I’m Done with Under-Display Fingerprint Scanners

The transition to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 two months ago was a hesitant one for me. The primary driving force behind this decision was Samsung’s One UI 8 software, which offered essential features to help me curb my doomscrolling habit. However, the potential drawbacks compared to traditional smartphones, such as the absence of an under-display fingerprint sensor, were not particularly appealing. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 addressed this by incorporating a physical fingerprint sensor into the power button, which surprisingly turned out to be a more convenient and efficient method for unlocking the phone, logging into apps, and authorizing payments.

The experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 led me to question the persistence of under-display fingerprint sensors in smartphones. Despite being introduced eight years ago, the progress in this technology has been disappointingly slow. In my experience, physical sensors have proven to be more reliable and faster compared to under-display ones. Issues like unlocking failures in damp conditions or after accidental water exposure have plagued under-display scanners for years without any significant improvement.

Apple’s avoidance of under-display fingerprint sensors in favor of Face ID speaks volumes about the efficacy of secure face unlock technologies. Face ID, which projects thousands of dots onto the user’s face for secure authentication, has set a high standard for biometric security. The popularity of secure face unlock methods in the iPhone and some Android devices indicates a shift towards more reliable and secure authentication methods.

The integration of fingerprint sensors into power buttons has made them discreet and convenient, blending seamlessly into the design of smartphones. This positioning not only enhances the user experience but also aligns with a minimalist aesthetic. Additionally, there is a significant cost-saving potential in opting for physical sensors over under-display ones, with estimates suggesting a 25-30% reduction in manufacturing costs.

After years of experimentation, it is evident that under-display fingerprint sensors fall short in terms of reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to physical sensors and secure face unlock methods. It is time for the smartphone industry to move away from under-display sensors and embrace more reliable and efficient biometric authentication technologies. The sunk-cost fallacy should not hold back progress towards better user experiences and enhanced security in smartphones.