mono
2993
The S20 fingerprint scanner was the absolute worst. I reverted to the pattern unlock it was so bad. I was able to trade the S20 in w Samsung for an S21 for about $125 bucks. Vastly better.
Fingerprint sensor aside, Samsung allows you to toggle on the standard Android gesture system. Once you replace all the default stock apps w the Google versions, it’s a pretty good phone.
The chonkaphone (Moto G Power I picked up for $50 to get me through to the next wave of likely Pixel handsets) may be an absolute dumptruck of a phone, but at least it has a fingerprint sensor on the back like God intended.
Seriously, though, if this thing was a cartoon it would be filling out a Pixar mom’s jeans.
My last phone had this and I miss it SO. MUCH.
Timex
2996
Ya, the placement of the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel2XL is ideal. It’s super easy to hit when you need it to unlock stuff.
Pixel 5 has it in the same place, FWIW, and is easier to reach if you have small hands.
Onscreen fingerprint reader on the S21 is still pretty ass, IMO. Lack of headphone cable ludicrously annoying. Curved screen on the ultra exactly as dumb as every other curved screen in history. But mercifully they did away with the shatterable glass back on that model, too. Not that matters; like a sane person, mine is swaddled in the largest, most shock-absorbent case I could find that has a slot for the S-Pen I got for free from Samsung with the order.
I’m pretty happy with my onscreen fingerprint reader on my OnePlus 7P, not sure what you guys are complaining about.
Maybe it’s a samsung thing.
Qmanol
3001
It kind of is, the S10 tried to use the ultrasonic readers even though they were not ready, and I understand that a number of banks actually blocked using those readers because they were so permissive. I loved the back reader on the S8/S9 chassis, but apparently not cool enough. I’m really hoping that when it comes time for a new phone that I can find something performant that hasn’t done away with all my useful practical features due to lack of cool.
edit: yep, here we are Samsung ultrasonic fingerprint scanner vulnerability issues prompt banks to disable support (ibtimes.co.uk)
Also looks like the Sony Xperia 5 II is the closest to what I want - here’s hoping it or something like it still exists in a year.
The one true place for a fingerprint reader is on the back of the phone, so that the same one-handed movement that pulls it from the pocket can unlock it and have it ready for use as it comes into view. I can’t imagine doing that one-handed with an on-screen fingerprint reader.
draxen
3003
Samsung fixed it with a software update about a week later,.
It’s definitely possible to do one handed with my phone, using the on screen reader.
Canuck
3005
The problem is when it’s on the table and you have to pick it up in order to unlock it. Normally that’s fine because you’re going to be using it but when I’m sitting eating my cereal in the morning I just want to scroll through the QT3 forums and don’t want to have to pick up my phone.
Fair point, but my phone spends WAY more time in my hand than on a table and I have a case with a little kickstand for just that scenario. Rear fingerprint sensor is the one true correct way.
Yeah, the back is perfect on my Essential. I cant believe anyone ever thought the chin was a good place.
I think Sony does a fingerprint reader on the edge of the phone where your thumb lands naturally. I haven’t tried it, but can see that working, too.
I miss my Essential for that one reason.
I keep thinking about replacing mine, but it still works so well I can’t come close to justifying a new phone.
Are they still updating it, for security at least?
mono
3011
Yeah, it’s specifically the Samsung. It works fine on the Pixel 5 and great on the Oneplus series.
$400 for the S20 through Fi looks too good to pass up. I’m thinking of ordering one to replace my aging Moto X4 - great phone for when I bought it but at nearly 4 years old it’s getting a bit sluggish.
