Samsung’s newest Fan Edition delivers plenty of value plays, but one rumored upgrade didn’t make the cut: the phone uses an optical in-display fingerprint reader, not an ultrasonic sensor. Company representatives confirmed the specification to the press after early retailer listings and community chatter claimed otherwise.
What Samsung actually shipped
The Galaxy S25 FE relies on an optical scanner that illuminates your fingertip to capture a 2D image for matching. That’s a tried-and-true approach used across many midrange devices and some flagships of years past. It works, it’s cheap to integrate, and it’s well-understood by app developers and enterprise admins.
Rumors of an ultrasonic module were persuasive because recent premium Galaxy models employ Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic family, and more brands have adopted ultrasonic parts since Goodix introduced its own solution. Still, Samsung’s confirmation settles it: no ultrasonic hardware in this Fan Edition.
Optical vs. ultrasonic: why it matters
Ultrasonic scanners map the ridges of your fingerprint using sound waves, building a 3D profile. In practice, they tend to unlock faster and more consistently when your finger is damp or slightly oily, and they’re less prone to glare or screen protector artifacts. Qualcomm has publicly touted larger capture areas and up to 50% speed gains in recent generations, while independent testers often note better reliability in challenging conditions.
Optical sensors have improved significantly, and both technologies can achieve Android’s Class 3 (Strong) biometric rating when implemented correctly, according to Android’s biometric guidelines and FIDO Alliance best practices. However, optical systems typically struggle more with moisture and require a bright flash under the panel—an annoyance in dark rooms and a drain on efficiency over time.
Why Samsung likely chose optical
Cost and positioning are the obvious levers. Ultrasonic modules and their integration stack carry a premium. Fan Edition phones are designed to hit aggressive price targets while keeping headline features intact, so biometric hardware is a logical place to save. Supply dynamics also play a role; with Qualcomm long dominating ultrasonics and Goodix only recently entering the segment, volumes and pricing are still stabilizing industry-wide.
There’s also a portfolio story: Samsung reserves its most advanced biometrics for mainline flagships, reinforcing the upsell. Every core Galaxy S model since the S10 has shipped with ultrasonic tech, creating a clear tiering for buyers who care about the best unlock experience.
Real-world impact for buyers
If you mostly unlock in dry, clean conditions, you may never notice the difference. The S25 FE’s optical sensor should be accurate and quick for daily taps, and it will support secure app authentication, payments, and passkeys just fine. Android’s security model falls back to PIN or pattern if the sensor fails, so you’re not locked out.
Where you will feel it: rain, gym sessions, kitchen spills, or poolside use. Ultrasonic readers typically keep working when your finger is wet, whereas optical sensors can balk. Some phones even leverage ultrasonics creatively—devices like the Realme GT7 Pro have used the scanner as a shutter for underwater shooting—tricks that are less reliable with optical tech.
How it stacks up against other options
Staying in the Samsung family, recent Galaxy S flagships continue to offer ultrasonic readers, delivering a smoother biometric experience along with higher-end cameras and chipsets. If the fingerprint modality is a priority, older premium models remain compelling, especially as they receive long-term security updates under Samsung’s extended support policy.
Beyond Samsung, several Chinese manufacturers now ship ultrasonic sensors thanks to broader component availability from both Qualcomm and Goodix. That diversification has accelerated adoption in upper-midrange tiers, though optical remains dominant where costs are tightly managed.
Bottom line
The Galaxy S25 FE’s fingerprint story is simple: reliable optical, not next-gen ultrasonic. It’s a sensible call for a value-focused device, but it does leave on-the-go unlock performance a step behind Samsung’s flagships. If you often unlock with wet hands or just want the best biometric experience, look to the main Galaxy S line or rival phones that advertise ultrasonic hardware. If you prioritize price and balanced features, the FE’s optical reader is a reasonable compromise that still meets modern security expectations.