Tag: Face Unlock

  • Samsung Enhances Face Unlock Feature on Galaxy S25 Series

    Samsung Enhances Face Unlock Feature on Galaxy S25 Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Face Unlock Performance: The Galaxy S25 series features a quicker and more reliable face unlock function, performing better in low-light conditions and at wider angles.

    2. Lack of Dedicated Hardware: None of the S25 devices have specific hardware for face unlock, meaning they cannot create a 3D depth map like Apple’s iPhones.

    3. Unchanged Front Camera: The front camera specifications remain the same as the previous generation, indicating no hardware improvements in this area.

    4. Software Improvements: The better face unlock performance may be due to software tweaks in One UI 7, which includes a new setup prompt requiring users to tilt their heads.

    5. Potential for Older Models: Previous Galaxy models could experience similar face unlock enhancements if they receive the One UI 7 update, suggesting that the improvements are not exclusive to the S25 series.


    The Samsung Galaxy S25 series doesn’t bring many significant upgrades, but it does feature several minor enhancements in both software and hardware. One notable upgrade is the face unlock feature, which users say works better than in the previous generation.

    Improved Face Unlock Performance

    Specifically, users of the Galaxy S25 series are sharing that the face unlock on these new devices is quicker. They also mention that it is more dependable, functioning well even in less-than-ideal lighting situations. Additionally, some users have pointed out that this biometric feature can recognize faces from wider angles compared to what was possible on older models.

    No Dedicated Hardware

    It is important to mention that none of the Samsung Galaxy S25 devices have specific hardware for face unlock. This means that the biometric feature is unable to create a 3D depth map of the face, making it less accurate than the technology found in Apple’s iPhones. Furthermore, the front camera across all S25 models remains unchanged from the previous generation.

    Software Tweaks for Better Results

    If these reports are accurate, it seems that Samsung may have improved the software to enhance the reliability of the face unlock feature. This possibility is supported by a test conducted by Android Authority. According to their findings, during the setup of face unlock on the Galaxy S25 Ultra (512 GB currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon), One UI 7 prompts the user to tilt their head upward while scanning their face.

    This requirement was absent in the setup of One UI 6.1 on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which might explain the better performance of the face unlock in the new Galaxy S25 series. Thus, it’s feasible that the previous generation, and even older flagship models, could see similar improvements in face unlock functionality once they receive the latest One UI 7 update.

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  • Google Pixel 11 Pro May Outshine iPhone 18 Pro’s Face Unlock

    Google Pixel 11 Pro May Outshine iPhone 18 Pro’s Face Unlock

    Google has fluctuated in its approach to integrating facial recognition as a biometric security measure over the past few years. The feature was included starting with the Pixel 7 Pro (currently $449 on Amazon), but it was absent from the Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 models. Recent generations of Pixel smartphones have not had the necessary hardware to provide the same level of secure face unlock as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, even though Google has claimed otherwise.

    Possible Shifts in Future Models

    As per insights from Kamila Wojciechowska, Google might be considering another shift, but this won’t happen with the upcoming flagship phones next year. Instead, Wojciechowska indicates that the Pixel 11 series, expected in 2026, could introduce new under-display infrared (IR) camera technology. This advancement is said to be supported by the Tensor G6, which Wojciechowska suggests has been described in documents linked to her previous leaks regarding the Tensor chipset.

    Technical Details and Comparisons

    It is claimed that the Tensor G6 will enable IR camera systems thanks to a "lite" front-end in its image signal processor (ISP). However, Wojciechowska has not provided any further details on this topic. Interestingly, there have been rumors that Apple is also looking into similar technology. An established analyst has noted that Apple has faced ongoing challenges that have pushed back the mass production of this technology, delaying it for at least two years—from the iPhone 16 series to the iPhone 18 series at the earliest.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Google’s journey with facial recognition has had its ups and downs, but the future may hold new possibilities with the Pixel 11 series. Meanwhile, competitors like Apple are also navigating their own hurdles in bringing similar features to market.