Galaxy S24 series users might notice that they can unlock their phones faster،
Compared to the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor used on last year's Galaxy S23 lineup, the one deployed on the recently released Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra flagship phones are newer and faster. This comes from the leaker “X” Ice universe who says that a dismantling of the Galaxy S24 Ultra reveals that the device uses Qualcomm's QFS4008 fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the QBT2608 fingerprint sensor.
The sensors are both the same size (8 × 8 mm) and the same thickness of 0.15 mm (µ150). On Qualcomm's product page for the fingerprint sensor it says: “Using sound waves to read the valleys and ridges of a finger, the Qualcomm 3D Sonic Gen 2 transmits an ultrasonic pulse against the finger.” The reflection of the 3D pulse creates a detailed 64 mm2 reproduction of the scanned image. fingerprint for quick and easy security performance.
If you feel that the ultrasonic fingerprint of the S24 Ultra is faster, it is because Samsung upgraded the ultrasonic fingerprint module from the QBT2608 of the S23 Ultra to the QFS4008 used by the S24 Ultra. pic.twitter.com/ePUljm6nFZ
– ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) February 5, 2024
A video of Galaxy S24 Ultra by Wekihome (via SamMobile) reveals that there are some differences between the sensors used on the Galaxy S23 Ultra And Galaxy S24 Ultra and these differences could explain why the newer model's fingerprint sensor seems faster.
Not all Android flagship phones use the faster and more accurate ultrasonic fingerprint sensors. For example, Google continues to use an optical sensor that takes a photo of the user's fingerprint and converts it into digital data that is then compared to the registered fingerprint to see if it matches. You may remember the complaints Google received when the Pixel 6 series launched in 2021, which used an optical fingerprint sensor under the screen that was slow and often inaccurate. Google still uses an optical sensor under the screen, although the user experience has greatly improved on the Pixel 8 line.
In addition to being faster than optical fingerprint sensors, ultrasonic sensors are also more accurate and secure than optical scanners. Qualcomm claims that its 3D Sonic ultrasonic fingerprint sensors use “…acoustics-based technology that reflects the unique characteristics of a user's individual fingerprint compared to optical solutions, exposing the users to identity theft. With built-in anti-spoofing, 3D Sonic meets the highest security standards for mobile devices, rejecting fraudulent photographs and fake molds from your finger.
