Ryan Haynes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Based on leaks from Google’s chip division, Google is considering adding an under-display infrared (IR) camera to the Pixel 11.
- This enables more secure and versatile facial recognition unlocking and addresses the limitations of current facial recognition systems that rely on regular color cameras.
- The Tensor G6 chip is expected to support a new IR camera system, which could align with Apple’s planned under-display Face ID technology for 2026.
As cell phone bezels became smaller, space on the front of a cell phone started to become expensive. This meant that all but one camera in the punch-hole cutout had to be removed. Perhaps the biggest feature lost due to this was an IR camera that could be used for fast and secure authentication even in complete darkness.
Thankfully, this feature may finally be coming back. Thanks to a massive leak from Google’s chip division, Android permissions We’ve seen reliable documents indicating that Google is considering adding an under-display infrared camera to the Pixel 11.
Bring back more secure facial recognition lock
Starting with the Pixel 7 series, all Google smartphones have a facial recognition solution using a regular color camera. While this is a useful feature, it is not as secure as a dedicated IR camera. Another drawback is that it only works if there is enough light, so it is very less versatile.
However, the Pixel 7 wasn’t the first Google phone to feature facial recognition. The Pixel 4 had this feature a few years ago, but with slight differences. In fact, the phone was equipped with two IR cameras that allowed it to perform secure authentication even in the dark.
Pixel’s facial recognition could be getting another big change soon. According to the documents we’ve seen, Google Tensor G6’s image signal processor will support an under-display IR camera system. Thanks to a new “light” front end (one of the main parts of an ISP) designed specifically for this purpose, the chip can improve the processing of such systems and significantly reduce power consumption. can.
Of course, just because a chip supports a feature doesn’t mean the phone using it also supports it, but this is a sign that Google is at least considering the feature for the Pixel 11 series. It means there is. If this plan moves forward, Google would match Pixel facial unlock support with Apple, which is rumored to launch a phone with an under-display IR camera for Face ID in 2026. There is.
Unfortunately, the documentation also doesn’t mention whether the regular selfie camera will be under-display. Considering that Google’s phones have always focused on camera quality, it’s safe to assume they’ll stay punch-hole. Regular under-display cameras still noticeably suffer from sharpness.
