Smartphone technology is always advancing. Over the past few years, we have seen massive leaps in technology, from faster processors to higher-quality cameras and now the advent of artificial intelligence tools. Newer smartphone models are now effectively communication devices, professional-level cameras and video game consoles wrapped in one.
However, when celebrating the advancements in smartphone technology and design, one factor that is often overlooked is phone biometrics. The hardware and software behind smartphone biometrics have come so far over the past decade and are now seamlessly integrated into almost all recent smartphone models in some form.
Phone biometrics refers to the feature of being able to identify and use a person’s unique physical or behavioural traits for authentification and to verify their identity. Primarily, the feature is used as a security measure. It’s a convenient and more secure alternative to traditional passwords, PIN codes and patterns.
Smartphone biometrics come in various forms. The three most common implemented in smartphone technology include:
- Fingerprint recognition
- Facial recognition
- Voice recognition
Most modern phones (released in the past 5 years) support biometric sensors. If you’re interested in smartphone biometrics, this article covers which smartphones support the feature best and how it is implemented in the latest smartphone models.
Smartphone Biometrics
All the major smartphone manufacturers support biometrics in one form or another. The most common implementation is typically facial recognition for extra security and fingerprint scanners for authorisation.
Below, we’ve outlined the major differences between the biometric features available in the most popular Android and iOS devices. There are a few key differences between the features and implementations of biometrics between major manufacturers, which we’ve explored below.
iPhone
All the latest iPhone models come with facial recognition support for biometrics; however, some older models offer fingerprint scanners instead. These features are known as Face ID and Touch ID. Both of these features can be used to increase security and convenience on the user’s device. For example, Face ID and Touch ID can streamline the process of unlocking an iPhone, authorise purchases and payments, and sign-in information for first and third-party apps.
Face ID utilises TrueDepth camera technology, which can accurately capture face data and create a depth map of the user's face. Face ID also can automatically adapt to any changes in a person’s appearance, like growing facial hair, make-up or a haircut. It is also seamlessly integrated into the iPhone experience and Apple ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy line supports both facial recognition and fingerprint scanning in their latest models. The facial recognition technology on a Galaxy device allows users to easily unlock their phone by pointing the screen at their face. The facial recognition technology used by Samsung in their Galaxy phones is vastly different to Apple and iOS. Unlike Face ID, which utilises TrueDepth camera technology, including a dot projector, a flood illuminator, and an infrared camera, facial recognition in Galaxy phones only uses the front-facing camera.
While the Samsung Galaxy facial recognition is still serviceable, it isn’t as accurate or reliable as Apple’s Face ID. This also means, unlike Apple’s Face ID, it cannot be used to access high-security features and apps requiring sensitive data, like banking apps. However, Galaxy phones also still offer fingerprint scanners, which can be used as a biometric authentication option for sensitive apps and high-security features.
In the past, Samsung phones used to support ‘iris scanners’ in the past, which allowed the user to unlock their phone using eye recognition technology. This was useful, especially during the pandemic, when users were commonly wearing facial accessories like masks. It is currently unknown if the feature is set to return.
Google Pixel
The newer Google Pixel models support two forms of biometrics: facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Similar to Samsung’s flagship line, the facial recognition available on Pixel phones isn’t as in-depth and secure as Apple’s Face ID. However, Pixel phones do make up for this to an extent with customisability. For example, the Pixel’s ‘Face Unlock’ feature can let you set parameters, like requiring the user’s eyes to be open and always requiring confirmation before unlocking access.
The fingerprint scanning also works similarly to Samsung’s Galaxy line. The fingerprint scanner is built into the screen and can be used to unlock the device, authorise purchases, and sign into apps.
Other Androids
Most other Android manufacturers, like OPPO, Sony and Nothing (Phone), offer either facial recognition, fingerprint scanners, or a combination of both. If you’re interested in an Android device that supports biometrics, we always recommend checking on the manufacturer’s website before purchasing.
While biometrics has become an incredibly common technology and feature for smartphones, some manufacturers exclude it from their budget models to make them more affordable. So, always do research into the model you’re interested in and review the features.
Which Smartphone Has The Best Biometrics
When it comes to the best smartphones for biometrics, the answer will ultimately come down to preference. It’ll depend on which mobile manufacturer and operating system you prefer, as well as the form of biometrics you’re looking for. For example, if you prefer fingerprint scanning over facial recognition, your only options are Android devices. Apple has stopped adding fingerprint scanners (Touch ID) in their newer iPhones.
Also, the main Android-based manufacturers, Google and Samsung, offer similar support for their fingerprint biometrics. Both offer the same level of access and security when it comes to the features: unlocking the device, authorising payments, and signing into apps.
So, it’ll come down to whether you prefer the stock Android operating system available on Google’s Pixel line of devices or Samsung’s modified experience with One UI. The Google Pixel 9 and Samsung S25 flagship phones are both renowned for their accurate and well-implemented biometric systems, so you can’t go wrong with either.
If you prefer the Apple ecosystem and/or facial recognition, an iPhone would be ideal. While iPhones no longer support Touch ID, which can be a hard sell if you work in a profession that requires equipment like gloves, its facial recognition capabilities are second to none.
While flagship Android devices support facial recognition, its functionality and accuracy are limited compared to Apple’s Face ID. So, if you’re happy to use an iOS device and you want convenience, the iPhone 16 series of devices offers the best facial recognition biometrics.
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Article Source:- https://ozmobiles.com.au/blogs/smartphones/a-comparison-between-smartphone-biometrics
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