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Google Pixel 6a could fix the Pixel 6’s biggest pain point

The Google Pixel 6A seems like it's going to have a new fingerprint scanner, possibly setting it apart from the rest of the Pixel 6 line's sensor problems.

The Pixel 6a will ship with an all-new fingerprint sensor onboard, potentially solving months of frustrations owners had with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

After months of speculation, leaks, and rumors, the Google Pixel 6a was finally officially revealed at Google I/O 2022 and it seems to include an updated fingerprint scanner. The issues with the scanners in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have left a lot of fans cold on Google’s sensor technology, but the company might be able to turn things around with the 6a.

It’s worth noting that the updated fingerprint sensor wasn’t mentioned during the Pixel 6a’s reveal during the Google I/O keynote earlier this week. Instead, the information on the new part was shared with Android Central by Google’s senior vice president of devices and services Rick Osterloh on the day of the announcement.

Currently, there isn’t a lot of concrete information about the updated scanner other than that the 6a will have it. Although fans are hoping for a major upgrade from the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro’s sensors, there isn’t anything just yet saying that the new piece’s performance will be any better.

That’s not to say that prospective Pixel 6a buyers should give up on the fingerprint scanner, however, because the simple fact that Google is switching the piece suggests that it’s heard the feedback from its userbase and is looking to improve the experience. The company has been updating and incrementally improving the scanners in the 6 and 6 Pro ever since they launched last year, but the in-display sensors still leave a lot to be desired.

Some have begun speculating that the new sensor in the 6a will be the one featured in other upcoming Google hardware launches. It could be a sign that the company is looking to test the waters for its newest hardware on a device that will have a smaller launch before diving in headfirst with the tech on a flagship device.

Despite the general lack of in-depth information on the new sensor, it seems like the announcement could be a good sign for Pixel owners. Either way, we’ll get our answer soon as the Pixel 6a launches on July 28. After that, fans will be able to see for themselves if the new tech improves anything.

Are you tired of paying for streaming services you never watch just to get a phone plan feature you actually want? T-Mobile has good news for you! The carrier is rolling out new plans, called T-Mix, in early November to replace its old Experience lineup with a build-your-own perks system called Picks.

The benefits you choose vary from streaming and gaming to food delivery, AI, satellite service, and phone discounts. But if you are satisfied with your existing plan, you can keep it.

Merely days after the iPhone Duo hit the shelves, images of broken screens on the phone started popping up across social media. Until now, it’s been unclear what’s causing the line of defective pixels that appears vertically along the crease, as well as horizontally, on the phone’s inner display.

Apple has finally acknowledged the issue, which has shown up on iPhone Duo units owned by customers as well as demo units in stores. In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Apple says that not all iPhone Duo units are affected and that those that are tend to show the display fault early on. The company added that users who experience problems with their iPhone Duo display should contact AppleCare for a replacement.

Not long ago, Apple treated independent repair like an act of outright hostility. The Cupertino giant locked down parts with serial-number pairing, while repair tools remained firmly out of reach of anyone outside its authorized repair network. More importantly, the company waged a legal and lobbying battle against right-to-repair legislation.

I've covered enough of these fights over the years to know what a shift looks like. That's why what happened in October 2026 genuinely caught me off guard. The day the iPhone Duo went on sale, what may be the most mechanically complex iPhone to date, Apple pulled off a surprising about-face. It published teardown-style repair manuals for a handful of major components.