In-display fingerprint scanners are probably coming to the Galaxy S10 series, but there’s been some confusion about which of the models will get access to the feature. Earlier reports claimed that only 2 out of 3 will be equipped with the tech, but a new one says all 3 will benefit from it.
Rumors so far have held that there will be a budget 5.8-inch, a standard 6.1-inch, and a premium 6.4-inch Galaxy S10. As per this narrative, the first is supposed to get a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and the latter pair is supposed to get an under-display fingerprint scanner.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Fingerprint Plans
An official from the display industry told The Investor that Samsung is actually going to provide all three of its phones with an in-display fingerprint sensor. However, the entry-level model is probably going to get an optical fingerprint reader and the two high-end models will receive a more advanced ultrasonic one.
Qualcomm is set to provide the ultrasonic scanner. The tech creates a 3D map of a finger and is more accurate since it can look past sweat, grease, and light. On the other hand, optical readers shoot 2D images of a finger and are less accurate since it’s affected by dirt, water, and light. It’s also easier to spoof.
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Samsung reportedly wanted to integrate Synaptics’ optical solution in the Galaxy S8, but changed its mind since it wasn’t perfect. A couple of Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Vivo have actually beaten it to the punch in the years since. Still, the Galaxy S10 series will be the first widely-available smartphone with an in-display sensor.
Going by Samsung’s past patterns, the Galaxy S10 lineup will probably get announced at the MWC 2019 in February and hit stores in March.