Samsung Galaxy S9 Leaks Reveal No Headphone Jack Concept, Fingerprint Scanner Changes

A recent leak suggests that the rumored Galaxy S9 smartphone may feature a fingerprint scanner in a more convenient rear-facing position. Tech blog BGR obtained a render of a device it claims is the Galaxy S9, featuring a rear fingerprint scanner in a centered position below the camera module instead of to the right of the camera module. The latter is the fingerprint scanner placement on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8.

Samsung’s 2017 biometrics designs have been a pain point for consumers since the fingerprint scanner placement makes it difficult for users to accurately place their finger on the sensor. Users can easily miss the sensor on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 and touch the camera module. This is likely why Samsung implemented other biometric features, such as iris scanning and facial recognition. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 both have six security options total. In addition to a fingerprint sensor, iris scanner and facial recognition, users can unlock the handsets with more standard pin, password or pattern setups.

There have already been murmurs that the Galaxy S9 would feature a rear-facing fingerprint scanner in a centered location. More reports suggest that Samsung is moving away from implementing an on-screen fingerprint scanner on the device and may save that feature of the Galaxy Note 9.

The recent leak also further backs up clues that Samsung may remove the 3.5mm headphone jack from the Galaxy S9. While the manufacturer has taken to teasing Apple for releasing its latest smartphones without built in audio support, there have been several reports that suggest the Galaxy S9 may go in the same direction. The current renders show the underside of the device with no 3.5mm port.

Other rumors surrounding the Galaxy S9 suggest the device may feature a screen with a display-to-body-ratio of up to 90 percent. While thin bezels have been a general trend among smartphone makers in 2017, pundits have suggested that such a design for the Galaxy S9 could make it look a lot like the iPhone X. Whether this means the device would have a top notch similar to Apple’s smartphone remains unknown, but sources told SamMobile that the Galaxy S9 may have a top bezel thinner than its bottom bezel.