Next-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip handsets will retain capacitive fingerprint scanners. (Image source: Samsung)
According to reports, Samsung has no plans to bring in-display or ultrasonic fingerprint scanners to next-generation Galaxy Z devices. Instead, the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 will maintain capacitive fingerprint scanners built into their power buttons.
Samsung is months away from announcing either the Galaxy Z Fold4 or the Galaxy Z Flip4. Still, details about both devices continue to leak, mainly from supply chain sources. Recently, reports emerged that next-generation Galaxy Z devices would feature unchanged designs. Incidentally, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is rumoured to have better cameras and even an improved hinge design.
Subsequently, Business Korea reports that Samsung will not switch to in-display fingerprint scanners for this year’s Galaxy Z models, unlike Vivo with its upcoming X Fold. Instead, Business Korea alleges that the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 will retain their predecessor’s capacitive fingerprint sensors. Samsung integrates these within their power buttons for reference, rather than as a dedicated button.
Reputedly, Samsung has considered switching to in-display fingerprint sensors. However, the company considers external fingerprint sensors more practical than their in-display alternatives, but only on foldable devices. By contrast, Samsung’s flagship smartphones rely on in-display fingerprint scanners, like the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
In comparison, Vivo has included two ultrasonic fingerprint scanners in the X Fold, as a leaked hands-on video has shown. Theoretically, this would allow you to unlock the X Fold regardless of which display you are using. Ultimately, this would increase production costs, just one of the reasons why the X Fold will cost nearly US$1,900 in China.
Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 5470 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.