The upcoming Google Pixel 7a might include Face Unlock among its security features, according to Twitter leakster SnoopyTech.
The tech informant recently shared potential renders of the device, which included shots of a menu page, Face & Fingerprint Unlock. Though SnoopyTech is considered a fairly trusted source, many are uncertain about the validity of this leak due to the blurry nature of the images. If accurate, Pixel 7a would be the first budget-tier Pixel smartphone to include the Face Unlock feature.
When Google launched the Pixel 6a and previewed the Pixel 7 series at Google I/O last May, the brand hinted that a-series devices would see a feature trickle down from their flagship counterparts at a lower price point.
The Pixel 6a adopted specs originally seen on the Pixel 6 flagship, such as the Night sight, and Magic eraser camera features, as well as the first Tensor chip and Titan M2 security chip. The Pixel 6a was then introduced to the market at $449, while the Pixel 6 sold at $599 and the Pixel 6 Pro sold at $899. Currently, reports indicate the Pixel 7a might sell for $499 at launch, which could be set for May 11 in the U.S. quickly following the Google I/O developers conference where the device is expected to be unveiled.
The Pixel 7a is sure to adopt several features originally seen on prior models. Both the Pixel 7 series and Pixel 6 series have featured Face Unlock. The smartphone is expected to run the same Tensor G2 chip as the Pixel 7 series, as well as the same 8GB base-level RAM capacity. It might be the first Pixel device to feature a 64-megapixel main camera in a dual-lens setup with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor. Meanwhile, its front-facing camera is expected to be an 8-megapixel lens.
Other prospective features on the Pixel 7a include a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 128GB of UFS3.1 storage, a 4,500mAh battery with 18W charging and wireless charging, Android 13 support with three years of updates, and 5G, 4G, WiFi6 connectivity.
Rumors suspect that in the absence of advanced facial identification hardware, Google might use the Pixel 7a selfie camera as the unlocking mechanism. There are some limitations to this option, such as increased levels of failure at night or in the dark. Much like the prior flagships, the Pixel 7a will include an in-display fingerprint scanner.
Android Headlines noted that the last time Google implemented advanced facial recognition on a lower-cost device was with the Pixel 4. However, that smartphone was considered a flagship. The company then scrapped the feature until its current Pixel rebrand.
