Top 10 Upcoming Phones with Fingerprint Sensors in 2020

The above quote does not come from any technology expert or philosopher, it’s a lesson that I learned the hard way. I came across this realization when my phone refused to turn on after a software update and I had to drop it to the service center. I had no choice but to use my years old android phone, which I had as my backup device. I was welcomed with a pattern lock when I turned it on and my finger was already rubbing its rear camera, thinking it was a fingerprint sensor.

Unfortunately, it did not have one and I badly smudged the rear camera with my fingerprint scan attempts.

In the following days, I learnt how important fingerprint sensors have become. Every time I unlocked my old phone, I had to struggle with pattern lock, failed attempts and I just wished that it too had a fingerprint sensor. So moral of the story (for me at least) was: Technology raises expectations.

After that incident, I began to push a blog article listing top 10 phones with fingerprint sensors every year. As we close in to bid farewell to 2019, it’s time to update the post with upcoming top 10 fingerprint phones in 2020.

Apple has ditched fingerprint sensors in favor of facial recognition since iPhone X. Now, Apple’s next generation iPhone is speculated to bring back the fingerprint sensor, which makes it top our list of top smartphones with fingerprint sensors in 2020.

Apple has always been highly secretive about its upcoming products, but as always, rumors find their ways around.

Since the days of iPhone 5, Apple has managed its iPhone launch schedule to take place around September (Except iPhone SE, which was launched in March 2016). So launch of iPhone 12 series is highly probable around September 2020.

The biggest rumor of all is the return of fingerprint sensor on iPhone. Some Bloomberg analysts believe that iPhone 12 will bring back Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It is expected to be an in-display type fingerprint sensor that will sit below the display, which is will be an OLED unit. According to the people familiar with Apple’s plans, this in-display fingerprint sensor would allow users to scan their fingerprint on a large portion of the display.

In another report, Bloomberg analysts Mark Gurman and Debby Wu suggest that Apple is ready to give up its proprietary lightening port in favor of USB C, which has already become a universal standard. The report says that Apple will also introduce 3D camera with iPhone 12, which can scan and map the surrounding up to a distance of about 15 feet.

The new camera system is expected to revolutionize AR and VR systems. Quad camera setup has lately been to top choice mid to high-end android phones, Apple might also jump the quad camera bandwagon.

The display is also rumored to feature a switchable high refresh rate, as high as 120 Hz, which can also be switched back to 60Hz.

On connectivity side, Apple iPhone 12 is highly probable to launch with 5G as the new generation mobile network would have taken high ground by September 2020. Apple has already bought Intel’s smartphone modem business, means it can now produce its own 5G modems instead of having them sourced from Qualcomm.

Apple’s design department may come up with a notch-less construction for 2020 iPhone, if render artist and Apple analyst Ben Geskin is to be trusted. It will also be Apple’s answer to Android phones’ narrower and disappearing notches. However, Apple is very unlikely to go for pop-up, flip or any other kind of gimmicky front camera setup for a notch-free display.

Different storage configurations with different price tag is highly probably as it has always been Apple’s strategy of selling its devices.

Year 2020 may also witness the next SE version (iPhone SE 2), the iPhone for price sensitive segment. Nikkei Asian Review predicts that Apple is bound to launch a low-cost iPhone to uphold its declining sale figures. Though name iPhone SE 2 has not been confirmed, it is being seen as the original iPhone SE successor due to low cost.

In early reviews, Samsung Galaxy Fold was crowned with all the adjectives any device would wish for. This revolutionary device created a new category of foldable phones / tablet hybrids. Due to design flaws, the device could not meet the fate it had potential for; however, it has not deterred Samsung to develop its successor.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 (speculated name), the next device in Galaxy Fold line up is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2020.

The original galaxy fold came with a long list of instructions of what to not to do while using the device. It was not meant for rough usage and its flexible AMOLED display was easy to break. Samsung is expected to fix that in the next version with a flexible yet sturdier display. It is also expected to be thinner than the original Galaxy Fold. Cost will be cheaper than the Galaxy Fold, which was launched with the price tag of $1,980.

People familiar with the Samsung product development suggest that the Galaxy Fold 2 may offer screen size of 6.7-inch, which will fold across the horizontal axis (clamshell design – unlike the original Fold, which folded across the vertical axis). Above are a few leaked images of a foldable device posted on Weibo, which are claimed to be the next foldable Samsung device / Galaxy Fold 2.

The device is expected to pack the latest version of Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Unlike original fold, it may be available in multiple RAM and internal storage configurations. 5G will become a must -have feature at the time of Galaxy Fold 2 launch. Samsung’s may also choose to launch it with in-house Exynos processor in some markets. In line with Android devices to be launched in 2020, Galaxy Fold will launch with Android 10, the latest version of Android.

Multi-camera setup is in trend and Galaxy Fold 2 will have plenty of room to accommodate more than one cameras. Leaked images also show a dual camera setup with one punch hold selfie camera. A useful secondary display is also expected. Leaked images show a small secondary display to show time, date and notifications next to the LED flash and dual camera setup. No leaks or reports for the type of fingerprint sensor it will use, but it is safe to assume that it will be an in-display sensor, probably an ultrasonic one.

Though Samsung has no official word on the launch of Galaxy Fold 2, launch of the new Galaxy S devices needs no official confirmation from the maker. Samsung Galaxy S Series is reserved for Samsung’s flagship offering and have established itself as a benchmark for other manufactures. Samsung is expected to unveil its next Galaxy S line up in the first quarter of 2020.

Being a flagship device, Samsung Galaxy S11 / S11+ is expected to host premium features and cutting edge specifications like latest Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 chipset backed by a healthy amount of RAM ranging from 8 to 16GB. All Galaxy S11 phones are expected to sport Super AMOLED displays with high refresh rate (90Hz or more). It has also been tipped to launch with 108MP primary camera that will feature 9-to-1 Bayer technology.

Submissions made by Samsung for battery certification at the government testing agency SafetyKorea suggest battery size of Galaxy S11 to be 4500 mAh. On the other hand, Galaxy S11 is expected to pack a beefy 5,000 mAh battery, a considerable upgrade over Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+, which comes with 3,400 mAh and 4,100 mAh batteries.

The device should offer usual connectivity options along with 5G. It is also expected to be equipped with an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Back in 2014, OnePlus created a whole new category of “Flagship Killer” phones. These devices offered flagship features and specifications in not-so-flagship price. If Samsung Galaxy S11 is out of your budget but you still want that same level of performance from your device, OnePlus is here for you. OnePlus 8 Pro is expected to be the next “flagship killer”.

OnePlus has already hinted a “special event” at CES 2020, which will be held from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, USA. This is the first time the company will be hosting an event at CES and we hope it will share some information about upcoming OnePlus 8 series. Announcement of OnePlus 8 is not very probable though.

According to leaks and reports surfacing online, OnePlus 8 Pro is expected to come with a 6.65 inch Fluid AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+. It will house an in-display fingerprint sensor. The device has also been tipped to arrive with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, which will be backed with at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. It can be offered in multiple RAM and storage configurations.

Imaging department of the device is expected to be taken care by a triple camera setup with 48 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2″, primary camera with optical image stabilization, 8 MP, f/2.4, telephoto snapper with OIS and 3x optical zoom and a ultra-wide camera with 16 MP resolution. A punch-hole front facing camera should be there to take care of your selfies.

The device is also expected to feature OnePlus’s proprietary fast-charging solution: WARP charge. No report on battery capacity has surfaced yet.

Oppo is a smartphone maker and the company behind other phone brands like OnePlus, Realme and Vivo. Reno series has been the flagship barrier for quite some time and Oppo Reno 3 is one of the most anticipated phones of 2020.

There is no official confirmation on the features and specification yet, so all the information included here remains dependent on leaks, trends and certification agencies. Recently, a blogger posted live images of the device on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

The device is suggested to be launched in multiple versions: Reno 3, Reno 3 Pro, and Reno 3 Pro 5G. Reno 3 will be the “vanilla” version of the device.

Design and specs of the device has been revealed during TENAA certification process.

Reno 3 Pro 5G will come equipped with a 90Hz 6.5″ FHD+ AMOLED display with a punch-hole in the top-left corner. It will also feature an in-display fingerprint reader. Reno 3 Pro is expected to be powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 765G SoC. Imaging department will be taken care by a 32MP selfie camera and a quad camera setup at the back comprising of 48MP main, 13MP telephoto (5x optical), 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth sensor units. Battery capacity is expected to be 4,025 mAh.

Reno 3 Pro 5G will be joined by a non-5G variant as well bearing same specifications.

Reno 3, on the other hand, will be powered by an octa-core processor backed by 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage on-board. It will feature a 6.4″ FHD+ AMOLED display with a notch accommodating the front facing camera. An in-display fingerprint reader will sit beneath the display. It will have a 48MP main camera along with one 8MP and two 2MP modules. Battery capacity is expected to be at par with Reno 3 5G Pro.

All Reno 3 versions will feature VOOC 4.0 fast charging support.

Motorola Razr can give you feeling of déjà vu and jamais vu at the same time. It carries striking resemblance to original Motorola Razr V3, which was launched way back in 2004. The new Moto Razr is indeed reinvented to make you nostalgic of its highly successful ancestor. Though the device was announced in 2019, launch date was not confirmed as of December 20, 2019, so it is safe to assume the device may not get to celebrate the New Year.

The all new Moto Razr will come equipped with mid-range Snapdragon 710 processor, backed with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage. Unlike the current trends of multi-camera setup, Motorola chose single camera for front and back. Main camera is a 16 MP shooter with f/1.7 aperture and Electronic Image Stabilization. It has dual pixel auto-focus and Laser AF to keep your objects in focus.

Primary camera is equipped with dual LED flash, however, front camera depends on screen illumination.

All specs and features sound fair, but what makes Moto Razr stand out is it uses a flexible P-OLED display with 2142 x 876 pixels resolution. The flexible display allows the device to fold from at its horizontal hinge. The device can also be used when closed, thanks to the external G-OLED display. You can make or take calls, click selfies, turn on / off basic settings and talk to Google Assistant. A front mounted fingerprint sensor is also located on the Razr’s iconic chin at the bottom.

The new Razr sports a 2,510 mAh battery, which gets its juice from a 15W TurboPower charger. The device comes loaded with Android 9 (Pie), which is little disappointing as Android 10 has been launched a couple of months ago.

Xiaomi’s Redmi Series is known for budget phones, Note series takes care of mid-range and Mi devices bear the flagships. However, looks like Xiaomi is changing its strategy and bringing mid-range device under Redmi banner and or more precisely Redmi K banner. Xiaomi recently announced Mi Note 10 Pro with Snapdragon 730G and 8GB RAM, while Redmi K30 5G (to be released in January 2020), sports Snapdragon 765G with up to 12GB RAM, which is even better than the Note 10 Pro.

Redmi K30 5G, is a very potent mid-ranger that will come equipped with future-proof 5G connectivity.

Redmi K30 5G will arrive with a 6.67” LCD panel with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and dual selfie cameras with punch hole on the display. The main front came has 20MP resolution, accompanied by a 2 megapixel depth sensor.

1. 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7″, 0.8µm, PDAF
2. 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultra-wide), 1/4″, 1.12µm
3. 2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5″, 1.75µm (dedicated macro camera)
4. 2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5″, 1.75µm, depth sensor

This is as impressive as could be for a mid-range device. Defying current trends, Redmi K30 5G comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Usual smartphone sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass are also in place. A Non-removable Li-Po 4500 mAh battery powers the device and charging system is equipped with 30W fast-charging, which can full charge your battery in less than an hour. The device is expected to be launched in January 2020.

Realme has emerged as the biggest competitor for once undeterred Xiaomi smartphones and has captured considerable market share in a short span of time. Cheaper price tag than Xiaomi and comparable specifications, have been the core strategy for the Oppo owned smartphone maker. Now Realme is gearing up to ride the 5G wave and is expected to bring mid to high-end 5G devices to the table. Realme X50 5G, the company’s first 5G phone, has already started to tease its fan base and tense the competitors.

Since there is no official confirmation for specifications, nor the company has announced the phone yet, we rely on unofficial yet reliable specifications, teasers and leaks.

Realme has designed X50 5G to support dual-mode 5G connectivity, i.e. it supports both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) networks. An official teaser from Realme has confirmed dual-mode 5G connectivity along with simultaneous 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity. Simultaneous 5G and Wi-Fi ensure connection stability and improvement in speed in some cases.

Realme released another teaser on Chinese social network Weibo, which says the device will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset. Snapdragon 765G is a GPU-boosted variant of the Snapdragon 765. It comes equipped with Snapdragon X52 5G modem, which will allow the device to offer download speeds of up to 3.7Gbps on 5G networks.

It is expected to be a dual SIM device. Looking at the past X-series trends, X50 5G should sport a Super AMOLED display. Teaser from the company also hints that display will have a punch hole in the top-left corner to accommodate front cameras. Fingerprint readers are no more a feature to flaunt in 2020, so teasers are more focused on 5G connectivity.

Realme is expected to share more details about the device in the coming weeks.

Before the inception of Huawei P series, Samsung Galaxy S devices seemed like unchallenged conquerors in the flagship segment. It brought top-notch specifications and innovative features to the table. However, things have been going differently in this segment since the launch of Huawei P20, specially the Pro variant. Unchallenged Galaxy S series is now facing fierce competition in every department from Huawei P series devices. Huawei P devices, along with Huawei’s Mate series has blown the benchmarks and set new DxOMark scores.

P40 is still unconfirmed but highly anticipated as P30 devices were launched back in March 2019. There is no official information as of yet, not even teasers from Huawei, so we are pretty much dependent on leaks and information published by certification agencies.

Recently an official looking teaser was posted on Twitter (not officially from Huawei). The Twitter Post also hinted some display specifications like 6.57-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel supporting HDR and covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is pretty much flagship stuff. The teaser itself does not hint anything except the device is co-engineered with Leica. Side profile of the device is also visible with slight camera bump with a curved back and front panel.

No word on fingerprint sensor, but being a Huawei P series device, it is expected to embed one under its AMOLED display.

In May 2019, US Commerce Department added Huawei to the “Entity List”, which barred US companies to trade with the firm. It also affected the use of Google service on Android OS. The company can ship P40 devices with open source Android sans Google services as the ban is still effective. A report published in an online French publication reported that a senior Huawei official has confirmed that Huawei P40 would be launched at the end of March 2020 at an event in Paris.

The report also says that Richard Yu, Head of the consumer segment at Huawei has also confirmed that the device will be launched with Android OS but without Google services. It will carry a “never seen” design, improved camera quality and performance. Huawei will use its own Huawei Mobile Services to fill the gap created due to the absence of Google Services.

The fate of OS on Huawei P40 will remain uncertain until the device is launched. The device is expected to launch by March end, so anything official would be too much to ask for.

After emerging from ashes like a phoenix, Nokia has quickly become one of the frontline players among Android device manufacturers. Long before adopting Android, the brand had tasted all sorts of mobile operating system. From the days of Symbian, it has experimented with Linux based MeeGo (Nokia N9), Windows Phone with Lumia Series, Android with Microsoft services on some devices and finally, Android with Google services.

HMD Global, the owner of Nokia brand for mobile and smartphone market, has seen ups and down in 2019 and 2020 is going to a crucial year for the survival for the company.

Many reports surfaced online lately suggest that Nokia is working on a “value flagship” device, which will be debuted as Nokia 8.2. The device is expected to arrive in two variants, one of which would be a 5G device and another one will only support up to 4G networks.

These reports surfaced after HMD Global chief Juho Sarvikas said that the company is making a “value flagship 5G smartphone” that will launch in 2020. Affordable price tag will be the main highlight of the device and that is what will set it apart from the competition. When asked about how affordable the phone will be, he hinted that it could be half the price of 5G phones that exist today.

Nokia, working on a 5G handset is not surprising; in fact, Nokia (not HMD Global Nokia) was the first to demonstrate a 5G-ready network. However, claim for “half the price” is something to look forward.

That is all the official information available so far and rest of the features / specification remain unconfirmed. The 5G variant is expected to be powered by Snapdragon 765 SoC and launched at MWC 2020. It may offer multiple RAM – storage options. On imaging department, Nokia 8.2 is expected to use Zeiss optics with a 64MP sensor in the device camera. We hope Nokia will keep up with 2020 trends and launch the device with an under-display fingerprint sensor.

Smartphones have become an inevitable part of daily life. They are criticized for taking away your family time, hated by your boss at work and blamed by your ophthalmologist for poor eye health. Despite all that, they always find a reason to occupy your hand, eyes and attention.

No matter how many blames smartphones take, they are here to stay and stay for long. There is no way around to put it: Life has become unlivable without smartphones. Most phones now ship with an embedded fingerprint sensor. Owing to the shortcomings associated with other mobile biometric recognition technologies such as face and iris recognition, fingerprint remains the most preferred biometric method of choice.