Currently, physical fingerprint scanners are not particularly common and seem to be about to become even rarer. Why? Because it appears that the Google Pixel 6 will finally launch with a fingerprint scanner under the display.

At least that appears to be the case, according to a tweet (now deleted) from Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google's Senior Vice President of Android. The tweet included a screenshot of a prominent fingerprint icon.

Lockheimer's tweet was apparently intended to show off Android's new "Material You" UI, which will be unveiled in Android 12, but was accompanied by a further surprise that perhaps we should not have seen.

The Pixel 4 ditched the physical fingerprint sensor in favor of a more elaborate facial recognition system, but other Pixel phones have kept their physical fingerprint scanners long after many flagship smartphone makers started offering under-display fingerprint scanners.

Even the Pixel 5 and the newly announced Pixel 5a have physical fingerprint scanners on the back. However, the Pixel 6 seems to be ending that trend and adopting a more high-tech solution.

That is not a big surprise. First, Google has already revealed what the Pixel 6 will look like, and there is no indication that it will have a dedicated fingerprint scanner or the sensors required for more complex face unlocking. It would be natural for Google to build a fingerprint scanner under the display, unless it offers biometric security at all.

However, nothing is really certain, and the icon could be from a non-Google device that already has a fingerprint scanner under the display. Nevertheless, it is odd to see a Google executive tweeting about the new feature and not using a Google phone.

However, while I agree with the fact that Google needs to move forward with the Pixel series, I will miss the physical fingerprint scanner. The under-display scanner is great and I have no complaints about it working, but it's not quite the same as using a tactile sensor on the back of the phone.

After all, the under-display fingerprint sensor is hampered by the fact that it is under a smooth, glossy touchscreen, and you have to look to see exactly where it is. A physical fingerprint scanner, on the other hand, can be found even while the phone is in a bag or pocket, meaning the phone is ready by the time it comes to eye level.

Ditching the physical scanner also means that the fingerprint sensor gesture will disappear. Google's biggest one is the ability to pull down the notification bar by swiping along the sensor, which will prove very useful in some situations.

However, progress is progress, and the fingerprint scanner under the display offers several advantages. It looks smarter, and if the phone in question offers ultrasonic fingerprint recognition instead of a cheaper optical sensor, security is improved. It also takes up less space inside the phone, making room for more hardware.

I would not make a phone purchase decision based on this one feature alone. Still, I am quite excited about the Pixel 6 and am only disappointed that the physical fingerprint scanner may be gone.