Pixel 9: Any Security Upgrades?

secure825

Just wondering if the Pixel 9 will have any security advantages over the Pixel 8? For example, the Pixel 8 was the first phone to implement memory tagging. It's not easy to figure out given that most resources only specify functional differences between the Pixel 8 and 9 and not security differences. The Pixel 8 got memory tagging because it has a Tensor 3 CPU which has ARMv9 (first to implement memory tagging). The Pixel 7 didn't get memory tagging because it has an earlier Tensor G2 CPU with ARMv8.2-A. I don't see any security advantages with the Pixel 9's Tensor 4 with ARM9.2-A, but I'm not a technical user able to decipher such things. If anyone knows of any security advantages that the Pixel 9 might have over the 8 please post it here. I haven't been able to find any and so I'll stick with the 8 for now.

sonice

Pixel 9 (Pro) has got an ultrasonic fp scanner which is an improvement in accuracy and security compared to the optical on the older models.

secure825

sonice Yep ultrasonic is better which is why I used to have a Samsung phone. Pins are more secure though anyway: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/04/cops-can-force-suspect-to-unlock-phone-with-thumbprint-us-court-rules/

No one should be dumb enough to allow law enforcement to access their phones (or any info for that matter). They can put whatever they want on your devices if they can access them and use innocuous information against you even if you're innocent. Very little law enforcement oversight and training in the US. I digress to explain that everyone should use a pin anyway not written down anywhere. The most secure OS in the world won't protect you from IRL attacks to force entry with valid credentials.