Faster fingerprint scanner needed on Galaxy phones

[MegSri]

Hello, Samsung Members,

As a devoted Samsung user since the days of the Note 8 series, my loyalty to the brand has been consistent. I have owned a long line of Samsung devices and recently added both the S24 Ultra and the S25 FE to my collection. While there's much to love about these phones, I feel it's necessary to provide honest feedback on an issue that has become increasingly noticeable and frustrating: the in-display fingerprint scanner. 

Recently, I had a chance to use a friend's Vivo V40 Pro. I was genuinely amazed by the lightning-fast and consistently accurate performance of its optical fingerprint sensor. This experience, while eye-opening, has been a stark contrast to my daily routine with both my S24 Ultra and S25 FE. 

The fingerprint scanners on my Samsung phones are, in a word, inconsistent. The speed is noticeably slower, and the sensor often fails to register my print on the first attempt, requiring me to reposition my thumb or press again. This is especially disappointing on a new device like the S25 FE. For a brand that sets the standard for premium hardware, the unlock experience on these phones feels like a step backward compared to what some competitors are offering. 

This is constructive feedback from a loyal fan. The fingerprint scanner is a key part of the daily user experience, and a major improvement is required. I sincerely hope that future generations of Galaxy devices, across all lines, prioritize delivering a faster and more reliable biometric unlock. My loyalty has been with Samsung for years, but this experience has me wondering if I've been missing out on superior technology from other brands. 

[pawanjose]

Hi, maybe you're using a tempered screen protector (more on this later). That's the only explanation that comes to mind (if you are using S24 / Ultra - not S25 FE).

This is because all S Series phones since the S10 have used an ULTRASONIC in-display sensor (which is objectively superior to the optical sensor). In fact Samsung's ultrasonic sensors are among the BENCHMARK for in-display fingerprint sensors in the industry (I've been using an S23 for almost a year and I'm still impressed by the speed of unlock).

Now coming back to tempered glass. Unless specifically mentioned 'compatible', it's unlikely to give you the best experience. This is because in an ultrasonic sensor, high-frequency SOUND waves produce a 3D map of the finger (versus optical sensors which only capture a 2D picture). This makes it superior in every way - faster response time, better security, tolerance to dirty/wet fingers. Only downside here is that it's more expensive (hence only sold in Samsung flagships- FE phones are NOT flagship).

I personally use an "amFILM" tempered glass protector which I got for about INR 800/- on Amazon (set of 2). Totally worth the money - flagship accessory for a flagship phone - plus, it comes with a mold for easy, bubble-free self installation.

Hope this helps.

[Thunderdevil]

I use my S23 without a temper/protective screen even then the fingerprint is slow and sometimes doesn't capture my fingerprint properly.

[MegSri]

Same issue

[pawanjose]

Oh, this is news to me. Maybe you should show a Samsung service centre... that way you can compare side by side with another device (same model).

[Thunderdevil]

idt S23 is available in offline stores anymore.

[MegSri]

First of all thank you so much @pawanjose for your detailed response. It did give my thought a perspective. I dont remember the brand but we have a dedicated high end shop in MOI, Noida from where we get the tempered glasses of all our phones. And both Samsung and Vivo have the same brand tempered glass yet the Vivo response time is too smooth and too good. I dont know about the security aspect but well when I am paying a premium amount I dont want a compromised experience. I think I am going to look at other options as well next year.

[pawanjose]

Hi @Megsri, yes, we definitely don't want to experience anything less from a Samsung. Do visit the service centre to confirm if it is a device issue or a product defect. I'd also be surprised if it's a device issue.

[JSPrasanth]

Samsung devices store biometric data in the Secure Enclave / Knox partition, isolated from Android.
When you scan your finger, the ultrasonic sensor sends encrypted data through Samsung’s Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) — adding a small delay compared to brands that process the scan in standard memory.

Advantage: Much harder to spoof or extract your fingerprint data.

So that its take a time

[Thunderdevil]

ohhh, this makes sense. Thanks.