robfish: I am hoping that the features which now work on Android 14 (beta) in NZ will mean that they will also in NZ otherwise we will have to purchase the new Pixels from overseas again.

Saw on reddit that someone has determined the fp sensor is based on the same tech as the Pixel 7 series.  Thats a bummer.

kradnz:

 

Saw on reddit that someone has determined the fp sensor is based on the same tech as the Pixel 7 series.  Thats a bummer.

 

Other reports say it's been upgraded to an ultrasonic fingerprint reader. We'll know tomorrow US time.

The Samsung S22 has an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and that's only ok, nowhere near as good as the hardware fingerprint sensors that seem to have gone out of style even though they're much, much better than in-screen fingerprint readers.

Fingerprint unlock is probably the most important part of the phone to me. If it's not ultrasonic I'll likely skip the phone. If any flagship had a hardware fingerprint reader I'd consider that a big advantage.

I know this is a Pixel 8 forum but if possible can people confirm that Pixel 7's have all been updated (or will update once turned on) so that alll standard features work? Specifically looking for wifi calling due to my rural location.

I would love an 8 but fear the price may be too high. I was looking at somewhere like this Google Pixel 7 5G 128GB – Obsidian - Phone Warehouse (thephonewarehouse.co.nz) 

kia ora

gzt:

robfish: I am hoping that the features which now work on Android 14 (beta) in NZ will mean that they will also in NZ otherwise we will have to purchase the new Pixels from overseas again.

Hmm I thought someone said voLTE and 5g work out of box for p7 in NZ. Maybe I was mistaken and that's A14 Beta. I will check that thread..

VoLTE and 5G already work on Android 13. I believe VoWiFi support is coming on Spark/Skinny in android 14

MikeB4: @timmmay I have a S23 Ultra and I would say the finger print sensor is mediocre at best. Not cool on an expensive device.

I loved the fingerprint reader on my Nokia 7 plus. It was on the back, right where my index finger would go holding the phone. Hate my Samsung in-screen version.

huckster:

 

MikeB4: @timmmay I have a S23 Ultra and I would say the finger print sensor is mediocre at best. Not cool on an expensive device.

 

I loved the fingerprint reader on my Nokia 7 plus. It was on the back, right where my index finger would go holding the phone. Hate my Samsung in-screen version.

 

I had a Huawei phone what seems like many years past now that had a brilliant fingerprint sensor on the back, just seem the natural place for it. I guess with most folks putting cases on their handsets I guess we are stuck with them on the front.

A bit of quick research suggests Sony, Asus and may Xiaomi are the main vendors that have some models with hardware fingerprint sensors. Asus Zenphone 10 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, for example, but it will only get to Android 15 with 4 years of security updates. Not sure how well it's supported in NZ. It's sold by pbtech. 

timmmay:

 

A bit of quick research suggests Sony, Asus and may Xiaomi are the main vendors that have some models with hardware fingerprint sensors. Asus Zenphone 10 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, for example, but it will only get to Android 15 with 4 years of security updates. Not sure how well it's supported in NZ. It's sold by pbtech. 

 

Sony phones, oh how I miss thee

timmmay:

 

A bit of quick research suggests Sony, Asus and may Xiaomi are the main vendors that have some models with hardware fingerprint sensors. Asus Zenphone 10 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, for example, but it will only get to Android 15 with 4 years of security updates. Not sure how well it's supported in NZ. It's sold by pbtech.

 

My Samsung Flip 4 has an excellent side fingerprint sensor (on the side key on the right hand side).  It is in just the right place for my forefinger when I hold it in my left hand (as I usually do being right handed).