Xiaomi Mi 7 Display Fingerprint Sensor: Facts

The Xiaomi Mi 7 was never released, and it did not have a display fingerprint sensor. The phone was repeatedly rumored in 2018 to feature an in-display fingerprint reader, but Xiaomi canceled the Mi 7 and instead launched the Mi 8, which used a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. This article explains what actually happened, how the technology worked at the time, and what you should know if you are shopping for a Xiaomi phone with an in-display fingerprint sensor today.

Background: The Mi 7 That Never Came

In early 2018, tech media widely expected Xiaomi to announce the Mi 7 as its flagship for the first half of the year. Leaks and rumors pointed to a phone with a Snapdragon 845 chip, a notch display, and possibly an in-display fingerprint sensor—a feature that was just beginning to appear in phones like the Vivo X20 Plus UD. However, Xiaomi skipped the Mi 7 entirely. In May 2018, the company unveiled the Mi 8, which commemorated Xiaomi’s eighth anniversary. The Mi 8 featured a 6.21-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 845, and a rear capacitive fingerprint sensor, not an under-display one. The Mi 7 name was never used again, and no official Xiaomi device with that model number exists.

Why the Mi 7 Was Rumored to Have an In-Display Sensor

The rumors made sense at the time. In 2018, in-display fingerprint sensors were a major selling point for flagship phones. Xiaomi had already experimented with the technology in a limited way: the Mi 8 Explorer Edition, released later in 2018, did include an under-display fingerprint sensor, making it the first Xiaomi phone with that feature. That phone used an optical sensor that lit up the screen to capture a 2D image of your finger. The Mi 7 rumors likely conflated the upcoming Mi 8 Explorer Edition with the expected Mi 7. In short, the Mi 7 was never a real product, so it could not have had a display fingerprint sensor.

How In-Display Fingerprint Sensors Work

To understand what the Mi 7 would have offered, it helps to know the two main types of in-display sensors:

Optical sensors (used in the Mi 8 Explorer Edition): The screen emits bright light, which reflects off your finger. A tiny camera under the display captures that reflection and compares it to the stored fingerprint image. They work well in bright conditions but can struggle with dry or wet fingers.
Ultrasonic sensors (used in later Samsung flagships): These emit high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the ridges and valleys of your fingerprint, creating a 3D map. They work better with wet or oily fingers and are more secure, but they were not widely available in 2018.

Both types require an OLED display because the sensor needs to see through the panel. LCD screens are too thick and opaque, which is why phones with LCDs still use rear or side-mounted sensors.

What Happened Instead: The Mi 8 Series

Xiaomi’s actual 2018 flagship lineup included three models:

Mi 8: Rear fingerprint sensor, 6.21-inch AMOLED, Snapdragon 845.
Mi 8 SE: A smaller, mid-range version with a Snapdragon 710 and a rear sensor.
Mi 8 Explorer Edition: The first Xiaomi phone with an under-display fingerprint sensor, plus a 3D face unlock system. It was more expensive and produced in limited quantities.

If you were looking for a Xiaomi phone with an in-display sensor in 2018, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition was the only option. Today, many Xiaomi and Redmi models include the feature, but it is no longer a flagship-only technology.

How to Choose a Xiaomi Phone with an In-Display Sensor

If you are shopping for a Xiaomi phone with a display fingerprint sensor, consider these factors:

Sensor type: Most current Xiaomi phones use optical sensors. They are fast and reliable for everyday use. Ultrasonic sensors are rare in Xiaomi phones but appear in some high-end models.
Screen protector compatibility: Optical sensors can have trouble with thick glass screen protectors. If you use one, look for a protector that is specifically designed to work with in-display sensors, or choose a phone with an ultrasonic sensor that works better with protectors.
Placement: Some phones have the sensor near the bottom center, while others place it higher. Try it in a store if possible, as the reachability matters for daily use.
Software updates: Fingerprint recognition can improve with software updates. Check that the phone you buy is still receiving security patches and OS updates.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

People often ask if in-display sensors are slower or less secure than traditional ones. Here are the key points:

Speed: Modern optical sensors are nearly as fast as capacitive ones, but they can be slower if your finger is wet or if the screen has a thick protector. Early models (like the Mi 8 Explorer Edition) were noticeably slower than rear sensors.
Security: Optical sensors capture a 2D image, which can theoretically be fooled by a high-resolution photo, but in practice, phones use liveness detection and encryption to prevent this. Ultrasonic sensors are more secure because they map the 3D structure of your fingerprint.
Battery drain: The sensor itself uses very little power. The screen lighting during scanning is negligible.
Misconception: All Xiaomi phones have it: Many budget Redmi models still use side-mounted fingerprint sensors that double as power buttons. Check the specifications before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Xiaomi Mi 7 have a display fingerprint sensor?

No. The Xiaomi Mi 7 was never released. Xiaomi skipped the number and launched the Mi 8 instead, which had a rear fingerprint sensor. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition, released later, was the first Xiaomi phone with an in-display sensor.

Can I buy a Xiaomi Mi 7 today?

No, because it does not exist. You may find counterfeit or unofficial devices with that name, but they are not Xiaomi products. Avoid them as they may not have proper safety certifications or software support.

Which Xiaomi phones have an in-display fingerprint sensor?

Many models from the Mi 8 Explorer Edition onward, including the Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11, and various Redmi Note and Redmi K series phones. The feature is common in mid-range and flagship models. Always check the official specifications for the exact model you are considering.

Is an in-display fingerprint sensor better than a rear one?

It depends on your preference. In-display sensors allow for a cleaner back design and are convenient when the phone is lying on a table. Rear sensors are often faster and work better with screen protectors. Both are secure for everyday use.

Why did Xiaomi skip the Mi 7?

Xiaomi never gave a public reason. The most likely explanation is that they wanted to align the launch with the company’s eighth anniversary, so they named the phone Mi 8. The Mi 7 was simply not released.

Does the in-display sensor work with a screen protector?

Yes, but thin glass or film protectors work best. Thick tempered glass can reduce accuracy. Many Xiaomi phones have a setting to increase touch sensitivity when a screen protector is installed. If you have issues, try removing the protector or using a different one.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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