If you are looking for a high-end smartphone that also has premium security features, then this list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor is all you need.
These days we don’t just use smartphones for calling or texting. They have become much more. We are using them to storage personal data, access social media, bank accounts, and much more. Because of this, the security is a big issue for every smartphone user. You didn’t have much to lose with your Nokia 3310, except your messages or contacts. Now, the stakes are much higher, and the smartphone manufacturers are upgrading their game concerning the security. The latest security feature that has become a trend is a fingerprint sensor. The next one should be eye scanner, but let’s not get ahead of us.
The first manufacturer that started using fingerprint sensors in their phones is Toshiba in 2007. Later, Apple picked up the technology and soon all other big smartphone manufacturers followed the lead. At first, the technology was only reserved for the high-end expensive smartphones, but now it is becoming a feature in mid-range smartphones as well. The fingerprint sensor works in a way that the user registers his fingerprint on the smartphone and after that, the smartphone only unlocks if it picks up the preregistered fingerprint. There are three dominant fingerprint technologies used in smartphones: optical, capacitive sensor and ultrasonic sensor. Optical fingerprint sensors/scanners use a method of capturing the optical image of the fingerprint and detect the patterns on the image in order to identify the user. The downside of the technology is that it can be easily fooled. For example, if you get a quality picture of someone’s fingerprint, you can use it to unlock their smartphone.
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The capacitive sensors are more advanced. They don’t rely on images but use capacitor circuits to collect digital data of a fingerprint. The data is then stored and used for comparison. The ultrasonic sensor is the latest technology that’s been used in just a handful of smartphones. The technology uses ultrasonic pulse to create a 3D image of a fingerprint, resulting in even greater security. If you don’t want to spend big money, but you still want to get a taste of new technology like VR, then check out our list of 10 Cheapest Smartphones With A Gyroscope for VR.
To determine the list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor we used GSM Arena in order to find the smartphones with this technology. Then, we narrowed our search to include the most popular and widely available smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Huawei, and LG. After getting the list of smartphones, we used a methodology that had a goal of finding the best smartphones. We took into consideration the specifications most users look when deciding on the purchase of a smartphone: processor, RAM, storage, and camera. Based on these specifications, each smartphone received points. For example, 2GB of RAM was worth 2 points; 3GB was worth 3 and so on. Also, smartphones that had a better display resolution than 1080 x 1920 pixels (most common one in recent smartphones) received an extra point. After we had calculated everything into our Insider Monkey Score, we got our list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor. Note that we wanted to have a diverse list, so the best model was considered when there were multiple smartphones from the same series. Now, let’s check it out.
10. Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus
IM Score: –
Ok, there were some better phones according to our methodology, but we simply couldn’t leave out iPhone from our list. While its specifications are not always as good as in some other smartphones, no one can deny that Apple makes some of the best smartphones currently available on the market. The fingerprint sensor is located in the Home button and is based on capacitive technology. iPhone 7 has a 4.7 inches screen (750 x 1334 pixels resolution), Quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage accompanied by a back 12MP camera and front camera with 7MP. The 7 Plus model has more RAM, bigger screen, and resolution, but other specifications are basically the same.
9. Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
IM Score: 13
The fingerprint sensor on Sony Xperia Z5 Premium and other Xperia models is featured on the side of the smartphone. It is important to note that some users experienced troubles when using the sensor due to its odd placement. The interesting thing about the smartphone is that this was first 4K smartphone ever released. Its 5.5 inches display has 2160 x 3840 pixels resolution, so you can’t go wrong if you want to enjoy looking at your phone. Other specifications of the Z5 Premium model include Octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Like in all latest Xperia flagships, this one has a powerful 23MP back camera in addition to 5.1MP front one.
8. Lenovo K6 Note
IM Score: 14
It may not be as prestige name in smartphone world as other manufacturers featured on our list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor, but Lenovo occasionally puts out a very good smartphone. This Lenovo smartphone is the first one to feature App – Lock application that allows the user to lock/unlock applications with a fingerprint. You can opt between Dual SIM and regular model that feature Octa – core processor, 32GB of storage and choice between 3GB and 4GB of RAM. The smartphone has 5.5 inches screen (1080 x 1920 pixels resolution), 16MP back camera and 8MP front one.
7. Motorola Moto M
IM Score: 14
We are continuing our list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor with Moto M model, that is the first Motorola manufactured a phone that features a fingerprint sensor, so let’s hope they have done a good job. The smartphone has Dual SIM by default and you can choose 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage or 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage model. Other specifications include 5.5 inches screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16MP back camera, and 8MP front camera.
6. Huawei Honor 8
IM Score: 14
Many users agree that Honor 8 has a top class fingerprint sensor. It is located on the back of the phone and can be programmed to be unlocked with up to 5 fingerprints. The interesting addition is that fingerprint sensor button can perform other tasks like opening applications if double tapped. The smartphone has 5.2 inches display with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution, Octa –core processor, in addition to 4GB of RAM and a choice between 32GB and 64GB of storage model. The back camera is 12MP dual one while the front is 8MP. The upgraded Honor 8 Pro brings enhanced specifications with a release date in April. Unfortunately, it won’t be officially sold in the United States.
5. HTC Desire 10 Pro
IM Score: 14
Just like in most other entries on our list of the best smartphones with fingerprint sensor, Desire 10 Pro’s fingerprint sensor is located on the back and supports up to 5 fingerprints. The sensor has 360° readability which means that it can recognize the fingerprint no matter the angle of the finger. This 5.5 inches (1080 x 1920 pixels resolution) smartphone is Dual SIM and has Octa-core processor. The other specifications include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, 20MP back camera in addition to 13MP front one.
4. Xiaomi Mi Max Prime
IM Score: 15
If you want a big powerful phone for a reasonable price, then Xiaomi’s Mi Max Prime that’s up next in our list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor is all you need to look for. The smartphone has a huge 6.44 inches display with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution, which is a surprise, considering the fact that we don’t see big smartphones so often anymore. Now, while the Mi Max regular model isn’t anything special, the Prime version (Dual SIM by default) really has great specifications. It features Octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The back camera of 16MP is great, but the front one of 5MP will not satisfy the selfie lovers.
3. Samsung S7/S7 Edge
IM Score: 15
Now we have come to the smartphone considered to be one of the best you can get for the money on today’s market. This is at least until the Samsung S8 launches on April 21st. Everything is great on this smartphone and its bigger S7 Edge brother including the fingerprint scanner located in the home button up front. You have many options to choose from, starting from regular or Dual SIM model, to having from 32GB up to 128GB of storage in addition to 4GB of RAM and Octa-core processor. Both S7 and S7 Edge that rank 3rd on our list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor have 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution displays that are a joy to look at. The only thing that some users find annoying is the fact that you have to first press the fingerprint scanner and then touch it to unlock the device when it’s in sleep mode, compared to other Samsung phones where one touch is enough.
2. Samsung C9 Pro
IM Score: 16
Although it doesn’t look like the smartphone is available in all markets, Samsung C9 Pro is quite worth the search. Like the S7, C9 Pro has a fingerprint sensor located on the home button. This latest Samsung’s addition to the fleet has 6.0 inches display with 1080 x 1920 pixels, Octa-Core processor, 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Both front and back cameras have 16MP, which really means something especially when you consider how good the cameras are in almost all the latest Samsung smartphones.
1. Huawei P10 Plus
IM Score: 17
The last entry on our list of best smartphones with fingerprint sensor has some monstrous specifications. Although that doesn’t mean there are no better phones overall, Huawei P10 Plus has to be considered being among the top ones. Unlike other Huawei models, this one has a fingerprint sensor located on the front. Its 5.5 inches display has a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, which is quite pleasing. Other specifications include Octa-core processor, 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. The back camera is dual one with 20MP while the front has 8MP.
