Vivo X21 In-Display Fingerprint Scanner vs. iPhone Touch ID [Video]

Check out this video from Marques Brownlee comparing the in-display fingerprint scanner of the new Vivo X21 smartphone with Touch ID on the iPhone.

The in-display fingerprint scanner was showcased by Vivo at CES 2018. It uses a Synaptics Clear ID optical sensor which purportedly excels with wet, dry and cold fingers, and since it's protected by glass, is durable, scratchproof and waterproof.

“Consumers prefer fingerprint authentication on the front of the phone, and with the industry quickly shifting to bezel-free OLED infinity displays, the natural placement of the fingerprint sensor is in the display itself,” says Kevin Barber, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Division, Synaptics. “Synaptics’ Clear ID fingerprint sensors are faster, more convenient, and more secure than alternative biometrics, and this optical technology represents a major innovation shift and opportunity for the smartphone market.”


Apple was frequently rumored to be working on embedding Touch ID into the iPhone X's display; however, in August of 2017, a report claimed those efforts had been abandoned due to technical challenges. Apple has denied pursuing the technology and claims it was focused solely on Face ID.

Take a look at how the in-display fingerprint scanner works in the video below and let us know what you think in the comments. Should Apple have included this type of sensor on the iPhone X?