KGI: Samsung to Cancel Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor Plans for This Year's Galaxy Note 9

[MacRumors]

Samsung is unlikely to introduce an under-display fingerprint recognition feature in its 2018 flagship smartphone line-up, according to KGI Securities research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo had earlier predicted that the South Korean firm was planning to debut an under-screen fingerprint sensor in its Galaxy Note 9, due for release in the third quarter of this year, but Kuo now believes Samsung will cancel the feature because of technical issues. The following quote is taken from a KGI research note obtained by MacRumors and has been edited for clarity.

While we previously predicted that Samsung's new flagship Galaxy Note 9, due out in 3Q18, will come equipped with an under-display fingerprint recognition function, we now believe Samsung will cancel this feature on Note 9 because both ultrasonic (provided by Qualcomm) and optical (provided by Samsung LSI, Goodix, Egis, and Synaptics) solutions cannot meet Samsung's technical requirements.

According to Kuo's understanding of the technologies involved, under-display fingerprint solutions continue to have many technical issues surrounding the use of screen protectors as well as different environments affecting recognition rates and power consumption.

Previous reports suggested Samsung decided not to include a fingerprint scanner under the display of the recently launched Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ smartphones due to similar technical difficulties. The fingerprint scanner remains positioned on the back of each device, just like the previous Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ models. However, despite the ongoing problems, KGI remains "positive" on the outlook for under-display recognition in OLED panels and sees Samsung leading the way in this regard, although he doesn't expect mass-market adoption of the technology until the first quarter of 2019 at the earliest.

We recognize that under-display fingerprint recognition is key for full-screen designs, and we don't think that facial recognition can fully replace fingerprint recognition. For these reasons, we remain positive on this technology over the long term. Also, as under-display fingerprint recognition module has a unit price 4-6 times that of capacitive fingerprint recognition module (or higher), we think that once the former module goes into mass production, the contribution to suppliers' sales and profits will be significant.

Apple was widely rumored to be attempting to integrate Touch ID under the display on the iPhone X, or even on the side or back of the device, but Apple hardware engineering chief Dan Riccio has suggested it ditched any form of fingerprint scanning after hitting "early line of sight" with the company's Face ID depth-sensing facial recognition. Indeed, Apple is said to be so confident in Face ID that it is expected to abandon Touch ID in favor of the TrueDepth system on all of its new iPhone and iPad models released in 2018.

Notwithstanding Samsung's longer-term aims, Kuo believes the launch of iPhone X late last year has tilted general interest in the mobile industry away from under-display fingerprint recognition, and towards camera-based 3D sensing technologies as the ideal user authentication solution. Inquiries by Android smartphone vendors into 3D-sensing technologies are said to have at least tripled since Apple unveiled its TrueDepth camera and Face ID technology.

Kuo went on to say he believes the next two to three years will see shipments of 3D sensor-equipped Android devices to exceed those with under-display fingerprint recognition by a factor of two or three or more. This will be mainly due to 3D-sensing's wider compatibility with LCD screens than under-display optical fingerprint recognition, which is exclusive to OLED panels.

Article Link: KGI: Samsung to Cancel Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor Plans for This Year's Galaxy Note 9

 

[berrymetal]

Introducing S-Face

 

[riverfreak]

While Face ID is impressive, I find the Apple Pay workflow awkward compared to Touch ID. It’s going to be even worse on a Plus sized device.

 

[farewelwilliams]

this was the one chance for Samsung to finally one-up iPhone on something. they blew it.

 

[44267547]

this was the one chance for Samsung to finally one-up iPhone on something. they blew it.

Clearly the technological difficulties is there with a fingerprint sensor under the display. It’s Not like any other major manufactures are ahead of Samsung releasing their phones with sensors under the display. Don’t you think it would make more sense to abandon or delay a project versus try to release something that isn’t reliable and inconsistent? They have other security methods available.

 

[Avieshek]

And Android enthusiasts were already claiming how Note 9 would trump iPhone notches with this feature alone.

Now, if only Samsung had this farsight for software features like S-moji or even Bixby.

 

[Heineken]

While Face ID is impressive, I find the Apple Pay workflow awkward compared to Touch ID. It’s going to be even worse on a Plus sized device.

Works fine.

 

[Recognition]

While Face ID is impressive, I find the Apple Pay workflow awkward compared to Touch ID. It’s going to be even worse on a Plus sized device.

How so?
On my approach to the till, double click the side button, glance at the phone, Apple Pay authenticates, scan my purchase and present authenticated phone. Easy

 

[SBlue1]

Would be nice to have a choice to use Face ID,fingerprint or both depending on your personal preferences and situation.

 

[cocky jeremy]

While Face ID is impressive, I find the Apple Pay workflow awkward compared to Touch ID. It’s going to be even worse on a Plus sized device.

What's awkward? You look at your phone, payment goes through.

 

[tbayrgs]

How so?
On my approach to the till, double click the side button, glance at the phone, Apple Pay authenticates, scan my purchase and present authenticated phone. Easy

But not nearly as simple as just touching phone to terminal with your finger already on TouchID. Much more streamlined process.

I like a lot about FaceID vs TouchID but this is one area where it falls short of its predecessor.
[doublepost=1520597757][/doublepost]

What's awkward? You look at your phone, payment goes through.

It’s never that simple. You have to pre-engage Apple Pay by double clicking the side button, bring the phone in front of your face, then return it to the terminal. With TouchID, just bring the phone to the terminal with thumb in place. Done.

Using FaceID isn’t cumbersome per se but certainly not as simple as paying with TouchID.

 

[Porco]

I think having both technologies (facial and fingerprint) under the display is the ideal. Then you have more options and possibilities.

Introducing S-Face

'I went out last night for a few drinks... but I lost my wallet immediately!'
-'How did you drink then?'
'I got completely S-Faced!'

 

[spazzcat]

But not nearly as simple as just touching phone to terminal with your finger already on TouchID. Much more streamlined process.

I like a lot about FaceID vs TouchID but this is one area where it falls short of its predecessor.
[doublepost=1520597757][/doublepost]

It’s never that simple. You have to pre-engage Apple Pay by double clicking the side button, bring the phone in front of your face, then return it to the terminal. With TouchID, just bring the phone to the terminal with thumb in place. Done.

Using FaceID is cumbersome per se but certainly not as simple as paying with TouchID.

Yes it is different, once you do a few times becomes a non issue. I do it now without even thinking about it.

 

[TonnyM]

They follow Apple so blindly, that they started to develop feature basing purely on rumours of what Apple is reportedly going to do (under-display fingerprint sensor). Now with Face ID so far ahead, Samsung has to deliver something in Note 9, unfortunately it seems that due to the lack of focus neither 3D face scanner nor new fingerprint sensor will be ready.

 

[The Cappy]

this was the one chance for Samsung to finally one-up iPhone on something. they blew it.

But Apple didn't show them how to do it.

 

[djcerla]

Apple is indeed leading the way here, with a 2 years advantage over competitors.

Incredible how far-sighted they are. Steve Jobs’ legacy lives on.

 

[Heineken]

But not nearly as simple as just touching phone to terminal with your finger already on TouchID. Much more streamlined process.

I like a lot about FaceID vs TouchID but this is one area where it falls short of its predecessor.
[doublepost=1520597757][/doublepost]

It’s never that simple. You have to pre-engage Apple Pay by double clicking the side button, bring the phone in front of your face, then return it to the terminal. With TouchID, just bring the phone to the terminal with thumb in place. Done.

Using FaceID isn’t cumbersome per se but certainly not as simple as paying with TouchID.

I had the same feeling in the beginning, but now it's fine.

 

[PJivan]

It’s never that simple. You have to pre-engage Apple Pay by double clicking the side button, bring the phone in front of your face, then return it to the terminal. With TouchID, just bring the phone to the terminal with thumb in place. Done.

Using FaceID isn’t cumbersome per se but certainly not as simple as paying with TouchID.

I honestly don't believe you have an iPhone X now that i read this....bring it in front of your face? If it stay too close it actually don't work....you basically double click and that's it, yes it is possible to fail, like I failed at times with touch id if my fingers were wet by cold cans or frozen product, no doubt there is room of improvement but it works pretty well for payment.

 

[Scottsdale]

As I type this on my iPhone X, I am frustrated and sick of FaceID. It sucks... about 1/4 of the people I ask love FaceID, 1/4 have deactivated it because they cannot set it to stay off for 15 minutes, and 1/2 just plain hate it. Those aren’t Apple-like numbers!

FaceID is not the end all solution. Apple would serve those of us who aren’t compelled and happy with FaceID by having TouchID on demand anywhere on the screen. TouchID is far more natural and just works without having the iPhone at a stupid angle.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S8, and preordered the S9+ yesterday just because the fingerprint sensor was moved - it was seriously bad right next to camera on S8 which meant I had to clean the camera lens before every photo. I intend to for once and all move to Samsung for phone needs. I guess my Apple Watch will get sold, as I never found it helpful/useful anyways.

I would love to move back to Apple, but I am okay with just being a Mac guy. I will miss notes not syncing and all the other great features, but at the end of the day I lose so much time with making sure the phone and my head are tilted just so. If Apple brings back TouchID and a dual SIM, I am on it!

 

[AngerDanger]

I love translucent display pictures; they always look like they could double as the thumbnail for an introductory Photoshop tutorial.

 

[willzyx]

They follow Apple so blindly, that they started to develop feature basing purely on rumours of what Apple is reportedly going to do (under-display fingerprint sensor). Now with Face ID so far ahead, Samsung has to deliver something in Note 9, unfortunately it seems that due to the lack of focus neither 3D face scanner nor new fingerprint sensor will be ready.

What who said they started developing under-glass fingerprint reader after Apple rumor?

 

[Andres Cantu]

Had Apple somehow released the working technology for the iPhone X, Samsung would have incorporated theirs into the S9, even if it wouldn't have been ready. It would have been another S5 swipe fingerprint "catchup".

But now it's all about Face ID, for better or worse.

 

[TimUSCA]

While Face ID is impressive, I find the Apple Pay workflow awkward compared to Touch ID. It’s going to be even worse on a Plus sized device.

I found Touch ID with Apple Pay to be far more awkward. It required you to hold your device in an unnatural way.

 

[thekeyring]

this was the one chance for Samsung to finally one-up iPhone on something. they blew it.

Plus, there is already an Android phone with a fingerprint sensor under the display. If those guys could do it, why not Samsung?

Let's not forget Samsung have not yet removed the "chin" from their phones. If the rumours are accurate, Apple will introduce notch-free iPhones in 2019 (presumably with Face ID more accurate / versatile than it is today).

Maybe this is just a crazy theory and someone here will set me straight, but it seems Apple are aware that whatever good idea they come up with will be copied by competitors who have technology but lack vision. So Apple have stepped up their technology game, in order that they simply cannot be copied.

 

[tbayrgs]

I honestly don't believe you have an iPhone X now that i read this....bring it in front of your face? If it stay too close it actually don't work....you basically double click and that's it, yes it is possible to fail, like I failed at times with touch id if my fingers were wet by cold cans or frozen product, no doubt there is room of improvement but it works pretty well for payment.

Well, believe what you want, I'm fairly certain I've used/processed Apple Pay on iPhones of all varieties, including the X over the past year a far greater number of times than you. And yes, you have to have the display pointing toward your face within a reasonable distance (never said it had to be up close) else it won't authenticate. On an iPhone using TouchID, I can pay with the display face down, at arms length off to my side (say, as I'm walking past a terminal). I see lots of people bungling their Apple Pay transactions on a daily basis, far more often with the X than older phones.

I never said it doesn't work...only that it wasn't as streamlined or simple as paying with TouchID.

And also to be clear, I'm a fan of FaceID and overall have come to prefer it over TouchID. I just think this is the one bit of functionality where it falls a bit short of its predecessor. Certainly not a huge deal. My one wish right now is for an option to be able to choose to bypass the lock screen after FaceID authenticates--wish I didn't have to always swipe away that screen.