This year marks a significant shift in smartphone biometrics – all major flagship phones are launching with ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners, a welcome upgrade from traditional optical sensors. This technology offers faster, more secure, and more reliable authentication, even with wet or dirty fingers.
Table of Contents
Flagship Phones with Ultrasonic Fingerprint Technology
| Brand | Models | Launch Status |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max | Launched September 25, 2025 (China) |
| OPPO | Find X9, Find X9 Pro | Launched October 16 (China), October 28 (Global) |
| vivo | X300, X300 Pro | Launched October 13 (China), October 30 (Global) |
| Realme | GT 8, GT 8 Pro | Launched October 20, 2025 (China) |
| iQOO | 15 | Launched October 21 (China), November (India) |
| OnePlus | 15 | Launch on October 27 (China), November (India) |
Why Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanners Matter
Unlike optical scanners that use light to capture a 2D image of your fingerprint, ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to create a detailed 3D map of your fingerprint ridges and valleys. This technology, pioneered by Qualcomm, offers several advantages:
Superior Security & Speed
Ultrasonic scanners are harder to fool with photos or fake fingerprints, providing enhanced security. They’re also significantly faster, with unlock times under 0.2 seconds on most 2025 flagships.
Works in All Conditions
Rain-soaked fingers? Dusty hands? No problem. Ultrasonic sensors work reliably even when your fingers are wet, oily, or dirty – a major pain point with optical scanners.
The Industry-Wide Adoption
The widespread adoption of ultrasonic fingerprint technology across October 2025 flagship launches signals a maturity in the technology. Previously reserved for ultra-premium devices, it’s now becoming standard across flagship lineups from Chinese manufacturers who launched their devices in quick succession.
Brands like Realme and iQOO are democratizing this premium feature by including it even in their more affordable flagship offerings. The Xiaomi 17 series kicked off the trend in late September, followed by a flurry of launches through October. For detailed reviews and comparisons of these devices, check out Technosports.
What About Mid-Range Phones?
While flagships are embracing ultrasonic sensors in 2025, mid-range phones (under ₹30,000) are still predominantly using optical scanners due to cost considerations. However, expect this technology to trickle down to mid-rangers by 2026-2027.
The Future of Biometrics
With all major players adopting ultrasonic fingerprint scanners, the next frontier is under-display cameras and full-screen fingerprint sensing. Some manufacturers are already testing technology that lets you unlock your phone by touching anywhere on the screen.
FAQs
What’s the difference between optical and ultrasonic fingerprint scanners?
Ultrasonic scanners use sound waves for 3D mapping (more secure, works when wet), while optical scanners use light for 2D images.
Which flagship phones launched with ultrasonic scanners in October 2025?
OPPO Find X9 series, vivo X300 series, Realme GT 8 series, iQOO 15, and OnePlus 15 all launched in October with ultrasonic sensors.
