Fingerprint sensors have become an integral part of smartphones today. They make unlocking phones easy. Instead of entering a PIN or drawing a pattern, you unlock your phone by placing your finger on the sensor. But fingerprint sensors can perform differently depending on where they are placed on the phone. Some phones use an in-screen fingerprint sensor, others place sensors under the display or on the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, their placement affects unlocking speed, accuracy and performance in wet or cold conditions. If you want to know whether the in-screen fingerprint sensor is fastest and most reliable, read this post. Here, we have outlined the most significant differences between these three to help you make the right choice. So, let\u2019s get started\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is how these three (in-display, side-mounted and rear-mounted) fingerprint sensors vary. Take a look\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In-display fingerprint sensors are placed underneath the phone’s screen and are now common in many trending mobile phones<\/a><\/strong>. You need to put your finger on the marked area so that the sensor can read your fingerprint through the display. In-display sensors offer a clean design and they are of mainly two types, namely optical and ultrasonic sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Optical fingerprint sensors use light to scan your fingerprint through the display. They are affordable and easy for manufacturers to integrate into smartphones. The main drawback is that the sensor has to see your fingerprint through the display. Water, dirt, dry fingers, or some screen protectors can sometimes affect their accuracy. Performance also varies from phone to phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultrasonic sensors, on the other hand send ultrasonic waves toward your finger and measure the returning signal instead of using light to capture an image. They are quicker and more reliable compared to optical sensors. They offer better accuracy and faster unlocking compared to basic optical sensors, even through the display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, performance can vary by phone, and some screen protectors may affect them. Their biggest advantage is a clean, button-free design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there are side-mounted fingerprint sensors. They are often built directly into the phone’s power button, thus the name. Side sensors are often faster and easier to use. The side-mounted sensor is easy to reach when you pick up the phone, so you can unlock it quickly. Most use capacitive technology, which detects the ridges and valleys of your fingerprint, making it a practical option in a new launch mobile<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speed is their biggest advantage and the reason is simple they sit around the most easily accessible area. A good side-mounted sensor can unlock your phone almost instantly the moment you press the power button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides that, side-mounted sensors are also not affected by screen protectors because they sit outside the display. Side-mounted sensors are easy to access and work especially well on foldable and compact phones where an in-display sensor cannot be incorporated. The smaller sensor area means you need to place your finger correctly. It may also take some time to get used to, especially when using the phone with the opposite hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rear-mounted fingerprint sensors were very common in older smartphones. They are usually placed below the camera, where your index finger naturally rests. They are easy to find without looking and can unlock the phone quickly because they usually use capacitive technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, rear-mounted fingerprint scanners have become pretty uncommon these days because modern smartphones come with larger displays and cleaner backs. This makes it difficult for manufacturers to incorporate these sensors. A rear-mounted scanner is less convenient when the phone is lying on a table because you need to pick it up first. However, it can be very comfortable for one-handed use.<\/p>\n\n\n\na. Optical Sensors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
b. Ultrasonic Sensors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Side-Mounted (Power Button)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Rear-Mounted Fingerprint Sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Speed and Accuracy Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n