Google announced two Nexus smartphones incorporating fingerprint sensors which offer quick access to the devices, as well as a means to authenticate transactions on the recently launched Android Pay.

Nexus Imprint features on both devices, one built by Huawei (the Nexus 6P) while the other (the Nexus 5X) is the handiwork of LG.

The fingerprint sensor is situated on the back of the device so that users can hold their digit against it while tapping on a contactless point of sale terminal.

Google debuted Android Pay in the US three weeks ago, claiming it is already accepted at more than one million locations across the country.

This is the first time Google has launched two Nexus devices in one go since the programme began in 2010.

The devices are available for pre-order on the Google Store in a number of countries, including the US, UK, Ireland and Japan.

The new Nexus devices both run on Marshmallow, the latest version of Android which becomes available next week.

The Huawei-manufactured 6P is the first all-metal-body Nexus phone. The 5.7” phone is built from aluminum, with a USB Type-C port for fast charging, a 64-bit processor, and a 12.3 MP camera sensor with 1.55µm pixels. Google is billing the 6P as having the best camera on a Nexus device to date. Pricing for Nexus 6P starts at $499 for the 16GB model.

“In the US, other Chinese handset makers have had moderate success in some price segments – notably ZTE and Alcatel OneTouch – but Huawei has struggled. Huawei has the potential to raise its visibility in the US market by making a high profile Nexus smartphone,” commented Ian Fogg, IHS Technology’s director of mobile analysis.

Google worked with LG on the Nexus 5X, which boasts a 5.2” screen and the same 12.3 MP camera and Type-C port as the Nexus 6P. Nexus 5X starts at $379 for the 16GB model.