Under-Display Face Unlock: The Next Big Thing for Android Phones

Despite recent reports that Google's upcoming Pixel 11 may skip new face unlock hardware, an emerging player has just demonstrated a groundbreaking under-display face unlock system that could land on Android devices as early as next year. This development promises to change how we think about biometric security on smartphones. Below, we answer key questions about this exciting technology.

What exactly is under-display face unlock?
How does it differ from current face unlock methods?
Which company is behind this new tech?
When might we see it in Android phones?
Why is this significant given the Pixel 11 news?
Will it replace fingerprint sensors and other biometrics?
Could it work with existing under-display cameras?

What exactly is under-display face unlock?

Under-display face unlock refers to a biometric system that performs facial recognition using a camera and sensors placed directly beneath the smartphone's screen. Unlike traditional systems where a notch or punch-hole houses the front-facing camera, this technology hides all necessary components behind the display. When you lift your phone to unlock it, the screen area above the camera becomes transparent, allowing the hidden camera to capture your face. This approach enables a true full-screen design without sacrificing biometric security. It works by using specialized display panels that can switch between opaque and transparent states, or by relying on camera apertures that are effectively invisible to the naked eye. The result is a seamless, uninterrupted screen that still offers fast and secure face unlock capabilities, potentially with improved accuracy through multiple sensors under the glass.

Under-Display Face Unlock: The Next Big Thing for Android Phones — Source: 9to5google.com

How does it differ from current face unlock methods?

Current face unlock methods generally fall into two categories: those using a visible notch or punch-hole camera (like Android’s standard Face Unlock) and those relying on dedicated infrared sensors (like Apple’s Face ID). Both require a cutout in the display or a large bezel. Under-display face unlock eliminates these design compromises by hiding the entire camera and sensor array under the screen. It also differs in its implementation—while standard software-based face unlock can be less secure (potentially fooled by photos), an under-display solution can incorporate depth mapping or infrared sensors for higher security. Additionally, current in-display fingerprint sensors only read your finger through a small area of the screen; face unlock under the display covers a larger portion, making it more convenient. This new tech promises a cleaner look without notches, while maintaining or even improving security levels compared to many existing Android face unlock systems.

Which company is behind this new tech?

The company demonstrating this impressive under-display face unlock technology is Visionox, a Chinese display manufacturer known for innovations in OLED and flexible screens. They showcased a working prototype at a recent trade event, highlighting a phone that could unlock via facial recognition without any visible camera on the front. Visionox has been developing under-display camera solutions for several years, but this particular demo focuses specifically on face unlock. Their technology uses a custom OLED panel that allows light to pass through when needed. While Visionox itself doesn't sell phones, they supply displays to major Android brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and possibly upcoming Google devices. The company claims their solution is ready for mass production and could be integrated into smartphones as soon as next year, pending partnerships with OEMs.

When might we see it in Android phones?

According to industry insiders and Visionox’s own statements, under-display face unlock could debut in commercial Android devices as early as 2026, which would be next year from the time of this writing. The company has indicated that several smartphone makers are already evaluating the technology for their upcoming flagships. However, widespread adoption may take longer—initial releases might be limited to high-end models or special editions due to manufacturing costs and yield rates. The Pixel 11 is notably not expected to include this feature, but other brands like Xiaomi or Samsung could be first adopters. If the technology proves successful, we could see it trickle down to mid-range phones within two or three years. Visionox’s prototype has already received positive feedback, suggesting the timeline is realistic.

Why is this significant given the Pixel 11 news?

Recent leaks indicate that Google’s Pixel 11, expected in 2027, will not feature new face unlock hardware—meaning it will likely stick with a traditional notched camera or rely solely on a fingerprint sensor. This news makes the under-display face unlock breakthrough particularly notable for Android fans who were hoping for innovative biometrics from Google. It suggests that other manufacturers may leapfrog the Pixel in this area. The timing is significant because it shows that even if a major brand like Google holds back, the ecosystem is still advancing through suppliers like Visionox. For consumers, it means that an elegant, notch-free face unlock could arrive on competing phones well before the Pixel 11, potentially influencing buying decisions. It also puts pressure on Google to reconsider its hardware roadmap or face criticism for falling behind in biometric innovation.

Will it replace fingerprint sensors and other biometrics?

It’s unlikely that under-display face unlock will completely replace fingerprint sensors or other biometric methods in the near future. Instead, it will likely serve as a complementary option on high-end devices. Many users prefer the speed and convenience of an in-display fingerprint sensor for quick actions like authenticating payments, while face unlock offers a more natural interaction when picking up the phone. Moreover, under-display face unlock may not work well with sunglasses or in bright sunlight, so having a backup fingerprint scanner makes sense. Additionally, some regions have regulations requiring fallback biometrics. We may see phones offering both under-display face unlock and an under-display fingerprint sensor, giving users the choice. Over time, if the technology becomes extremely fast and reliable, it could relegate fingerprint sensors to secondary status, but wholesale replacement remains several years away.

Could it work with existing under-display cameras?

Yes, the technology is built upon the same principles currently used for under-display selfie cameras found in some phones like the ZTE Axon 30 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. In those devices, the camera sits beneath a special screen region that becomes transparent during camera usage. However, the current generation of under-display cameras often suffers from lower image quality due to the screen overlay—images can be hazy or have lower resolution. For face unlock, that trade-off may be more acceptable because the authentication process is brief and doesn’t require high-quality photos. The Visionox demo suggests they’ve improved the optical clarity enough for reliable facial recognition. So while the same hardware could theoretically double as a standard camera, manufacturers might still include a separate high-quality front-facing camera for photography, relegating the under-display unit solely for face unlock to optimize both security and photo quality.