Pixel 7: facial recognition is finally available but there is a catch

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are the first Google products to use facial recognition in a while, but unlike Apple, facial recognition cannot yet fully replace the fingerprint sensor.

Google unveiled the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, two of its newest high-end smartphones, last night. While not revolutionary, the latter incorporate better components and, above all, offer fresh, specialized features like Photo Unblur, which lets you deblur all of your photos.

So, the return of facial recognition, which was discontinued with the Pixel 4, is likely one of the most significant new features. The two new smartphones will be able to unlock using your face, but the functionality should have some constraints.

Pixel 7 Face Unlock: facial recognition finally here

According to Der Standard editor Andreas Proschofsky, Google’s facial recognition technology on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro is categorized as “Class 1 Biometric”. As a result, the system is only capable of unlocking smartphones and cannot entirely take the place of the fingerprint reader.

Also, users shouldn’t be able to use Face ID or facial recognition technology to confirm their identity online or accept payments. Although Google brags about how intelligent and machine learning-enhanced its algorithm is, the smartphone lacks the necessary sensors to use facial recognition for exceptional security. Owners of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will then continue to need to use the fingerprint sensor for purposes other than unlocking the device.

If the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are Face Unlock compatible, it is, as we previously mentioned, due to the addition of a new 10.8 MP Samsung 3J1 selfie photo sensor. The latter, when combined with Machine Learning and a new Google algorithm, finally enables Google to be secure and, as a result, to provide a facial recognition system, even if it is limited. According to a recent report from 9To5Google, it is also still possible that facial recognition will eventually be offered on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

Finally, here is a reminder of the specifications of the new Pixel 7. Also, you can find those of the Pixel 7 Pro below.

Google Pixel 7 specifications

• 6.32-inch (1080 x 2400 pixels) FHD+ AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, up to 1400 nits brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
• Google Tensor G2 processor with Titan M2 security chip
• 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
• Android 13
• Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
• 50MP rear camera with 1/1.3″ sensor, f/1.85 aperture, OIS, LDAF. 12MP 114° Ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture, 10-bit HDR recording. Cinematic Blur, high resolution 8x zoom, 4K 60 fps video recording
• 10.8MP 92.8° front camera with f/2.2 aperture, 4K 60 fps video recording, face unlock
• In-display fingerprint scanner
• USB Type-C audio, Stereo speakers
• Dust and Water-resistant (IP68)
• Dimensions: 155.64 x 73.16 x 8.7mm; Weight: 195.5g
• 5G SA/NA, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax  (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 LE, GPS, USB Type C 3.1 (1st Gen), NFC
• 4355mAh battery with 30W wired fast charging wireless charging

Google Pixel 7 Pro specifications

• 6.7-inch (3120 x 1440 pixels) curved 10-120Hz LTPO AMOLED display. With up to 1500 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
• Google Tensor G2 processor with Google Titan M2 security chip
• 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
• Android 13
• Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
• 50MP rear camera with 1/1.3″ sensor, f/1.85 aperture, OIS, 12MP 125° Ultra-wide auto focus camera with f/2.2 aperture. 48MP telephoto camera with f/3.5 aperture, OIS, 4.8x optical zoom, high resolution 30x zoom. 10-bit HDR recording, Cinematic Blur, Macro focus, 4K 60 fps video recording
• 10.8MP 92.8° front camera with f/2.2 aperture, 4K 60 fps video recording, face unlock
• In-display fingerprint scanner
• Dust and Water-resistant (IP68)
• USB Type-C audio, Stereo speakers
• Dimensions: 162.9 x 76.55 x 8.9mm; Weight: 212g
• 5G SA/NA, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax  (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 LE. Ultra-wideband (UWB), GPS, USB Type C 3.1 (1st Gen), NFC
• 5000mAh battery with 30W wired fast charging, wireless charging