Samsung Galaxy S9 Release Date Could Include More Fingerprint Scanner Changes

The Samsung Galaxy S9 may feature a fingerprint sensor from a new supplier, according to a recent report from ETNews. The Korean manufacturer has reportedly selected an unnamed Taiwanese manufacturer to produce the biometric option for its upcoming flagship.

Not much is known about the details of this deal, but there are considerable rumors surrounding the Galaxy S9 fingerprint scanner. Reports have indicated that the Galaxy S9 will likely retain its rear-facing position, but Samsung may move the sensor from the right of the camera module to a centered location below the module. This placement is more like the fingerprint scanner placement on other Android devices that feature rear-facing fingerprint scanners.

Samsung is expected to use the same type of fingerprint sensor featured on its older devices, such as the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8, according to SamMobile. There is no word on why Samsung may be opting to change the supplier of its fingerprint sensor.

Though the Galaxy S9 launch remains several months away, pundits appear to have given up hope that the 2018 flagship will feature an on-screen fingerprint sensor. Rumors now suggest that feature may be introduced on the Galaxy Note 9, later in 2018. Reports have indicated that Samsung has been in talks with suppliers including Synaptics and BeyondEyes, Samsung LSI and Egis to provide display embedded sensors for the Galaxy Note 9.

Other recent reports suggest the Galaxy S9 could lose its 3.5mm headphone jack and could have a display-to-body ratio of up to 9- percent. Many rumors suggest the device could release as early as January, during CES 2018, but Samsung has more commonly announced its flagships during the timeframe of Mobile World Congress in late February. The Galaxy S8 was unveiled in a standalone event in late March.