Finger Print Reader Unlock Performance

[N4Newbie]

It doesn't seem to matter how many times I delete and re-add my right thumbprint - read performance with my left thumbprint is consistently quick, as is with my right index finger (typically I use this finger when the phone is already sitting flat on my desk, for example). But, my right thumb never works "well" and often gives a "Too many tires" error and forces me to enter my PIN instead.

 

[TraderGary]

It doesn't seem to matter how many times I delete and re-add my right thumbprint - read performance with my left thumbprint is consistently quick, as is with my right index finger (typically I use this finger when the phone is already sitting flat on my desk, for example). But, my right thumb never works "well" and often gives a "Too many tires" error and forces me to enter my PIN instead.

When you examine your thumb how do the actual print lines look? If you're right-handed, maybe your right thumb gets more wear and tear.

 

[kenorian]

The fingerprint scanner in the 6 series is clearly not as good as the rear scanner on previous models. No comparison. It's not terrible, but it's not great. If I want to unlock my phone while driving to open Waze, for example, it's almost impossible. Unfortunately, my work profile blocks trusted places/devices as well as a PIN (have to use a password with upper/lower case, number and special character). I have found that when the fingerprint location gets smudged it reduces accuracy.

 

[brosko]

When you examine your thumb how do the actual print lines look? If you're right-handed, maybe your right thumb gets more wear and tear.

Wear and tear is exactly it!

 

[donaldmd13]

I've been doing some home remodeling recently. I noticed when I go to my place for a while and my hands get all dry and dusty the PFS is horrendous. On days when I don't go, it works pretty darn well. It really is an amazing difference. The dryness of your fingers makes a huge difference.

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

I've been doing some home remodeling recently. I noticed when I go to my place for a while and my hands get all dry and dusty the PFS is horrendous. On days when I don't go, it works pretty darn well. It really is an amazing difference. The dryness of your fingers makes a huge difference.

Yeah, it's very noticeable if I've just washed my hands or unloaded the dishwasher. All fingerprint sensors seem to suffer this though, not just the pixel 6.

 

[brosko]

I've been doing some home remodeling recently. I noticed when I go to my place for a while and my hands get all dry and dusty the PFS is horrendous. On days when I don't go, it works pretty darn well. It really is an amazing difference. The dryness of your fingers makes a huge difference.

Yup dryness, also wetness, a little dirty, scuffed up etc. Anybody who works with their hands will find this FP sensor very inconsistent. If your hands are perfectly pampered and you work in an office all day it will be pretty good. Overall it's just a lot more picky as to when it can successfully read a print compared to the old FP sensors on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 5. It needs your finger to be almost perfect to read it quick and accurately.

 

[TraderGary]

Yup dryness, also wetness, a little dirty, scuffed up etc. Anybody who works with their hands will find this FP sensor very inconsistent. If your hands are perfectly pampered and you work in an office all day it will be pretty good. Overall it's just a lot more picky as to when it can successfully read a print compared to the old FP sensors on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 5. It needs your finger to be almost perfect to read it quick and accurately.

That's why I have no problem with my FPS whatsoever. I make my living entirely with my computer keyboard, buying and selling stocks. In no way could I be even remotely considered any kind of handyman around the house. I have to hire a handyman that knows what he is doing.

 

[brosko]

That's why I have no problem with my FPS whatsoever. I make my living entirely with my computer keyboard, buying and selling stocks. In no way could I be even remotely considered any kind of handyman around the house. I have to hire a handyman that knows what he is doing.

Yup. During the winter (I own a landscape maintenance business in NY) when I'm off for 3 months the fingerprint sensor is almost perfect. Anytime I do a little bit of work with my hands though, thumb gets a little scratched up and it's a pain to get it to read. Other than that the FO is pretty good. This explains why there's such a varying account of the FP sensors function I think. I've tested it a hundred times over the winter and figured this out. The sensors on the previous phones were much more "forgiving" as to fingerprint condition. That's for sure.

 

[TraderGary]

Any bets on whether the Pixel 7 uses an ultrasonic FPS and optional Face Recognition?

 

[Trees]

I think that would be a good decision. Or bring back the rear FPS from Pixel 5, with improvements as/if needed. Perhaps even a power button based FPS like the one in the Z Fold 3 could be an option.

I held off moving from a Pixel 5 to the 6 due to the Pixel 6 FPS. I understand that the Pixel 6 FPS works well for some. Reading the comments above, even though I work in an office, I fall into the imperfect hands/fingerprints due to non-work activities. Will see what the Pixel 7 has.

 

[anon(40376)]

Any bets on whether the Pixel 7 uses an ultrasonic FPS and optional Face Recognition?

Not sure why they could not have used facial rec with the Pixel 6; just like Samsung uses. As for the FPS. I would hope for their sake they do jump to a ultrasonic of better yet, capacitance type of the power button. It will be interesting to find out in a few months.