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Redmi demos in-display fingerprint scanners with LCD panels
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Redmi demos in-display fingerprint scanners with LCD panels

by Vyncent ChanMarch 9, 2020
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In-display fingerprint scanners debuted with the vivo NEX back in 2018 as a cutting-edge feature, before trickling down to the mid-range. One of the key requirements were that the display had to be OLED, as the LCD panels were too thick with their need of backlighting and all. But headway has been made to bring it to LCD displays too, and Redmi may be the first one to actually offer it to end users.

The demo video shared on Weibo does not reveal whether it will be featured in an upcoming Redmi smartphone (Redmi Note 9?), but it does show that such an implementation is possible. To achieve this, Redmi claimed that they are using infrared for the LCD in-display fingerprint scanners, instead of visible light like in OLED-based in-display fingerprint scanners. They are using infrared high-transmittance film material to allow an infrared transmitter to blast through the LCD display’s layers and be reflected by a fingerprint to be picked up by the in-display fingerprint scanner.

We can’t see infrared, so unlike with our current implementations where a circle will glow up on the screen to read our fingerprints, you will have to rely on on-screen indicator to know where to put your finger. And once again, unlike with OLED panels which can maintain an indicator in the area without consuming too much battery, you will most probably have to wake your device if you forgot the placement of the in-display fingerprint scanner in LCD panels, resulting in a higher power consumption.

BOE has previously revealed their success at making LCD panels that are thin enough support under-display fingerprint scanners, and Goodix has shared that they are making in-display fingerprint scanners for LCDs. Putting two and two together points at Redmi working with both companies to bring the technology to the masses. It might be a bit too late though considering that OLED displays are becoming pretty mainstream, even in the mid-range segment.

Of course, there are still some recent innovations in LCD panels like the realme 6 series’ 90 Hz LCD displays, but they are far and few between. OLED panels have proven to be objectively superior, but the price may still be a barrier for the lower mid-range or entry-level segments. To be honest, in those segments, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner isn’t going to affect the users much anyway. Would you be interested in an LCD panel with an in-display fingerprint scanner?

Pokdepinion: By the time it arrives it may be too late. OLED should be standard on all devices.

About The Author
Vyncent Chan
Technology enthusiast, casual gamer, pharmacy graduate. Strongly opposes proprietary standards and always on the look out for incredible bang-for-buck.

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