Samsung Galaxy S9 Rumors Refute New Fingerprint Sensor Technology Claim

Despite recent claims, the Galaxy S9 may not have a display embedded fingerprint sensor. Tech informant, UniverseIce Tweeted Thursday, about his certainty that the smartphone would not include such a feature.

An prior report, indicated the Galaxy S9 might have a front-facing fingerprint sensor located in a notch at the bottom of the device’s display. Pundits suggested that notch might be similar to the top notches on devices, such as the iPhone X and the Essential Phone. The sensor was expected to be a dedicated authentication feature and not a reintroduction of a capacitive home button, according to a patent filed by Samsung.

However, if UniverseIce’s claim is true, the Galaxy S9 may continue the rear fingerprint sensor trend seen on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8. Samsung opted to move its fingerprint sensor to the back of its 2017 flagships to introduce a thin-bezel infinity display with an 18:9:5 aspect ratio and a virtual home button. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 were both rumored to feature display embedded fingerprint sensor prior to launch; however, Samsung has had trouble perfecting the feature for mass production.

Similarly, manufacturers including LG and Apple were also expected to release devices with in-display fingerprint sensors but had the same issue producing the specialized screens. Instead, the LG V30 released with a rear fingerprint sensor and other biometric features, such as voice recognition. Apple completely removed the fingerprint sensor from the iPhone X and introduced its own brand of facial recognition, called Face ID.

Currently, reports indicate devices with display embedded fingerprint sensors may not release until late 2018. Rumors already suggest the Galaxy Note 9 may be among the first devices to include the feature. Samsung is reportedly scouting suppliers, including Synaptics and BeyondEyes, Samsung LSI and Egis to provide sensors for the smartphone.