Why Under-Display Fingerprint Scanners are No Longer Necessary in the UK

The author recently switched to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which features a physical fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, and has found it to be a significant improvement over under-display scanners. The reliability and speed of physical sensors make them a better choice for unlocking phones, logging into apps, and authenticating payments.

Under-display fingerprint scanners have been around for eight years, but progress has been slow, and they are still plagued by reliability issues. The author has tested numerous Android phones and found that under-display scanners can be frustrating to use, especially when fingers are sweaty or the screen is wet.

Apple’s decision to avoid under-display fingerprint sensors and instead use Face ID, a secure 3D face unlock method, speaks volumes about the limitations of under-display scanners. The author believes that the Android phone market should follow Apple’s lead and ditch under-display fingerprint scanners in favour of physical sensors or secure face unlocking methods.

Physical fingerprint sensors can be discreetly integrated into the power button, making them a valid long-term option that fades into the background when not in use. Additionally, ditching under-display sensors could result in significant cost savings for manufacturers, with Intel Market Research suggesting it’s 25-30% cheaper to use physical sensors.

The sunk-cost fallacy is a significant factor in the persistence of under-display fingerprint sensors. Despite their limitations, manufacturers have invested heavily in this technology, making it difficult to abandon. However, with great alternatives available, it’s time to reconsider the use of under-display fingerprint sensors and opt for more reliable and secure methods.