In the realm of mobile unlocking, there are two primary methods that have become commonplace: facial unlocking and fingerprint readers. Face ID has long dominated the iPhone‘s flagship models, while the fingerprint reader has found its place in devices like the iPhone SE. However, the question arises: should the fingerprint reader make a comeback? Is it truly superior to Face ID?
The fingerprint reader stands out as one of Apple‘s most reliable implementations across its mobile lineup. Over the years, Face ID has encountered a growing number of shortcomings and issues. As a result, it’s worth exploring why Apple should prioritize the fingerprint reader once again.
The fingerprint reader wins by a landslide
Without a doubt, Apple’s fingerprint reader stands out as one of the most reliable tools among all the options available on the iPhone. So, when comparing it to Face ID, the answer becomes clear: yes, the fingerprint reader is indeed better. But what exactly makes it better?
In reality, the margin of error with the fingerprint reader, especially with the advancements found in devices like the iPhone SE, is almost negligible. Barring exceptional circumstances like having a burned finger or placing it incorrectly, the failure rate is minimal when using the fingerprint reader correctly.
On the other hand, Face ID presents more room for errors compared to the fingerprint reader. This is partly due to the interference caused by certain accessories, such as sunglasses, some types of eyeglasses, and even masks that have been widely used until recently. Despite these challenges, Face ID offers a convenient way to unlock the phone by placing our face in a familiar position that we naturally use while interacting with our iPhone. However, it could be argued that a better placement, similar to iPads where the fingerprint reader is integrated into the lock button, would enhance the user experience.
Speed: the trump card of Face ID
Indeed, Face ID has its merits, and that is precisely why the competition between Face ID and the fingerprint reader is fierce. Despite the occasional recognition issues that Face ID may encounter, we cannot overlook the fact that it generally allows for faster unlocking of the mobile phone. Under normal conditions, a simple upward movement of our finger is all it takes for Face ID to quickly recognize us, providing us with faster access to our device.
However, situations arise where Face ID requires the entry of a passcode, which can be inconvenient and negate the speed advantage. Additionally, when we wear sunglasses or other accessories that obstruct our face, Face ID may not function properly, further diminishing its speed and effectiveness.
Ultimately, the choice between Face ID and the fingerprint reader depends on individual preferences and priorities. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and users should consider factors such as convenience, reliability, and speed when deciding which unlocking method suits them best.
Will we see the fingerprint reader on the main iPhones again?
Currently, unless you opt for the iPhone SE, which still features a fingerprint reader, the latest iPhone models do not offer this functionality. This leaves fans of the fingerprint reader with limited options if they desire the latest iPhone experience. This situation raises the question of whether Apple intends to reintroduce the fingerprint reader in their future phone lineup.
There have been numerous rumors suggesting that Apple may bring back the fingerprint reader in their upcoming mobile devices as a complement to Face ID. Initially, it was expected that the iPhone 14 would include this feature, but it ultimately did not materialize. As such, the potential return of the fingerprint reader remains uncertain, and the extent to which these rumors hold true is yet to be determined.
