Initial rumors surrounding the Galaxy S8 suggested that it will feature a fingerprint scanner integrated into its display. However, leaked photos of the device in recent weeks have confirmed that the handset will feature a fingerprint scanner located at its rear.
The Korea Herald reports that while Samsung was keen on using a fingerprint scanner embedded under the display of the Galaxy S8, the company could not do so as its technology partner Synaptics was unable to develop the technology in time.
Samsung has actually been working with Synaptics on developing the embedded fingerprint scanning technology since last year itself.
“Samsung poured resources into Synaptics’ fledgling technology last year but the results were frustrating,” a source briefed revealed. “With the production imminent, the company had to decide to relocate the fingerprint scanning home button to the back of the device at the last minute.”
The delay in introducing the new technology could cost Samsung as Apple is also expected to launch the iPhone 8 later this year with a fingerprint scanner embedded into the display. The embedded scanner would have also made for a key selling point for the Galaxy S8. Instead, Samsung will now have to make do with the bezel-less design of the device as its key selling and marketing point.
Nonetheless, if Synaptics is still able to get the technology ready within the next few months, it is possible that we can see Samsung make use of it on the Galaxy Note 8 later this year.
[Via The Investor]