Google’s Pixel 7 series will have side-mounted fingerprint scanners next year

Tech giant Google has announced that its “Pixel Tablet” and expected “Pixel Foldable Phones” will use traditional side-mounted sensors starting next year.

Recently, Google moved the fingerprint sensor from the back of the phone to the front (into the display) in its Pixel 6 series, prompting complaints from users.

With the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, Google has improved the reading experience and added face unlock support.

Despite these improvements, Google’s upcoming Pixel devices, the Pixel Tablet 2023 and the foldable Pixel “Notepad” appear to be returning to traditional fingerprint sensors.

As 9to5Google reports, the reason for switching from an under-display sensor to a traditional one on the foldable Pixel is to ensure that unlocking the phone works regardless of whether it’s folded or unfolded.

Next, there’s a test of an “X-aligned” device — meaning the fingerprint sensor would be along the top or bottom edge. We believe this code is meant to cover the upcoming Pixel tablet, likely placing its sensor on the top power/lock button, similar to the Pixel Slate, 9to5Google added.

However, Samsung’s foldable phones have seen decent success with under-display fingerprint sensors, and Google’s hardware ecosystem may begin to compete with Samsung’s with the launch of foldable phones and tablets.