Is a Fingerprint scanner essential for Android Phones?

[Ink]

Not all Android smartphones come with a Fingerprint scanner, so I wanted to ask is this functionality essential?

Fingerprint can be used to Unlock Device, Authorize Payments and Passwords.

 

[SHvFl]

I don't have one so no it's not essential for me. The fact i don't use my phone for anything except light browsing might be the reason. Never did a payment or logged on any site from my phone.

 

[ttto]

I have a phone with this feature, and, although it can be comfortable in some cases, it's not essential at all. The only thing it can be interesting, is when you use it to cces to your account for doing payments and stuff like that, it could be a extra-security layer.

 

[Amelith Nargothrond]

Not essential. It's just a security feature which can be replaced with another security feature, say, a password or a longer pin. And honestly, probably just a marketing artifact. Though it's easy and comfortable to use, but not essential.

 

[bunchuu]

I have this feature in my phone. I think it essential for now and future. Lets think about 2FA concept: If fingerprint scanner is combined with other security feature just like OTP (one time password) and PIN/Password, it will greatly enhanced security measure especially for financial transaction.

 

[Kalimirro]

Biometric devices features will replace any kind of passwords ! Fingerprint Scanners + Iris Recognition Scanners are the futur !

RIP my note 7 !

 

[SHvFl]

Biometric devices features will replace any kind of passwords ! Fingerprint Scanners + Iris Recognition Scanners are the futur !

RIP my note 7 !

No, rip you if you kept your note 7.

 

[McLovin]

I don't think it's essential but it's there on phones for an extra layer of security. I currently have that setup on my phone (Google Pixel XL). I have it setup where if I can't use the fingerprint reader I have a pattern to use as well. This is with most of my apps there is a fingerprint and or a pin/pattern. It's a good feature for sure but essential no.

 

[Winter Soldier]

The biometric system is not essential and even not so secure as we might think.
In fact, Elliot Williams of Hackaday claims it is less secure of authentication via alphanumeric password. To prove his statement he lists a series of critical issues.

Your Unhashable Fingerprints Secure Nothing

 

[Amelith Nargothrond]

And in the future we will have wireless DNA analysis and authentication

 

[Winter Soldier]

And in the future we will have wireless DNA analysis and authentication

And then it will be the end of our individuality: the Big Brother is here

 

[Amelith Nargothrond]

And then it will be the end of our individuality: the Big Brother is here

I think Big Brother is already here, we just don't know it yet. He's just a little clumsy. He'll get there...

 

[Winter Soldier]

I think Big Brother is already here, we just don't know it yet. He's just a little clumsy. He'll get there...

You're right, so I capitalized 'is"

 

[BugCode]

Sorry OT; I love everday more and more mine almost every topic mentioned good old friend,,, trustworthy "war-elephant" 3310 :angel:

 

[Exterminator]

I am on the fence about this one but I went with no for myself.
I imagine there will come a time when they are the norm and you can definitely make a point that they are essential in todays world.
There are biometrics that are very advanced however those on the android system are a bit difficult to use at times.
I have tried it but after 3 or 4 denials I want to throw my phone far far away.
I am fine with the security I have in place on my personal phone.

 

[Ink]

Thanks for your input, I probably will avoid buying an Android phone with a Fingerprint scan/reader and save some money.

 

[RicharDooM]

It's just another way of giving away your private information to the people on top. In my opinion, these scanners are here not for our convenience, but for misuse of our identity.

 

[brod56]

When I chose my phone I had to decide between A3 2016 and A5 2016. A3 has a smaller screen and affordable price, but I ended up choosing A5 because of the fingerprint scanner - I do not regret it.
I do regular payments in Play Store and unlock the phone several times a day. I simply can not imagine how slow these procedures would be if I had to insert a long password.

 

[jamescv7]

Read this article

There are no perfect solution at all but it should depend on the state and combination.

Fingerprint is more on customization rather on security side.

PIN code is still a good choice however it can be remove via factory settings unless you want to put protection too.

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PIN code must be your backup security component since a fingerprint can be bypass with so many ways, by theory or actual.

 

[Ink]

I do regular payments in Play Store and unlock the phone several times a day. I simply can not imagine how slow these procedures would be if I had to insert a long password.

A well memorized 6-digit PIN or Pattern takes no longer, and you cannot use your Fingerprint ID to unlock the device upon a system reboot (at least on iPhone).