Biometric verification is smartphones was introduced nearly five years ago when iPhone launched its fingerprint scanner in 2013. At the time the technology seemed like a thing from the future, and everyone eventually rushed to follow pursuit. It was one of the things about the iPhone that was negligibly scrutinised. Now, five years later, it seems like a necessary security feature for smartphones. Fast forward four years and iPhone X beats everyone to the punch on Facial Recognition.

The Face ID feature in iPhone eliminated the need for a fingerprint scanner, enabling users to unlock their phone without doing anything. Now nearly every new smartphone in the market has a face recognition feature. Although the race is not about face recognition vs fingerprint scanners, it does seem appropriate to discuss the pros and cons of the two methods for biometric verifications.

Fingerprint Scanner – A thing of the Past?

It is no rocket science that fingerprint scanners use a person’s fingerprints to grant them access to their phones. However, like every technology, the fingerprint sensors have their advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side fingerprint scanners are easy to use and saves users the trouble of remembering a password. Fingerprints are unique for everyone and are hard to deceive.

On the downside though, the accuracy of a person’s fingerprints is reduced when someone gets dirt or grease on their fingers or the scanner. The scanner is unable to read the fingerprint in such situations unless you clean your fingers or the scanner (or both). The cost of fingerprint technology is considerably higher as it requires both unique hardware and software. Most mobile manufacturers who are not Apple or Samsung are unable to afford the added technology. Moreover, a person has to actually have physical contact with their phones in order to unlock their phones through fingerprint tech. Not to mention the fact that not everyone can have a fingerprint, or may lose them due to an accident.

Facial Recognition the Future of Biometrics

Facial recognition software is relatively new in smartphones as compared to fingerprint scanning. The software uses flood illuminator technology to identify 80 nodal points on your face and stores the unique features of a person’s face to store it as a face print. Every time you reach for your phone the camera identifies your faceprint and unlocks the phone, and that is it.