A 3D sensor modules, like the one used in the iPhone X, is expensive and increases the overall cost of the smartphones. Android smartphone manufacturers are reportedly going for the in-display fingerprint sensor instead as it is an inexpensive alternative.
Android smartphone manufacturers are reportedly “rushing” to integrate the new in-display fingerprint sensing technology into their smartphones. A DigiTimes report, citing industry sources, says that device manufacturers have decided using the technology is more cost-effective than using 3D sensors for face recognition. The upcoming Huawei Mate 11 smartphone is also said to be unveiled by the second half of 2018 and come with the in-display fingerprint sensor made by Qualcomm.
Using a 3D sensor for face recognition is said to drive up the overall manufacturing cost of a smartphone due to its intensive software and hardware development requirements. A Face ID module for the iPhone X is said to have cost Apple $60 and its low sales and possibility of patent infringement are reportedly discouraging Chinese smartphone manufacturers from using the tech in their phones for international markers. The report states that the companies might use the 3D face recognition module in their home country for a test run and use in-display fingerprint sensor for the international variants.
According to the report, Qualcomm has also partnered with the Taiwan-based GIS and China’s O-film Tech for making its ultrasonic fingerprint sensors. Both the firms specialize in offering touch screen solutions and the new technology is expected to be used by more Chinese and Japanese smartphone vendors in 2019. Qualcomm’s in-display fingerprint sensor is reportedly three times costlier than the traditional capacitive fingerprint sensor but its module is said to be 0.44mm thick but works through up to 800-micron cover glass, as compared to only 200-300 microns in glass thickness for traditional in-display fingerprint sensors. Also, the Qualcomm sensors can work if fingers are greasy or wet.
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