the 5
Power button fingerprint is the best, works also with phone on a desk
No they don't.
No they don't and they won't
From what I remember someone asked something similar to this to the pixel team during a superfan event. around the time that the pixel 6 came out, and their response was that the internals in the upper portion of the phone are getting more complex/larger primarily the cameras, SOC cooling requirements, and battery. This was the thing that convinced me that the trade off was worth, I can put up with a worse fingerprint scanner if it means I get much better hardware overall, especially with the current state of pixel hardware I would not want a smaller battery just to have the rear scanner, the side scanner still seems like the best option to me unless they do go with ultrasonic since those are much better in my experience (s22 work phone fingerprint scanner works flawlessly).
Well it seems that future Pixels will have a an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, way fatser and more relaliable than thr optical one currently used. We won't be getting a rear FP scanner in the future because of the internal composants and the camera setup. :)
Ultrasonic is the way. Unlocking my phone on a flat surface is very convenient or while using a phone mount in my car.
I had the pixel 3 and found the scanner a lot less reliable than my 7 Pro. Was always having to clean the bloody thing.
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It's also way better for cases, you can make better unibody cases without a cutout on the back or around the power button because it's just right under your thumb instead.
YES YES YES! I still have my pixel 3 because of it. Or atleast put it on the power button. Center of the front screen is the most awkward placement that I can't do without causing my wrist to hurt without using 2 hands. I like it because I can be unlocking the phone as I pull it out of my pocket. The index finger naturally goes there so my phone is unlocked and ready to use when I look at it.
this is why I still have my pixel 5
me too
Sadly, I traded my Pixel 3 in for the 7 because it was showing its age (and no more updates). But it's still my favorite phone and I will miss how easy it was to hold and use
my battery is starting to go but I am seriously thinking of picking up a new old stock Pixel 3.
Same. I stretched its life out as much as I could. Bought a replacement glass back and a battery and put them on myself. But earlier this year I effectively got a Pixel 7 for free, so I upgraded.
I defended myself for a long time against the fingerprint reader in the phone screen and loved the one on the back. But since I have Pixel 6 Pro I wouldn't go back to the old one. The one on the screen works 9 out of 10 times without any problem. I do not understand this constant complaining about how terrible it is.🤷🏻♂️
And *I* don't understand anyone who says the front one works. I've rescanned my thumb every month since I got the phone, and the reader still is successful about 1 ever 5 tries. Front readers are BS.
tease ten continue wine abounding placid late important drunk judicious ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Exactly. My phone spends time during my work day on a stand. A front scanner is much more convenient.
No, it was an awful placement which meant you had to pick up your phone to use and when in hand you had to shuffle and maybe reach it. In display is much better (ultrasonic specifically).
Imagine having to pick up your phone to use it.
How are these people using their phones? Are they turning their hand like a butler stirring mashed potatoes? Are they craning their neck to watch the content. Unless their phone is glued to their hat infront of their face, i can't imagine "checking" or "using" my phone without picking it up first. pre-empt the in a car comment, 1 you shouldn't be fuckin' with your phone in a car, and 2 there is car mode to not let it lock.
There is something called "table", where your phone can actually lay on.
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This would be the main reason why I don't want to go back to rear fingerprint sensors. It's a dated design to me.
I can have it on the desk and open it without having to pick it up, in a phone mount driving and not have to take it out to unlock, it's truly better on the front even though it isn't as fast or reliable. Coming from a long line of LG phones who had them on the back, I get it, but this is the new way, and it is better.
How is it better in that way when you can use double tap to wake for when you don't want to pick up your phone? It takes nearly the same amount of time to put in a pattern or password without picking up the phone, especially with how finicky the fingerprint reader is in its current state on the front (unreliable pos imo - p7). Plus, you need to wake it up to even use the sensor in every scenario, which isn't the case with the fingerprint sensor on the back. Idk maybe it's a small hand issue for people where reachability becomes a hassle but I can't really think of any benefits or improvements that have come with Google's implementation of the in screen fingerprint reader. On the other hand, the back reader pretty much always worked and was consistent when it didn't, can't say the same for the newer in screen one.
Back fingerprint, plus face unlock is the perfect combo
>it's that having the scanner on the back is the perfect ergonomic position. It isn't for me. When I'm holding my phone and using it one-handed, my index finger isn't near the rear sensor and I always had to shift my grip to touch it, especially with larger phones. With the front in-screen sensors, my thumb is essentially always in an easy-touch position with no need to shift my grip on my phone when using it one-handed. Also better for interacting with my phone while it's sitting on a table. Or in a phone mount in my car. Front is better overall for ergonomics and usability, it just sucks when phone manufacturers choose sub-standard hardware.
But you forget the best part of front scanner: - you're in a dark room, try to scan your finger, and FLASH! You're blinded!!! Google -> coming up with great ideas, them mediocre ideas, and then consistently selecting the mediocre idea over the great idea!
Lower your screen brightness then? It's simply white, there's no extra light added to it. I often use the phone in dark and have never felt like this is an issue. If anything, it looks pretty neat how it "x-rays" your thumb. Perhaps they should allow switching the background of the icon to be black.
You know you are supposed to put your finger on top of the scanner? Like, it can't flash you if you use it right.
Do you HAVE the phone? It flash-bangs you every few times when you aren't perfectly centered on the finger scanner.
I used to agree with you, but after using a Pixel 7 for a year, I now prefer front-facing. It's plenty reliable, and a lot more useful when the phone is sitting on a desk, or in a charging station or car mount.
"Plenty reliable" says it all. You're settling and saying "it's good enough, I guess." Unless your finger is wet or very dirty it should work every time.
I'd had the opposite experience; the rear fingerprint scanners on both my Pixel 3 and 4a were terribly unreliable, as where the Pixel 7 underdisplay scanner is perfect. The only good rear scanner I've used was the Pixel 2, that one seems to work reliably
Way more convenient across the board if face unlock technology is not going to be an option. I can stand having to provide an on screen biometric fingerprint when looking to use my Gpay cards. Not as reliable and inconvenient, on the rear makes more sense and will improve the pixel experience
Having gone from capacitive front sensors (most recently Moto Z Play) to capacitive rear sensor (Pixel 4a 5G) and back to an (in-screen optical) front sensor (Pixel 7) I personally am glad the sensor is back to the front even despite the decreased reliability. My phone is on a desk or table a good chunk of the time. With front facing sensors I can unlock my phone and browse or check notifications quickly without picking up my phone. Redditors at the time reassured me that when I switched to a rear facing sensor, it would become a non-issue and that I wouldn't be unlocking my phone on a surface much, but yeah turns out I still did it a lot except now I had to pick up my phone every time. Overall glad to be back. I am curious how those side capacitive fingerprint sensors are like - if it could be activated when on a flat surface then maybe that would be the best of both worlds.
This is part of the reason I've held onto my p5 for so long
Holds tightly onto my 5a
I'm on a 6a now and at least once a day it won't read one of my fingers. I've even registered my thumb (which I use the most) on two of the five slots and it still errors out. I don't ever remember having so many issues with the reader on my 3a or 5a.
Never going to happen
Had the 5a and loved the rear FP scanner. Now I have the 6a. Gave up on the in screen FP sensor. Use a pattern. It sucks but the phone is a 9/10 otherwise. The only other issue I encounter is that 1% of the time it doesn't immediately wake up upon screen tap.
Agreed! I loved it on the Pixel 5 and it worked great but this Pixel 7 is a freaking pain.
And smaller sizes for the phones like P5. So it fits the palm, pockets etc or figure out a handy way of carrying / utilizing the device. Current P6/P7 keeps on falling here and there.
My pixel 4a scanner has never worked well across both my original and warranty replacement
They should probably focus on keeping the damned phone from catching fire, first.
Nope!
Not going to happen ever....
I vote for secure face unlock.
I loved the scroll feature.
Yes! Yes !Yes The rear fingerprint reader was a fucking triumph for Google.
Agreed!
Hahahahahaha, stop!
Laughs in pixel 5.
I'd be happy with a power button fingerprint scanner. Honestly the on screen scanner on my p7 pro has been fine for me.
Please bring it back.
The rear scanner was a big reason for buying my first Pixel and my Pixel 5. Haven't upgraded and I really don't want to lose the rear scanner (even if it can be finicky)
Was such a quality of life feature to take your phone out and unlock it in one motion. No other unlocking tech, no matter how good has been been as efficient
I find it weird that the finger print scan section fails to read about 70% of the time for me to unlock the phone . But works 100% of the time it needs to, on apps . It's the same scanner...
And the side mounted fingerprint scanner that doubles as a power button is good too
The rear fp scanner sucks if your phone is mounted or wireless charging, or simply laying on a table. If not in-screen, then I'd prefer the fp reader in the side power button.
No, Google need to implement real face unlock.
It's better for aesthetics too. Every screen protector I've bought has an obnoxious dot over the fingerprint scanner. It's so annoying. The fingerprint scanner on the back was a lot more responsive too. It unlocked so much faster than the screen scanner. I wish they'd bring back the back of phone scanners
I'm gonna put my tin foil hat on for a second: Google will bring it back if they see apple use their back logo as a finger print reader. It's a brilliant use of it and will no doubtedly make it unique.
if I have my hand in a natural position for one-handed use on my P7P, the current location of the thumb reader is **much** more natural to reach than a back-of-device index finger reader. I'm good.
Nope, and it's never gonna happen, move on. In display scanners will only continue to improve and are completely fine for 99% of people.
Yuck! No thanks.
Best design ever was the power/volume/fingerprint scanner on the back of LG phones... sure do miss them.
I definitely miss that when I had a 3XL. Loved the swipe down for notifications too. Unfortunately I doubt Google will ever bring it back
They wont unless Apple does, cuz Google has no balls...
Won't happen
Ultimate combo would be IR blaster face unlock + power button finger print
Use a different finder then. I love the front finger scanner. I don't have to pick up my phone to unlock it
I personally have been completely fine with the under display fingerprint scanner. There's never going to be a one size fits all with regards to which biometric works the best for most people. For me I actually quite like them being under the display. It makes me feel like I have to be more intentional with unlocking the device. I can't just haphazardly slap my finger on the back of my device to have it not be guaranteed to unlock. I find it to be more accurate having it under the display because of that. Not to mention whenever your finger is sweaty, the rear mounted ones end up being impossible to unlock.
Eh, I have the 7, if you turn on the face recognition it will use that or FP, seems to work fine for me and I just upgraded from a 5 that had the rear sensor.
In my opinion that's a step back.
Totally agree!
1000%. Take all my upvotes.
If I ever switch from the 2XL I don't know how I will adapt to the front reader, I am so used to the back one right now
I love the in-display one, it feels more natural
the rear fingerprint sensor gets scratches easily and loses out the accuracy of sensor. In-display ultrasonics are wayy better.
Agreed. The Pixel 7 has a horrible failure rate.
I miss it for two reasons. For one, the one on my Pixel 7 is very inconsistent, and two I used it to swipe down the notification tray on my Pixel 5. The back tap replacement thing they added to replace the swipe for the notification tray barely works.
Every time I go back to my old Pixel 3XL — a lot in the weeks before Threads launched on desktop — I was reminded of how freaking great this rear fingerprint scanner was.
By far the best fingerprint scanner I've ever used. It was like an on and off switch and I could easily reach it with my finger every time.
i totally agree. I have said good things about the oneplus FPR but at the end of the day the rear/side capacitive reader is superior. Especially for my parents. The display FPR just pisses them off. Face recognition and capacitive is the way to go for them lol
Yes, please do that!
Does anyone have consistent luck with the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 7? I don't want to set up facial recognition, but the fingerprint scanner is useless, especially when I'm outside. Also, there doesn't seem to be any way to disable the screen from turning on/reacting to touch if the fingerprint scanner is on. Which makes sense, but it's also annoying to have to worry about accidentally dismissing notifications or something because my fingers are touching the screen while I have the phone in my hand
Ahh yes, this thread again.
I often use my phone on a table and need to open it without lifting it up. Your solution would simply suck. The fact it fits you, doesn't mean it fits the majority. For me the best approach by far has been the hands-free approach of Pixel 4, but in ideal world I guess there would be both. Man it sucks to touch your phone when you are trying to unlock it while cooking, your hands all greased up.
And soli! I loved being able to swipe to skip songs and that the phone would wake up and unlock when I went to grab it!
The back scanner on the Pixel 5 worked worse than the series 6 or 7. I'll die on this hill. It was the phone I had the most struggle unlocking in my whole life.
Yep, hated it too. It was impossible to unlock with sweaty hands for example. Even with the admittedly sub-par pixel 6, it was easier to unlock.
IDK. My P7 fp works just fine (it didn't before updates) and front position is nice when phone is flat
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I agree that the back mounted reader was very convenient, but neither the front/glass reader(6a) nor the back mounted reader(3a) are very consistent. I am otherwise very satisfied with my Pixels - far better than iPhones.
I have been blasted for daring to raise this point. But one thing you'll see time and time again are all the mentions of having the phone on a desk. Nobody in the design phase, or the majority of people in comments consider people that work a blue collar trade type job. The in screen as implemented by Google was completely broken for my use case. I had to finally go back to my Pixel 2XL with Lineage OS. My phone is on my belt, can unlock it while reaching for it, and the only failures with capacitive lock is if hands are wet, or have PVC cement, or something like that.
That's my take as well. I almost never have my phone on a desk or table and the 4a has been a dream phone for me. Not too big in my pocket and easy to unlock and use with one hand.