In-display fingerprint scanners on smartphones have been around for several years. Ultrasonic and optical scanners are two technologies that serve the same purpose in biometric authentication. The former is usually found in premium flagship smartphones. Now a trusted digital chat station on Weibo is offering information about ultrasound scanners coming to some devices in the future.

OPPO, OnePlus and Realme may use ultrasonic fingerprint scanner

DCS says OPPO, OnePlus and Realme are working on ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners for their devices. If all goes well, the technology will replace the optical fingerprint scanner on brands’ future flagship devices. The tipster does not disclose additional details.

Currently, this technology is used by Samsung Galaxy S23 series, iQOO 12 Pro, Meizu 21/21 Pro and others. It was previously reported that this year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC-powered Xiaomi 15 series will feature Goodix’s single-point ultrasonic fingerprint scanner technology. They say it is in the testing phase.

Ultrasonic fingerprint scanners create a 3D map of your fingerprint using ultrasonic sound waves under the screen when you press your finger on the screen. This technology provides greater protection and is less susceptible to fraud. It is also water and stain resistant with high detection accuracy. However, ultrasonic fingerprint scanners are expensive to manufacture and the process is also complicated compared to optical fingerprint scanners.

Meanwhile, optical fingerprint scanners are cheaper and more secure and use light to capture 2D images of fingerprints.