A recent leak from Weibo user Smart Pikachu hints at a major upgrade in fingerprint scanning technology for the upcoming Xiaomi 15 series. The leak suggests that all three models in the lineup – the Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra – are likely to transition from the optical in-display fingerprint scanners of their predecessors to ultrasonic fingerprint sensors.
Advantages of Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensors
Ultrasonic fingerprint technology is becoming increasingly popular in flagship smartphones, with companies like Samsung integrating it into their top-tier devices. Unlike optical scanners that rely on light, ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to construct a detailed 3D map of the fingerprint. This method can provide several significant benefits, such as:
- Enhanced Security: Ultrasonic sensors are believed to be more secure than optical scanners because they are less prone to spoofing attempts, such as those involving photographs or printed replicas.
- Improved Performance in Various Conditions: While optical scanners may have difficulties with wet or dirty fingers, ultrasonic sensors are reputed to work more reliably across different conditions.
- Faster Unlocking Speeds: Some findings suggest that ultrasonic sensors could offer quicker unlocking times compared to optical scanners.
Despite these advantages, ultrasonic sensors are more costly to implement due to their enhanced accuracy and speed.
Awaiting Confirmation from Xiaomi
Although the leak from Smart Pikachu implies that all three Xiaomi 15 models will feature this upgrade, it’s crucial to remember that Xiaomi has yet to confirm this information. Additionally, the leak doesn’t specify which type of ultrasonic sensor might be used. Some manufacturers opt for a “single-point” sensor, while others use a larger sensor area for potentially quicker and more reliable unlocking.
Launch and Speculation
The Xiaomi 15 series is anticipated to debut in November, possibly powered by the forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. As the official launch approaches, more information and validations regarding the fingerprint technology, as well as other features, are expected to emerge in the upcoming weeks.
