While modern smartphones have largely embraced under-display biometric sensors, physical fingerprint scanners continue to make a strong case for themselves. A recent analysis from Android Police argues that Samsung's side-mounted fingerprint sensor outclasses virtually every in-display alternative tested so far.
The case for the side-mounted scanner centers on speed, consistency, and ergonomics. Integrated directly into the power button, these capacitive sensors allow users to unlock their devices naturally as they pick them up, eliminating the need to hunt for an illuminated target area on the glass.
Despite flagship devices routinely treating under-display scanners as a premium standard, physical readers—frequently retained on foldables and select midrange devices—continue to deliver higher reliability and fewer failed attempts during daily use.
Check the original report on Android Police for full details and in-depth comparisons.
