Side-Mounted vs In-Display Fingerprint Sensors: Which is Better for Mobile Devices?

Last Updated Apr 12, 2025

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors offer faster unlocking speeds and ergonomic convenience by aligning with natural thumb placement, making them ideal for one-handed use in mobile technology for pets. In-display fingerprint sensors provide a sleek, uninterrupted screen design that enhances device aesthetics and maximizes display real estate while maintaining secure biometric access. Choosing between these technologies depends on prioritizing speed and comfort versus design integration and screen space in pet-focused mobile devices.

Table of Comparison

Feature Side-mounted Fingerprint In-display Fingerprint
Position Side edge (power button area) Under the display glass
Speed Fast unlocking, immediate sensor response Moderate to fast, depends on sensor tech
Accuracy High accuracy, less false negatives Good accuracy, slight variance in recognition
Design Impact Requires physical button or sensor area on side Seamless front display, no physical sensor visible
Usability Ergonomic for one-handed use Accessible but may require precise finger placement
Durability Resistant to screen damage, exposed sensor Vulnerable to screen cracks affecting sensor
Compatibility Works on devices with physical side bezel Requires OLED or AMOLED display technology
Cost Lower implementation cost Higher cost due to advanced sensor integration

Introduction to Mobile Fingerprint Technologies

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors offer quick and ergonomic authentication by integrating the sensor into the phone's power button, enabling users to unlock their devices naturally with a thumb or index finger. In-display fingerprint technology employs optical or ultrasonic sensors embedded beneath the screen, allowing for sleek designs and larger display areas without compromising biometric security. Both methods enhance mobile device security through biometric verification, with side-mounted sensors prioritizing speed and ease of access, while in-display sensors emphasize aesthetics and screen real estate.

How Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensors Work

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors use capacitive technology to capture the unique ridges and patterns of a user's fingerprint by detecting electrical signals when the finger touches the sensor. These sensors are typically integrated into the power button or placed on the side frame of smartphones, enabling quick and ergonomic biometric authentication. This design allows for faster unlocking speeds and reduces false rejections compared to some in-display sensors, especially under bright lighting or with wet fingers.

Understanding In-display Fingerprint Scanners

In-display fingerprint scanners integrate biometric sensors beneath the smartphone's screen, enabling seamless authentication without additional hardware. This technology uses optical or ultrasonic methods to capture detailed fingerprint images through the display glass, enhancing both security and user convenience. Compared to traditional side-mounted fingerprint sensors, in-display scanners offer a minimalist design and allow larger screen-to-body ratios in modern mobile devices.

Speed and Accuracy Comparison

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors typically offer faster recognition speeds due to direct capacitive contact and less screen processing, delivering near-instantaneous unlocking. In-display fingerprint technology, while improving in accuracy with ultrasonic and optical sensors, often experiences slightly slower response times influenced by screen brightness and fingerprint placement. Both technologies now provide high accuracy rates exceeding 98%, but side-mounted sensors maintain a marginal edge in speed under varying lighting and environmental conditions.

Security Features: Side-mounted vs In-display

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors use capacitive technology that captures detailed ridge patterns with high accuracy, providing robust security against spoofing attempts. In-display fingerprint sensors, often optical or ultrasonic, integrate seamlessly with the screen but can be more susceptible to false positives under certain conditions. Both technologies employ encryption for stored fingerprint data, yet side-mounted sensors tend to offer faster and more reliable authentication due to direct sensor exposure.

Design Impact on Smartphone Aesthetics

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors preserve the smartphone's front display integrity, enabling slimmer bezels and a more classic design aesthetic. In-display fingerprint technology allows for a seamless and modern look by embedding the sensor beneath the OLED or AMOLED screen, eliminating the need for physical buttons or side sensors. This integration enhances the device's minimalist appeal but may slightly increase production complexity and cost.

User Experience and Accessibility

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors provide faster and more reliable unlocking, especially in varied lighting conditions and when wearing gloves, enhancing accessibility for users with limited dexterity. In-display fingerprint sensors offer a sleek design and seamless integration but may suffer from slower recognition and issues with wet or dirty fingers. Prioritizing user experience, side-mounted sensors often deliver higher accuracy and ease of use, while in-display sensors excel in aesthetics and screen real estate optimization.

Durability and Maintenance Differences

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors typically offer greater durability due to their mechanical nature and less exposure to screen damage, while in-display fingerprint sensors, being embedded under the screen, are more vulnerable to cracks affecting functionality. Maintenance for side-mounted sensors is generally simpler and less costly as they are easier to replace or repair independently of the display. In-display sensors require specialized servicing and higher costs because damage to the screen often necessitates full display replacement, impacting long-term maintenance considerations.

Power Consumption Considerations

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors typically consume less power due to their reliance on capacitive or optical technology with dedicated hardware, resulting in quicker authentication and lower energy use. In-display fingerprint sensors, especially those using ultrasonic or optical imaging beneath OLED screens, often require higher power to illuminate the sensor area and process complex biometric data. Power consumption differences impact battery longevity, making side-mounted sensors more efficient for extended usage in mobile devices.

Future Trends in Fingerprint Authentication

Side-mounted fingerprint sensors offer rapid and ergonomic access by integrating with the device's power button, enhancing user convenience in current smartphones. In-display fingerprint technology leverages optical or ultrasonic sensors beneath OLED screens, allowing for seamless full-screen designs and increased security through advanced biometric algorithms. Future trends predict widespread adoption of multi-fingerprint authentication and integration with AI-driven behavioral biometrics, driving higher accuracy and personalized mobile security experiences.

Side-mounted Fingerprint vs In-display Fingerprint Infographic

Side-Mounted vs In-Display Fingerprint Sensors: Which is Better for Mobile Devices?


About the author.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Side-mounted Fingerprint vs In-display Fingerprint are subject to change from time to time.

Comments

No comment yet