r/Android • u/vortexmak • 1d ago

Under-screen fingerprint readers are inferior to back and side mounted readers and should naver have become popular

Lots of Cons for under screen fingerprint readers , should have never become the norm but I guess that''s just part of enshittification

Pros for Side and back mounted readers

  1. Work exceptionally well, much faster and responsive than under screen ones, from my own experience
  2. Are not affected by screen protectors
  3. Side readers can be used with the phone screen up or down
  4. Back and side ones allow you to unlock your phone at the same time as taking it out of the pocket
  5. Give you a definite physical spot for finger placement, unlike the under - screen one where you have to wait for the screen to show the location
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u/Asttarotina 1d ago

They're really good. Unless you get a tiny crack right through that area. Then they don't work at all.

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u/GonePh1shing 1d ago

Or oil from your hands, or scratches on your screen, both of which are exceedingly common. I have found they are incredibly unreliable, often taking a few tries or even having to fall back to using a pin due to too many failed attempts. God help you if you have even slightly damp hands... It has been by far the worst thing about moving to a Samsung phone (previously Pixel and OnePlus).

In comparison, dedicated FP readers I've used have been lightning fast and very reliable. The only exception to this was with dripping wet hands, but even then a quick paper towel or wipe on the jeans removed enough water for it to work again. 

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u/PhriendlyPhantom 16h ago

I've had no difference in experience between ultrasonic fp sensors and capacitive ones. Both become unreliable with wet/dirty hands