Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 could miss this fingerprint scanner upgrade — but I'm fine with that

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What's wrong with power button fingerprint sensors anyway?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 render
(Image credit: Waqar Khan)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 may miss out on a fingerprint sensor upgrade this year, but perhaps that's for the best.

Just like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, both of Samsung's new foldables are set to stick with fingerprint sensors mounted onto their power buttons, claims a report from BusinessKorea. 

Samsung is reportedly working on an under-display sensor for unlocking its foldables, but the company's decided that it's better off keeping the fingerprint-sensing power buttons on its rumored fourth-gen foldables for ease of use. Instead, we may see the new sensors debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5.

Normally I'd be disappointed that a phone wasn't getting an exciting-sounding upgrade like this, especially as the under-display fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy S22 range is so fast and responsive. But I think side-mounted fingerprint sensors are always going to make more sense than under-display ones for foldables. 

As BusinessKorea's report says, we should see the Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Z Flip 4 debut around Q3 of this year, as the last generation did in 2021. Rumors we have heard so far for the Z Fold 4 include that it could get the same telephoto camera as the Galaxy S22, as well as a new hinge design and tougher display to work with the rumored built-in S Pen.

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Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.