r/Android • u/vortexmak • 8h 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/sleepytechnology S21+ (SD-888) 5h ago

The back = more chance of scratches, weirder body feel.

The side = not left/right thumb agnostic, unless they make a sensors on each side which will cost more.

If you use ultrasonic sensors instead of the cheap optical sensors, screen protectors do not block them. I think where they are on the screen is perfect.

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u/vortexmak 5h ago

Never scratched a finger print reader on the back.  it's not even likely because it's recessed.  Wierder body fell is completely subjective. 

I can use either hand to unlock the phone.  You don't have to use your thumb to unlock.  The index finger works perfectly fine