Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
- Google is considering adding an under-display infrared (IR) camera to the Pixel 11, based on a leak from Google’s chips division.
- This would enable more secure and versatile face unlock, addressing limitations of the current face authentication system that relies on regular color cameras.
- The Tensor G6 chip is expected to support the new IR camera system, potentially matching Apple’s planned under-display Face ID technology for 2026.
As bezels on phones became smaller, the real estate on the front of the phones started to come at a premium. This meant that everything besides a single camera in a punch hole cutout had to go. Perhaps the biggest feature we lost because of this was IR cameras that could be used for fast and secure authentication, even in total darkness.
Thankfully, the feature might finally be coming back. Thanks to a massive leak from Google’s chips division, Android Authority has viewed credible documents indicating Google is considering adding an under-display infrared camera to the Pixel 11.