Pixel 10 teased by Google as leak confirms ultrasonic fingerprint upgrade

Google is beginning to pull back the curtain on its next flagship smartphone, the Pixel 10, with a playful new ad that directly names the upcoming device. This official tease comes alongside a revealing leak that points to a significant and welcome hardware improvement: a new and faster ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

The early hints suggest that while the Pixel 10 may not sport a radical new look, Google is focusing on meaningful internal upgrades to enhance the user experience.

Google’s cheeky Pixel 10 tease

In its latest “#BestPhonesForever” ad, Google continues its lighthearted jabs at Apple. The ad portrays a conversation between a Pixel and an iPhone, where the iPhone boasts about its “new” features, which the Pixel points out have been available on its devices for years. The witty back-and-forth culminates in the iPhone asking, “Sooo… What are you working on for Pixel 10? Just like out of curiosity.”

This marks the first time Google has officially acknowledged the Pixel 10 by name in its marketing. The move signals the start of the hype cycle for its next-generation phones, a strategy Google has employed in previous years, often teasing its new hardware a couple of months before the official launch. With competitors also gearing up for major releases, Google is keen to keep the spotlight on its upcoming flagship.

A faster, more reliable fingerprint sensor on the horizon

While Google is teasing, inside sources are leaking. An exclusive report from Android Headlines has confirmed that the Pixel 10 lineup will feature an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. This is a notable step up from the optical sensors used in older Pixel models and even an improvement on the ultrasonic sensor introduced in last year’s Pixel 9.

The new sensor is expected to be faster and more reliable, offering a better user experience, especially when unlocking the phone with wet fingers. This addresses a common pain point for many smartphone users and shows Google’s commitment to refining the core functionalities of its devices.

Alongside the new fingerprint technology, the report suggests Google will continue to offer its secure Class 3 facial recognition, providing users with another biometric option for unlocking their phones and authenticating payments.

Further hardware enhancements rumored for the Pixel 10 series include support for the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, although it may require a specific case to utilize its full capabilities. Google is also expected to introduce a fresh palette of colors. The Pixel 10 could be available in vibrant options like Ultra Blue, Limoncello, and Iris, while the Pixel 10 Pro is rumored to come in more subdued tones like Sterling Gray, Light Porcelain, and Smoky Green.

Rumors point towards an August 20 release. If you’re looking for more details on the Pixel 10 series, check out all our coverage here.