Fingerprint scanners in displays have been around for years, but not all are created in the same way. Most phones use light-based sensors, while devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 use ultrasonic fingerprint scanners. These sensors are not widely available on smartphones, but it may be about to change.

Currently, ultrasonic fingerprint scanners are only manufactured by Qualcomm and are very expensive. However, Goodix and Vivo have announced a new "ultrasonic fingerprint solution" for the Vivo X100, specifically designed to promote the adoption of ultrasonic fingerprint scanners in more mobile phones.

The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner works by mapping and creating 3D images of fingerprints using ultrasonic pulses and comparing them with stored fingerprints. The advantage compared to the optical fingerprint sensor is that it provides more security because the ultrasonic scanner is much more difficult to disguise. It also works when you have dirt, water, oil or other contaminants on your hands.

Goodix's announcement article claims that its partnership with Vivo is designed to "promote global adoption of ultrasonic fingerprint scanners." This is done by "improving the reliability and efficiency of production, optimizing the supply chain and consequently reducing the cost of these sensors.""

The idea here is to make sure that ultrasonic fingerprint scanners are cheap and easy to manufacture in large quantities, but at the expense of the quality of the process Goodix also notes that these new ultrasonic sensors have a simple hardware design and have a low-voltage drive system.This makes it easy for phone manufacturers to add them to their designs.

The only question is when these scanners will become more widespread. It will all depend on the production timeline and how easily mobile phone manufacturers will have to get hold of Goodix ultrasonic fingerprint sensors and check them thoroughly waiting for how this will work in the next few years because this change is likely not to happen soon.

But it's good to hear that ultrasonic fingerprint sensors could become more popular. Indeed, there is no harm in having a less temperamental component in safer and less ideal conditions.