A teardown of the Galaxy S24 Ultra by WekiHome revealed an upgraded fingerprint sensor, model number QFS4008, which unlocks slightly faster than its predecessor. The S24 Ultra also introduces a new vivid color profile that has received mixed user feedback. Samsung has yet to utilize the 3D Sonic Max fingerprint sensor, and the device has passed durability tests despite using lower-grade titanium in its construction. The S24 Ultra also features "Galaxy AI" software and continues to offer a large display, strong performance, and battery life.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a newer and faster ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, the QFS4008 from Qualcomm, compared to the sensor used in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. This upgrade results in quicker and more accurate unlocking of the device. The ultrasonic sensor is touted to be more secure and resistant to spoofing compared to optical sensors, which are still used by some other Android flagship phones.
Android 14 Beta 3 has broken the fingerprint sensor on some Pixel devices, leaving users unable to use the sensor or access any settings or UI elements tied to it. The issue seems to affect Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a devices, but not all users are affected. There is no clear workaround, but a factory reset or rolling back to a previous version of Android may fix the problem. This highlights the risks of installing beta releases on daily driver devices.
Users on Reddit have found an unusual workaround for the Pixel 7's fingerprint sensor issues, including using natural oil found on skin or moisturizing fingers. Google is reportedly upgrading the Pixel 8 to an ultrasonic sensor. The company has been trying to fix the fingerprint scanner's problems through recent Android 14 betas.
Samsung Display has unveiled Sensor OLED, the world's first OLED screen with built-in fingerprint and heart rate sensors. The OLED panel uses a built-in light sensing OPD, which means that companies who want to use a built-in fingerprint sensor will not have to use a separate sensor, saving cost and space inside the phone. The technology is built into every pixel, allowing the device to access more accurate information. The Sensor OLED display can measure the user’s heart rate, blood pressure, and stress level simply with the touch of two fingers. The new Sensor OLED panels could potentially debut in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series.
The newly launched OnePlus Pad lacks any form of secure biometrics, including a fingerprint sensor or a proper alternative. The tablet supports password unlock and face unlock, but the latter is considered insecure and cannot be used for sensitive apps. OnePlus reasoned that an in-display fingerprint sensor "is not as natural" and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor "is also not that efficient" as the reasons for excluding secure biometrics. The lack of biometrics is a deal-breaker for some users.
Google is rolling out Android 14 Beta 1.1 to Pixel phones, which includes bug fixes for issues such as the under-display fingerprint sensor not working on the Pixel 6+, system UI crashes when accessing the Wallpaper & Style screen, and more. The update also includes the April 2023 security patch for most devices. If you're enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you will automatically receive an OTA update.
Pixel users who installed Android 14 Beta 1 are experiencing problems unlocking their phones using the fingerprint sensor. The beta update is unstable and users are advised to avoid installing it on their main phone. The best time to install the update is when it is in Platform Stability, which is expected to take place in June. Users who are subscribed to the QPR3 Beta program should be careful as Google is sending out a link to the Android 14 Beta 1 update, even if they didn't request to join the program.
Leaked cases for the upcoming Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones suggest that the devices will have more rounded corners, slimmer bezels, and a larger camera cutout for the Pixel 8 Pro's fourth sensor. The phones are also expected to feature the Tensor G3 chip, improved camera features, and a more reliable fingerprint sensor. These design changes are expected to improve the user experience of the devices.
