These days, you’ll find fingerprint scanners in different locations on different smartphones. While most OEMs are switching to in-display fingerprint scanners, we still find push-button scanners and other dedicated physical scanners on some phones. Take the Asus Zenfone 9 for example. It places the biometric reader on the smart power button on the side. The Sony Xperia 1 IV also features a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner. While Android Authority’s Robert Triggs favors one kind of fingerprint scanner over all others, we wanted to know what you, our readers, like best — in-screen fingerprint scanners, side-mounted scanners, or rear-mounted scanners. See how you voted in our poll.
Which style of fingerprint scanner do you prefer?
Results
Our poll received over 2,600 votes from readers, and the fingerprint scanner of choice by the majority seems to be side-mounted. 48% of respondents said they like their phones with side-mounted fingerprint scanners. The next most preferred type of fingerprint security among poll participants is the on-screen type. 27% of voters chose this style. It is, after all, very popular in current smartphones. Meanwhile, 22% of respondents prefer rear-mounted fingerprint scanners and 4% don’t use fingerprint unlock at all.
Your comments
Internet Face: The best part of side FPS is the fact that it forces OEMs to use a flat screen. Kasey Smith: Former Z5 owner, current XZ2 owner’s thoughts: The side-mounted scanner was great in every situation. It was right in the hand when taking the phone out of the pocket, but also not blocked when the phone was placed on a car or bike. I miss it and I’m glad they brought it back on the Xperia 1 II. Definitely one of the reasons I can’t wait to upgrade to a newer phone this fall. emwy_tukur: You rarely use the power key. Double tap on and off is the norm for me. In this context, a side-mount scanner is a no-no. On screen all the way. Kira: A fingerprint sensor on the back is the best fit for me personally. TwoMinus: A good FP back scanner is probably faster in most use cases, eg. grab the phone from your pocket or table and start using it, but it’s not accessible in other situations, like when the phone is on a wireless charger, placed on the bkike or some car mounts, so I still prefer the front ones or maybe on the side . Stanley Kubrick: Not sure why…but why not put one in the back AND under the windshield? Both are activated at the same time and you use whichever one is most convenient for you. It can’t cost that much more or take up a lot of space. The OEM that does it first is the winner in my book. crosph: I loved the side-mounted scanner with the Xperia Z5, love it again with the Galaxy Z Flip. On the Flip it’s a bit redundant as opening the phone already wakes it up and face unlock is sometimes quite fast but in any case even if it’s asleep I just have to tap the power button er the side key with a little intention. and I’m in before I even press the button. KRB: I never cared if my device had a fingerprint reader on the back (my current device does), on the side, on the front chin, or on the screen. As long as it works well and fast is what matters… My preference? I would probably put it on the back, however I had a choice. Paul B: Generally prefer touch over Face ID. My first touch was on the Samsung S10 screen… it worked fine. Then tap the Pixel 5 on the back. Better than face but more uncomfortable. Pixel 6 Pro on screen works fine for me….. but I like my ipad airs to touch button mode.., I would take that every time. Marshall: In-display is, for the most part, a novelty. I’ve been placed back, screen and side (in that order) and won’t be going back. The back is fine, but I found it worked best when using a case with a sculpted recess for the sensor (UB or similar). Placing on the side seems to be under my thumb much faster and easier, regardless of whether the phone is cased or physical. Pete Kilburn: Put it on the back!!! Phones are made for right handed when it comes to side fingerprint readers…really annoying. duckofdeath: 100% of left-handed users hate side-mounted fingerprint readers. On the screen is definitely the future. If your optical reader is rubbish, as always, get a phone with an ultrasonic reader. Joe Carroll: I am VERY hesitant to buy another phone with an in-display fingerprint sensor. I absolutely hate them and have never used one that lived up to my expectations. I downgraded to an older phone just to not have to deal with it anymore and will probably buy a Pixel 5, 5A or this new Asus one (if my budget allows) instead of a Pixel 6, 6A or 7 because of it. Comments
