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- cross-posted to:
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In-display fingerprint sensors have become commonplace in virtually all Android smartphones, for better or for worse, and five years later…
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How about a real sensor on the back, that works every time, like my 2017 phone had.
Screw this under the screen nonsense, that’s not how I hold my phone. It’s awkward.
I’m a big fan of the side power button scanner on my Moto G
I’ve grown to hate the power button sensor on Moto’s because on many cases the cutout for the button is deep. Making it a pain in the ass to get good contact with the button for the sensor to read properly. Literally never have gotten it to read successfully on the first try since I’ve owned the phone with the case I use.
Yes, it’s technically a case problem, but it shouldn’t be on the friggin power button to begin with imo.
The Z Fold has a side button scanner as well; it’s easily one of my favorite features
Used to love the back sensor. I could unlock my phone as I was taking it out of my pocket
I’m gonna have to say no to that. I love my ultrasonic sensor. It works when wet and is in a way more reachable location (the screen). No need to reach behind the phone or stretch your finger to unlock, no need to lift your phone when it’s on a table. The success rate is basically identical and it’s lightning fast, even faster than a physical sensor. The final perk is it doesn’t create a large circle opening on the back of a case so the back of your phone is totally smooth save for the camera.
My experience is different. I have a pixel 8 for work and pixel 5 for personal. The physical fingerprint reader on the pixel 5 constantly works. The pixel 8, fails way too often.
The 8 has a shitty optical sensor. You’ve gotta try those Samsung ultrasonic sensors or those on the Pixel 9s. Way different experience. Just a light tap and it unlocks.
My current device has that (2019 Motorola)
Are ultrasonic sensors better apart from the light hing? That I have never even thought about could be a problem.
Mine detects b between up to 5 fingers, and it’s fast and with good accuracy, which is nice because depending on the situation I may use either hand.They are way better, faster without sacrificing precision/security. With an ultrasonic sensor I can simply tap the screen and it’s unlocked, where with the optical ones I’d need to press for a second before unlocking, sometimes having to shuffle my finger around.
I went Galaxy S22 Ultra (ultrasonic) to Pixel 8 Pro (optical) to Pixel 9 XL (ultrasonic).
My impression was the performance improved over time with the Galaxy and Pixel 8. I find the Pixel 9 worst overall, but figure they’ll improve it in software.
No data to back that up.
It mostly struggles when my hand is wet. I miss the Pixel 4’s face unlock.
Pixel 9 pro struggles with my finger scan if it’s too dry. I guess washing hands removes the body naturally produced oil and that makes it harder to scan.
I want my fingerprint sensor to squeal
Gid these are shtty, and in a shitty spot.
I know ved the one on my Gakaxy Nte 9. I had it unlocked before it was out of my pocket or picked up, the one on the Pixel Pro 6 was so bad I got rid if the phone after a month, the Samsung Note22u i am on now sucks but not quite as bad.
Damn it bring it back like the Note 9! Worked 99/100 and was fast.
Never use biometrics on devices, security/privacy risk
So is typing in your passphrase while out in public around cameras. Might as well just not use the phone.
Just familiarize yourself with your phone’s lockdown mode so it’s muscle memory.
If you don’t succeed in lockdown before seizure, or aren’t conscious, your biometrics can be used without your consent.
Taking reasonable steps to improve your security doesn’t mean all efforts are all or nothing
For my threat profile, state actors compelling biometrics from my EDC phone is pretty low on my list of concerns. That shit is intentionally sterile because I know they will just push me a compromised “security update” if they want in.
And in any case, I’d still rather be able to fight the collection in public, vs being compromised by anyone who paid the janitor $20 to plug a USB drive into my phone.
Sure, as conversation, i’ve heard of thieves face unlocking phones they just stole.
Indeed running as sterile an every day phone as possible is another great security approach by reducing risk.
Yeah I don’t really care what a thief does with my phone after they brain me. It’s the skull damage which concerns me. My google account is locked down with a hardware key so there’s only so much damage they can do before I wipe the device. Unless I’m dead, in which case I guess it doesn’t matter. Also my wife knows how to handle this situation. I would strongly suggest investing in posthumous spouse security as early as possible.
Your last sentence is great.
Regarding the prior stuff, that’s very “you specific”. There’s of course tons of caveats or gotchas to my broad statement, but it doesn’t make it untrue.
Biometrics present a less secure access path to a device…
My point is that they are separable threat profiles. If you are more concerned about your sketchy tinder date grabbing your lock screen password, biometrics are great. What I would love is a quick settings toggle for biometrics.
Jokes on them, my phones stupid fingerprint reader only works about 3% of the time. They’ll get frustrated and give up before finding anything, I know I usually do.
Phones are surprisingly hard to get into these days under normal conditions. Used to be able to ask a lost phone to call mom to find the owner. Now the voice profile doesn’t match.
