Fingerprint Scanner Question

[AirSlab]

Hi Guys, newbie here.

I'm heavily considering upgrading to the S5, but I have a question about the scanner.

Most reviews I've read claim that the scanner is half-baked and doesn't always work, plus is awkward to use properly with one hand.

However, I've also read that if you make the effort to scan your finger in at a variety of speeds and angles when you initially set the scanner up that it will work quite properly and that it will then recognize at any angle that you scanned in.

Can anyone tell me which of these two views is more correct/ point me to somewhere where I can find a definitive answer?

Your thoughts are welcome

Slab.

 

[SolApathy]

This is really a subjective question, which you will find answers on both sides of the isle. While I was testing the S5 I used the fingerprint scanner and took the time with the calibration to ensure the scanner was getting a good read. I cleaned my hands prior making sure there was no oil on them and followed the instructions and programmed in 3 fingers (one of them being a thumb).


Keep in mind the scanner is more of a "keep honest people honest" security measure. for better security I would definitely recommend a PIN. Like other scanners, it is easy to spoof, though who would take the time to do that just to see your pictures is another question... I would not use it if you use the paypal app on your phone though, since it allows you to bypass any authentication.

It's a god convenience security feature, and I never personally had issues with it in my week of playing around with one ,but every person is different, every finger is different and may not work as ;well.

There are many other reasons to upgrade to the S5, I would place the fingerprint reader at the bottom of the list, right next to the heart rate monitor imho.

 

[SporkLover]

It's a mixed bag for me. For the most part it works for me, I'd say 80% of the time, the other 20% that it doesn't work it usually forces me to use the alternative password.

I'll say this, the iPhone sensor is certainly a superior implementation. I think I'd rather not have another swipe sensor in the future.

 

[AZgl1500]

I did not wash my hands, and I used the same finger everytime until it quit asking for scans.

Got all green lights, and that is where I left it.

I use the screen draw pattern to keep mine from unlocking in my pocket and starting up apps.

 

[Cobravision]

I have the scanner fine tuned to the point where I can unlock the phone one-handed without looking.

The trick is to scan with some pressure across the home key. Feathery swipes don't read as well. Also, if you rest your thumb across the scanner before swiping, it will help maintain a proper angle.

When setting up, make sure to vary speed and angle. If you perform the same exact swipe each time, it limits the kind of swipes that can be recognized.

There are 8 slots and three profiles. So in essence, there are 24 different pictures to check against. You can do the same finger with 24 variations or three with 8, or you can do all ten twice and have four left over. The only limit is 24 total. I have 12 set for one handed left thumb (since that's my primary), 8 for one handed right thumb, and 4 for two handed left thumb. Because I'm right handed, I have higher first swipe success with my right hand even though I have less captures.

In any case, it works much better than advertised, and the fact that I can do it one handed so easily makes it a huge plus.

And as far as security goes, it's basically impossible to crack. You would have to get a clear, full print somehow instead of smudgy partials, then swipe across with the proper speed and angle with the correct finger. Oh, and you have 5 tries before it forces you to use a password. What are the chances outside of a controlled environment? Basically none.

Edit: it turns out you can get one more chance by turning the screen off and back on, and you can do this an infinite amount of times. You can also get back all five attempts by rebooting the phone. Even so, it's still almost impossible in real life. It's absolutely impossible on my phone - all of my registered prints are from my thumbs, which rest on the ridged band around the side.