Vivo First Display Fingerprint Sensor? Facts

Yes, Vivo was the first smartphone manufacturer to release a phone with an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Vivo X20 Plus UD, launched in January 2018, was the world’s first commercially available phone with this technology. It used an optical sensor embedded under the OLED screen, allowing users to unlock the phone by placing their finger on a designated area of the display.

Background: The Race to In-Display Fingerprints

Before 2018, fingerprint sensors were either on the front bezel, the back cover, or the side button. As phone bezels shrank and screens grew, manufacturers looked for a way to keep the fingerprint reader without sacrificing display area. Several companies demonstrated prototypes, but Vivo beat everyone to market with the X20 Plus UD at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2018. The phone was a modified version of the Vivo X20 Plus, with the sensor supplied by Synaptics and the module developed by Goodix. It was a significant engineering achievement because the sensor had to read a fingerprint through the layers of the display, which required a thin, light-sensitive module and a screen with enough transparency.

How In-Display Optical Sensors Work

Vivo’s first sensor was optical, meaning it used light to capture the fingerprint image. The technology works like this:

The OLED display emits light from the pixels above the sensor area.
That light reflects off the ridges and valleys of your finger.
The reflected light passes back through the display layers and hits a tiny CMOS image sensor placed underneath.
The sensor captures the pattern of light and dark, which is compared to the stored fingerprint data to unlock the phone.

This is why early in-display sensors only worked on OLED screens – LCD panels have a backlight that blocks the reflected light. The sensor area is usually a small rectangle at the bottom of the screen, and you need to press your finger there firmly for a good read. Early versions were slower and less reliable than capacitive sensors, but they improved rapidly.

Vivo’s Subsequent Innovations

After the X20 Plus UD, Vivo continued to lead in this area. In June 2018, they released the Vivo NEX, which had a larger sensor area and faster recognition. In 2019, Vivo introduced the first in-display fingerprint sensor with a larger sensing area (the Apex concept) and later the first “dual” sensor that could read two fingers at once. By 2020, Vivo was shipping phones with optical sensors that were almost as fast as traditional capacitive ones, and they also experimented with ultrasonic sensors in some models. Vivo’s push helped make in-display fingerprint readers a standard feature on mid-range and flagship phones, not just a novelty.

Optical vs. Ultrasonic Sensors

Today, there are two main types of in-display fingerprint sensors. Vivo’s first sensor was optical, but many modern phones use ultrasonic technology. Here is a quick comparison:

Optical: Uses light, works on OLED screens, generally cheaper, can be fooled by a good photo, works well with dry fingers, but can be slower in bright sunlight.
Ultrasonic: Uses sound waves, works on OLED and some LCD screens, more secure (reads the 3D shape of the finger), works with wet or greasy fingers, but is more expensive and less common.

Vivo has used both, but their initial claim to fame was the optical sensor. Most budget and mid-range phones today use optical sensors because they are cheaper to implement.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the first in-display sensor was on the iPhone. In reality, Apple did not adopt in-display fingerprint sensors until 2020 (with the iPad Air 4, and even then it was on the power button, not the screen). The first iPhone with an in-display sensor was the iPhone 12 series in 2020, but that used Face ID only. Apple actually never used an in-display fingerprint sensor on an iPhone until the iPhone SE (2022) which had a Touch ID button, not in-display. So Vivo remains the pioneer.

Another issue is that early in-display sensors had problems with screen protectors. Thick glass protectors could block the light or sound, making the sensor fail. Many manufacturers now recommend specific “ultrasonic-compatible” or “optical-compatible” screen protectors. Also, if you have a dry or calloused finger, optical sensors may struggle because the light doesn’t reflect well. A simple fix is to moisten your finger slightly or re-register the same finger multiple times.

How to Choose a Phone with In-Display Fingerprint

If you are buying a phone today and care about the fingerprint sensor, consider these factors:

Sensor type: Ultrasonic is generally more reliable, but optical is fine for most people.
Sensor size: Some phones have a large sensor area (like the Vivo X70 Pro+), which is easier to hit accurately.
Speed: Read reviews – some sensors are noticeably faster than others.
Screen protector compatibility: Check if the phone supports glass protectors without losing functionality.
Position: Some sensors are placed too low, making them uncomfortable to reach. Try the phone in a store if possible.

Vivo’s current flagships (like the X100 series) have optical sensors that are very fast, but many other brands use ultrasonic sensors, so it is a matter of preference.

Cost and Availability

In-display fingerprint sensors add a small cost to the phone’s bill of materials – roughly $5 to $15 per unit, depending on the type and quality. This is why you now see them on phones under $200, whereas in 2018 they were only on premium flagships. The technology has become so common that it is almost a standard feature on any phone with an OLED display. If you are on a tight budget, you can still find phones with in-display sensors, but they may be slower and less accurate than on high-end models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Vivo really release the first in-display fingerprint phone?

Yes, the Vivo X20 Plus UD was the first commercially available phone with an in-display fingerprint sensor, launched in January 2018. It was a limited release in China, but it was the first to reach consumers.

Why did it take so long to develop in-display sensors?

Because the sensor has to work through the screen. OLED screens are only a few millimeters thick, but the sensor needs to capture a clear image through the layers of glass and the display itself. It required new sensor technology and software to process the distorted image.

Are in-display fingerprint sensors safe?

They are generally safe, but optical sensors can be tricked by a high-resolution photo of your fingerprint. Ultrasonic sensors are more secure because they read the 3D structure of your finger. For most people, the risk is low, but if you are concerned about security, choose a phone with an ultrasonic sensor or use a PIN/password.

Can I use a screen protector with an in-display fingerprint sensor?

Yes, but you need to use a compatible one. Thin film protectors usually work, but thick glass protectors may block the sensor. Many manufacturers sell “ultrasonic” or “optical” compatible protectors, and some phones have a “touch sensitivity” setting to improve performance.

Is Vivo still the best for in-display fingerprint technology?

Vivo was the pioneer and has continued to innovate, but other brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have caught up. The best sensor depends on the specific model and your personal preference. Vivo’s latest flagships have very good sensors, but you should read reviews for the specific phone you are considering.

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