Our smartphones are getting smarter, and one of the best things to have ever happened to these gadgets is the introduction of biometric authentication, particularly the fingerprint sensor. Aside from being on the rear and front of our phones, the fingerprint sensor is now high-tech and now being embedded in and under phone displays (see how in-display fingerprint sensor works ).
Equally, the purposes of the fingerprint scanner have grown beyond just smartphone unlock. The sensor can now be used as a verification instrument when making payments on your phone or upon logging into third-party apps like Banking apps among other things. Another application of the fingerprint sensor that many aren’t cognizant of is its ability to be used as a shutter button for taking pictures and selfies.
This shutter button functionality of the fingerprint sensor is comes as a default feature on some smartphones like Google Pixels and certain Huawei flagships. However, if your smartphone doesn’t have this extra fingerprint functionality built-in, there is a hack around it. Find out below.
How to Take Photos Using Fingerprint sensor on Android
Head over to the Google Play Store and type in ‘Dactyl’ into the search box.
You’ll be presented with two options; a trial app which is available for free, and the paid version.
The trial version allows your use the fingerprint-shutter functionality of the app for a maximum of 10 times while the premium version comes with unlimited usage.
Download/purchase whichever version you deem fit and install it on your smartphone.
Opening the app for the first time after installation will take you to the “Open Settings” page where you’ll be prompted to grant the app accessibility permission.
After granting permissions, you’ll be taken back to the app settings menu to see a list of applications that the fingerprint shutter functionality will work for. In addition, you can also configure which apps uses the features.
All is now set for your to take pictures with your fingerprint sensor.
- Whenever your device’s camera is launched within a supported app, you’ll see a ‘Dactyl Service Running’ notification right above the shutter button.
This means you can place your hand in the fingerprint sensor to start taking photos.
If your device doesn’t have the feature built-in, this is a neat trick to try out. You can install the trial version of the app first to see how the fingerprint-shutter functionality works before proceeding to purchase the premium version. But remember, the free/trial version has a maximum usage limit of 10 image capture.
This app works perfectly as long as your smartphone is fingerprint-enabled i.e has fingerprint sensor either on the rear or front. At the moment, there is no support for smartphones with in-display fingerprint sensors .
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The evolution of smartphones has brought a lot with it. From the race to the slimmest phone on market, to the device with the least bezels; from the make with the sharpest camera, to the security trends in the fingerprint scanners and Face ID; name it all. With such trends coming in over time, different issues arise that cause a need for yet another milestone.
For instance, a number of users find it complex when looking for the fingerprint sensor at the back. This is due to lack of its direct visibility on large screen devices, and a number of manufacturers have adopted suiting the sensor into the home screen. But larger screens also demand that the home screen should disappear, the in-display fingerprint sensor comes in sight.
At the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas, the Vivo smartphone brand introduces an under-display fingerprint sensor feature on its latest smartphone, the Vivo X21. With other OEMs adopting the feature, this could be the next ultimate big thing.
How Does the in-display Fingerprint Reader Work?
When a user’s finger touches the screen of the phone, the display emits light to illuminate the finger. The optical fingerprint sensor below the display captures the light reflected by the fingerprint, and the sensor processes the optical signals to deliver crisp and sharp fingerprint images for matching, based on the reflected light from the unique ridges on the fingerprint,
When fingerprint recognition is needed, such as when the screen is off and for unlocking apps or when you hold up the phone, the fingerprint sensor indicator will light up and icon will appear on the screen for users to press for immediate authentication. It is otherwise invisible to ensure a seamless mobile experience.
Reasons you may want it
Nature : Those that have held smartphones from their inception will tell you that the very first fingerprint sensors were at the front. Samsung, OnePlus, and Apple had this in mind before the fight for the larger screens pushed them to shift the sensors to the back. So, it would be very natural to have that sensor in the display.
Convenience : A front-mounted sensor is also more convenient to use when your phone is resting on your table. No need to raise it up, the way you would do for one at the back. You can also relate to a situation when you are holding stuff in your hands, and only a single finger is free. Even in a car, you can easily unlock the phone when its in its holder.
Broader Scanner : You don’t have to squeeze a large thumb into a small scanner area. The in-display fingerprint scanner will make it easier to place a finger anywhere on the screen to unlock it seamlessly.
No specific finger : When holding your phone with your left hand, it could be most sure that a left finger will do the unlock – say the scanner is at the back. With the in-screen fingerprint reader, you do not have to hustle on looking for the finger to use, whatever is available is what you use. No worries about being left or right handed.
Accuracy : Some rear scanners are really stubborn and require you to place the finger a certain way to work. This is primarily because you cant see where you are placing the finger, and can’t confirm that it is indeed the right position. With a front display scanner, why would you fail on accuracy when you can see where to place it?
The Downside
Being optical-type sensors, they are slower than the capacitive ones that most people are used to by now. This is a reason for the delay in OEMs adopting them for smartphones.
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .
Type your email…
Fingerprint readers and sensors have proofed to be one of the best and most secure form of biometric authentication on smartphones out many types of security authentication technology present on modern-day devices. Although nothing beats PINs and passwords, fingerprint scanning feels more natural and comes close in terms of security.
Fingerprint authentication technology was properly introduced on smartphones by Apple a couple of years ago when the Cupertino-based tech giant launched the iPhone 5S. Afterwards, many other OEMs (as always) followed through with Apple’s innovation by placing the regular standalone fingerprint readers either on the rear or front of their smartphones. This continued for years until 2018 … when a particular Chinese smartphone manufacturer saw normal as boring and decided to take the fingerprint reader a notch higher.
In January at the CES 2018 event that held in Nevada, United States, Chinese OEM Vivo unveiled the first smartphone to have its fingerprint sensor embedded in its display. Dubbed the Vivo X20 Plus UD , Vivo beat the likes of Apple and Samsung to the under-display (also called in-display) technology. But how does it work? That, you’d find out below.
How an in-display fingerprint scanner works
An in-display fingerprint is (literally) embedded under a smartphone’s display uses an optical fingerprint sensor (see other types of fingerprint sensors ) to capture and identify users fingerprint information.
This particular type of fingerprint sensor that works under that screen was pioneered by Synaptics, a California-based manufacturer of fingerprint biometrics technology for smartphones and also, touchpads for laptops. Synaptics developed the ‘Synaptics Clear ID sensor’ (named the Clear ID FS9500). The Clear ID is the first-ever optical in-display fingerprint sensor and mass produced it for Vivo to use on the Vivo X20 Plus UD.
Synaptic Clear ID FS9500 optical in-display fingerprint sensor
Now, let’s highlight…
…how the Clear ID works under the display
First off, in-display fingerprint sensors (Clear ID) are produced to work with OLED panels and not on any other smartphone display technologies . This explains why you’d find the in-display fingerprint sensor only on smartphones with OLED display .
Literally, when you place your finger on the device, a light is shone on your finger, the sensor then proceeds to capture your fingerprint and the device is unlock. Technically, in-display fingerprint sensors work by using the light emitted from the gaps between the pixels of the OLED panel. When a hser places a finger on the sensor, this light illuminates the fingerprint and ultimately captures it.
A (very) high resolution image of fingerprint is taken and an algorithm proceeds to detect unique patterns of your prints by thoroughly analyzing every part of the captured image. The algorithm analyzes the dark and light part of your finger, as well as ridges and valleys. To ensure effective capture of your fingerprint data by any in-display sensor, you have to exert a little bit of pressure on the screen so the sensor can accurately differentiate between ridges and valleys of each fingerprints.
Advantages of in-display fingerprint sensor
In-display fingerprint sensors are thin : this makes them attractive as we are entering into an era where manufacturers are looking for the best possible ways to shrink down the thickness of phone sizes. Although many OEMs like Xiaomi and Huawei have now adopted the technology, we expect more manufacturers to get in line.
Easily accessible and Convenient : unlike rear-facing fingerprint sensors that takes some getting used to, in-display sensors are easy to reach and relatively convenient.
Functionality is independent of finger conditions: in-display fingerprint sensors will read your fingerprints accurately even if your fingers are wet, cold, or dry. Fingerprint capture with regular scanners under these conditions are difficult.
SentryPoint Security Suit : In-display sensors comes with industry’s highest level of secure fingerprint authentication.
Shortcomings
As innovative and interesting as the new in-display fingerprint scanning technology is, there are some downsides to it when compared to the regular on-body fingerprint sensor is.
Speed : although an in-display sensor unlocks in about half a second (averagely), it doesn’t compare to the unlock speed of regular fingerprint sensors.
Interference : applying any type of tempered glass may lead to delayed or inaccurate fingerprint capture. The sensor may also misbehave if the tampered glass is thicker than 1.5mm.
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
Type your email…
The fingerprint scanner has grown to become one of the most trusted and most used methods of smartphone biometric authentication . Interestingly, the sensor underwent a major overhaul earlier this year in terms of its form and position; in a bid to make our phones slimmer and our screens bezel-less, smartphone manufacturers discovered a way to embed the fingerprint reader under our phone’s display.
The Vivo X20 Plus UD was the first smartphone to ever have its fingerprint sensor under its display. Ever since, many OEMs have subsequently followed suit and laced their flagship phones with the in-display (or under-display) fingerprint technology.
We have previously talked about the in-display fingerprint technology and how it works . Also, you should check out five reasons why you might want to pick up a smartphone with in-display fingerprint sensor when shopping for your next device. When you do, these are the top 5 smartphones with fingerprint on Display (FoD) you should check out before making your buying decision.
Top 5 smartphones with Fingerprint on Display(FoD)
1. Vivo X20 Plus UD
Because this is the first smartphone to ever sport the in-display fingerprint technology, it definitely owns a spot on this list. The device is the successor to the Vivo X20 Plus smartphone with one of the key difference being the fingerprint technology. Launched at the CES 2018 event which held at Nevada in the United States, it is safe to say that the Vivo X20 Plus UD paved way for other OEMs to start adopting the fingerprint technology on their flagships.
2. Vivo Apex
Ever since the Vivo X20 Plus UD surfaced, Vivo has embedded the in-display fingerprint sensor in almost all its follow-up flagship smartphones. Also, the Chinese giant keeps perfecting and bettering the technology with every new release.
The Vivo Apex , for example, was launched not too long after the Vivo X20 Plus UD and it comes with an in-display sensor that unlocks faster and better than those on its predecessors. Also, Vivo boasts the Vivo Apex as a flagship with “Half-Screen In-Display Fingerprint Technology”. What this mean is that unlike the Vivo X20 Plus UD which sports a thumbnail-sized icon affixed to a portion of the display, the Vivo Apex in-display sensor has a wider surface area and you can unlock the device by placing your thumb on any portion of the bottom-half part of the display.
3. OnePlus 6T
This is the latest flagship smartphone from OnePlus and comes as the successor to the OnePlus 6 . This is also the first smartphone from OnePlus to ever have an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Like the Vivo X20 Plus UD, the fingerprint reader of the OnePlus 6T is also fixed to a thumbnail-sized spot on the display that emits a wild electric green color when active; ready to scan and identify a print.
OnePlus says the OnePlus 6T’s in-display sensor can unlock the device in just 0.34 seconds.
4. Oppo R17
This is Oppo’s flagship with a stunning 91.5% screen-to-body ratio, a water-drop notch, and comes with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. Underneath the wide and bezel-less 6.4-inch OLED display is the phone’s optical fingerprint sensor that unlocks just as far as other phones on this list.
The Pro version of this device with more advanced features also sports the in-display fingerprint sensor.
5. Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Huawei recently launched the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro flagship duo, lacing them with top-of-the-line features that no device in the industry has. However, it is the bigger device of the duo that packs better features like in-display fingerprint sensor, reverse wireless charging and more.
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
