When protecting your smartphone, most of us use Face ID or a Fingerprint to secure it. With iPhones relying on Face ID for security and Android phones depending on fingerprint sensors, choosing between Face ID vs Fingerprint can be difficult predicament. But which one is more secure between the two and why? It’s time to find out.
What Is Face ID?
Before we talk about the comparison between Face ID vs Fingerprint, it’s time to take a look at what FaceID actually is. Face ID, as the name suggests, uses your face to unlock your device. Apple introduced the technology with the Apple iPhone X in 2017, and all subsequent versions have it. Instead of relying on your fingerprint to access your device, you just need to show your face in the phone’s front camera to open it. Apart from unlocking your device, you can also use FaceID to make payments and access other sensitive files on your phone.
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How Does It Work?
What makes it more interesting is the tech behind it. It uses a wide array of sensors and light projectors to capture a 3D image of your face. The company calls it TrueDepth, and it relies on the infrared sensor to light up your face and capture a detailed 3D scan of it. With more than 30,000 IR lights used to scan a detailed map of your face, FaceID can distinguish
These infrared waves are visible beyond the spectrum of light, so your iPhone won’t blind your eyes in the dark. With a combination of proximity and ambient light sensor, your iPhone can sense when you’re about to use your phone, thus instantly unlocking it once it sees your face. Apart from Apple, Android phone manufacturers have also started offering face unlock for security.
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However, the main difference lies in the execution, as most Android phones simply use software to scan and unlock your phone, which makes them less secure than their iOS counterparts. Some Android phone manufacturers like Google have tried their hand at FaceID in the past with phones like Google Pixel 4 using a custom Soli radar sensor to track motion and depth in real-time. This automatically unlocks your phone as soon as it senses you want to unlock it.
What Is Fingerprint Unlock And How Does It Work?
Before we decide which one is better in Face ID vs Fingerprint, it’s time to take a look at how fingerprint scanners work. As the name indicates, Fingerprint unlock uses your device’s fingerprint scanner. Commonly found on Android phones and older iPhones, it uses your biometrics to help you unlock your device.
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While the concept of using your fingerprint to unlock things isn’t new, fingerprint sensors on smartphones debuted in 2011 with Motorola Atrix. Later, in 2013, Apple popularized the technology by introducing TouchID in the Apple iPhone 5S. Embedded in the Home Button, users could simply scan their fingerprint data to unlock the device instead of relying on typical passcodes.
Moreover, Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus brought the ability to make payments with Apple Pay. It further improved the technology with 2nd generation TouchID in the iPhone 6s, and it is still present in newer devices like the Apple iPhone SE 2022 and recent iPads.
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While Apple has ditched Fingerprint in favour of Face ID, the technology has evolved with under-display scanners being common on Android phones. Most budget phones use an optical fingerprint sensor that scans in your 2D, while flagship phones have an ultrasonic scanner that creates a 3D image of your fingerprint. This makes them more secure compared to optical ones.
Face ID Vs Fingerprint: Which Is More Secure?
Now it’s time to answer the main question: Which is more secure and better in this comparison of Face ID vs fingerprint unlock? Well, the answer lies in the execution.
Both face ID and fingerprint are secure enough to protect your smartphone. The fingerprint sensor has an advantage as most devices have relied on technology, and it has seen several improvements in the last few years.
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Furthermore, your biometric information is unique to you, but your facial features can be easily replicated as they are not entirely unique. If you have a twin or a doppelganger, the chances of them getting access to your phone are higher.
While Face ID might be a more seamless unlocking method, you can still easily fool software-based face unlock offered on Android phones. Researchers have done this in the past when face unlock was fooled by pictures of a person’s face.
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Even Apple claims that the probability of a false match is higher for twins, siblings, or children under 13 whose facial features have not been developed. Moreover, using FaceID with a mask increases the probability.
On the other hand, in this comparison of Face ID vs fingerprint, using your biometrics isn’t entirely foolproof either, as someone can replicate your fingerprint. However, fooling an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor isn’t easy as it uses a 3D image of your fingerprints.
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If you store sensitive information on your phone or are worried about someone else getting access, then it’s best to opt for fingerprint in this comparison of fingerprint vs Face ID.
Summing It Up: Face ID Vs Fingerprint
To conclude, if you value convenience and ease of access, then using a Face ID is the way to go. However, privacy and security are more important to you, so using a fingerprint unlock is a better choice in this comparison of Face ID vs Fingerprint.So, which unlocking method is your favourite and why? Do let us know in the comments section below.
FAQs
Is Fingerprint or Face ID Better?
Fingerprints are better as they are more secure, while Face IDs are more convenient for most users.
Face ID Vs Ultrasonic Fingerprint: Which Offers More Security?
Ultrasonic fingerprint scanners offer more security than Face ID as they scan a 3D image of your finger.
Can I Use Fingerprint Instead Of Face ID?
Yes, you can use fingerprint instead of Face ID if your device has a fingerprint scanner.
Can you have both Face ID and Fingerprint?
Yes, you can have Face ID and Fingerprint both on eligible devices.
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