In a surprising move, South Korean tech giant Samsung has decided to stick with its existing side-button fingerprint recognition system for its upcoming Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 foldable smartphones, rather than adopting the increasingly popular under-screen fingerprint recognition technology. This decision comes as a new competitor, vivo, prepares to introduce the feature in its own foldable device.
Background
Samsung has long been at the forefront of the foldable smartphone market, and with increasing competition, the company’s latest offerings have been under close scrutiny. vivo’s upcoming foldable phone, which will feature under-screen fingerprint recognition, has set a new benchmark in the industry. However, according to a report by Business Korea, Samsung believes that its current design, which integrates fingerprint recognition into the power button, offers a better user experience.
Design Considerations
The South Korean media outlet reports that Samsung had considered incorporating under-screen fingerprint recognition into the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 but ultimately decided against it. The company reasons that the current power button design allows users to unlock their devices naturally and easily when holding the unfolded screen. This approach, Samsung believes, provides a superior user experience compared to the under-screen alternative.
Technological Capabilities
Interestingly, Samsung has previously filed patents for under-screen fingerprint recognition in foldable devices and even holds patents for dual-sided fingerprint recognition. This technology would allow the Z Fold series, with its large unfolded screen, to have fingerprint recognition capabilities on both the inner and outer displays. Technically, this is not a challenge for Samsung, indicating that the decision to stick with the power button design is based on user experience rather than technological limitations.
Market Reactions
The news has sparked a debate among tech enthusiasts and industry experts about the optimal placement for fingerprint recognition in foldable smartphones. While some users prefer the convenience of under-screen fingerprint recognition, which eliminates the need for physical buttons and provides a seamless experience, others argue that the side-button approach is more intuitive and less prone to errors.
vivo’s decision to incorporate under-screen fingerprint recognition in its foldable phone reflects a trend towards integrating advanced features into the display itself. However, Samsung’s decision to stick with the power button design suggests that the company values user experience and ease of use over the latest technological trends.
Conclusion
Samsung’s choice to retain the side-button fingerprint recognition in its Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 foldable smartphones highlights the company’s commitment to providing a user-friendly experience. Despite the technological advancements and the growing popularity of under-screen fingerprint recognition, Samsung has decided to prioritize user comfort and familiarity.
As the foldable smartphone market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Samsung’s decision will pay off or if the company will need to reconsider its stance in the face of increasing competition. For now, users will have to wait and see how the new devices perform and whether the power button fingerprint recognition continues to meet their needs.
Business Korea
Source: ePrice Taiwan
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