I had two Samsung flagship phones, one (S20FE) had an optical fingerprint reader and the other (S22) had an ultrasonic one. Both of them somewhat regularly failed to read my finger, were slower than a fingerprint reader on the power button and are more expensive/complex to build. They won’t work with cheap 3rd party screen replacements and some screen protectors as well.
Meanwhile my $90 Android phone has a fingerprint reader on the power button. It never fails and I never have to perfectly place my finger on the sensor area to get it to work. It just seems like the perfect place to put a fingerprint sensor, so why do phone manufacturers keep using in-display fingerprint readers over the cheaper alternative?
I had a power button fingerprint reader in the past (Moto G7 Plus) and it wasn’t great as I’m left-handed. My thumb ends up on the opposite side of the screen, so I had to use my index which isn’t ideal.
I think the answer might be ‘because of marketing’.
For me, I dislike both the power button AND the screen fingerprint reader. The power button because I like to access my lockscreen and not to be catapulted in the last app I was using ; the screen reader because it’s messy and oftentimes doesn’t work correctly. My newborn has been able to unlock my phone, multiple times…
What I really miss was the fingerprint reader on the back of the device. It was convenient, fast, precise and let me access the lock screen.
Yep, the pixel 4a was my favorite phone in recent history, largely because of the rear mounted fingerprint sensor.
I had a 3a and thought I loved the rear reader, but apparently I have my phone flat on a desk or in a stand often enough that I really do prefer the front reader
I miss when it was on the back, right around where you put your finger when you pick up the phone.
The underscreen one is a major downgrade and I gotta fumble with it a few times to get it to work, usually.
Biggest thing I miss about the old Pixels was this because you could swipe it to pull the notifications bar down. It worked system wide so you could during a game or video just pop it down to check time or settings and just flick it away without moving your hand to the top of the phone.
I have a Google Pixel 5 and it’s in a great location for me. It’s right where my thumb generally rests.
Yessss. I had a Nexus 6P and the back fingerprint reader was amazing. Still probably the best phone I’ve had.
This so much! And it’s eragonomic no matter which hand you use. My new phone has it on the power button and it’s just ok. I miss having a rear touch sensor.
Wow, that is the opposite of my experience. I have only had problems with the power button fingerprint readers. My last three phones have used in-display readers, and that has been so much more reliable for me.
I do still use my Pixel Tablet, which uses a power button fingerprint reader for some reason, and I am constantly fighting with it.
The S9 had the fingerprint reader centered on the back. It was awesome.
As did the Pixel 2. Still miss the back scanner
Plus you could use it to drop down the notification window with a gesture. It was handy.
Power buttons are often covered by cases and, since they’re usually a weak spot for water proofing, it’s more effective to have a case that fully covers the button. In-screen readers (like what I have on my Samsung A71) tend to be good enough most of the time.
It really depends on the sensor tech. The fingerprint reader in my pixel 7 pro is absolute dogshit. I’ve heard the pixel 9 line improves things though.
Pixel 8 user here - the in-display fingerprint reader is fine, as long as my finger isn’t super dry (which happens regularly). So I’m regularly licking my finger to unlock the device like some boomer that’s used to doing it from turning pages in a book.
My dude, rub the side of your nose. Works great, no extra moisture.
Never fails on a 7 Pro
rub the side of your nose
I was itching!
My Pixel 6 never could read my right thumb, maybe 2% of the time. You know, the one used 99% of the time by a right handed person.
My Pixel 9 Pro Fold with the sensor in the power button has worked 99% of the time so far with all registered fingers in all manner of grips. Almost too good honestly, since it unlocks sometimes accidentally when picking it up.
That said, the rear sensor was still the best placement.
I have a Pixel 7 Pro and have never had an issue. I don’t have a screen protector on, if that makes a difference.
I have a soft-protector, the one you need to apply with a small spray of alcohol, and the fingerprint reader works just fine for me.
Specifically, this one
When I got the phone I also got one of the glass screen protectors, which was advertised as being extra thin for good touch sensitivity.
I shattered it trying to peel the plastic backing off, and never got around to getting a new one.
That one you linked looks like it would suit someone like me a bit better.
Not an expert but I’d suppose it’s nothing more than marketing getting in the way and insisting on an over engineered solution because it’s flashy
For a while, there was a patent on it, at least in he US. I remember having to root a Sony phone to enable the fingerprint reader on the power button about 10 years ago.
I miss my Xz1 Compact
That’s the one!
Motorola does it on the power button
I have a T-Mobile Revvel as a backup, it has it on the power button. Actually a decent freebe 5G phone, no complaints
Cause its cooler to not need to have a button uncovered.
Foldables have it on the side/power button but are priced as if they had 100 ultrasonic fingerprint readers under each screen.
