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New Galaxy S9 Leaks Reveal Radical Feature Cancelled

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As the current trend for smartphone design heads towards a minimal bezel and all-screen approach to the front of the device, Android manufacturers are fighting for solutions on where to place the fingerprint reader. Samsung has been pushing hard for an innovative solution, but it looks like upcoming Galaxy S9 is going to miss out.

The ultimate goal of Samsung’s display team is presumably to get a sensor underneath the screen and on the front panel. That fits with the current design ethos and would become a strong point of differentiation with the competition. The current signs are that this technology is still not ready for the prime time that the S9 would offer.

Last week saw the suggestion of Samsung using a very small fingerprint sensor mounted in an Apple-styled notch at the base of the screen. This would allow the Galaxy S9 to offer a good impression of an ‘all-screen’ display and keep the fingerprint sensor on the front of the device.

That approach now appears unlikely in the Galaxy S9. Samsung followers may have to wait until the Note 9 to see any form of embedded sensor in the screen. From a commercial point of view this makes sense. Samsung will not want to risk adding new technology that may not work as advertised to the Galaxy S9, the flagship smartphone is an important part of the financial portfolio.

Traditionally the Note series has been Samsung’s choice of platform to launch brand new technology on a mainstream device. The now distinctive curved edge debuted on a limited run of Note machines alongside the Note 4 before arriving on the S machines. An embedded fingerprint sensor (albeit a year later than many hoped for) would help the Note 9 stand out, promote Samsung’s innovation in display technology and improve a well-accepted part of smartphone technology after Apple goes all-in on its move towards facial recognition.

The Galaxy S9 is expected to launch in mid-February 2018, just before Mobile World Congress, with retail availability in March. No doubt the first production samples will start to leak out in the next few weeks. One look at the design of the rear of the handset will answer the question about the fingerprint sensor location, and the personal security route that Samsung will be exploring in 2018.

Now read why Samsung will not be adding a folding screen to the Galaxy S9…

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