Qualcomm’s new in-display fingerprint sensor is 77% larger and 50% quicker, may debut on the Galaxy S21 series

On the back of this week’s CES announcements, Qualcomm has announced its next generation of in-display fingerprint sensors. The new Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor Gen 2 is said to be larger and faster than the previous generation, resulting in quicker unlocks even when a user’s finger is wet. 

According to the San Diego based company, the second generation sensor will be 77% larger – 8mm by 8mm versus 4mm by 9mm. This means that there is a larger surface area to place your finger. The company added the sensor is able to capture 1.7x more biometric data.

Aside from the larger surface area, the new sensor is claimed to process fingerprints 50% faster than the previous generation. This speed boost could mean you could unlock your next smartphone with a tap of your finger instead of pressing it down hard on the glass.

Besides that Qualcomm said the new 3D Sonic Sensor Gen 2 can scan fingerprints through solid surfaces like glass and metal and even when a user’s hands are wet. Given how often we have to wash our hands these days to stay safe, this fixes a common problem most users face.

Qualcomm proudly said the current iteration of the technology has been featured in many Samsung flagship smartphones including the Galaxy S10, Note10, S20, and Note20 series.

The company said it expects the first devices to use this new technology to debut in devices in early 2021.

Well, we might not have to wait very long as there is a good chance that Qualcomm’s new sensor could be featured in the new Samsung Galaxy S21 range, which is set to be revealed on 14 January 2020. This comes as serial leakster Ice Universe that the specs of Qualcomm’s new solution closely match earlier rumours of the Galaxy S21’s new ultrasonic fingerprint module.

If you are interested to learn more about how Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Sensor works, visit their website.

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