Samsung files patent for on-screen fingerprint sensor, expected for S9

With the recent trend of bezel-less devices, smartphone manufacturers are facing huge design problems. In favor of full-screen display, they have to ditch the hardware buttons from the front of the device. But it also means that comprising on some features that are better accessible from the front of the screen.

One of the features that have been a center of attention owing to bezel-less displays is a fingerprint scanner. Although some of the devices sport it at the back but it looks more natural and organic on the front side. Samsung faced the same issue while designing the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8 series, they wanted to keep the infinity display but what to do with the fingerprint scanner? It was conveniently tucked beside the cameras on the back of the device. Issue resolved? No, people had a hard time differentiating between camera length and scanner.

iPhone completely ditched the fingerprint scanner and launched Face ID which, well, received a lot of scrutiny on social media but it works and it works well.

Now a new leak suggests that Samsung has filed a patent for an onscreen fingerprint sensor that tucks right below the screen and performs its function well. Interestingly, the whole screen will work as a fingerprint sensing pad and will allow a user to scan and enter into the phone. According to the leak, the sensor will be able to detect a fingerprint on the whole or at least a section of the display. The sensor is expected to be shipped with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9.

According to Forbes,

“The patent explains that sitting below a regular screen display will be a pressure sensor. Above the display is the touch sensor, the fingerprint sensor, and finally the cover glass. The fingerprint sensor will be activated at a specific level of pressure. The patent also shows that using different areas of the screen to read the fingerprint will result in different actions and unlocked areas of the device.”

After the launch of iPhone X, the Korean smartphone manufacturer just wouldn’t want to launch a smartphone with improved specifications, it needs something to get the users excited. This sensor will act as that hook!