Why a fingerprint scanner? (Early lg 5 talk/lg 4 disappointment)

[jamielov]

I keep reading over and over how for some the fingerprint scanner will the reason folks will or wont upgrade to the g5, and were let down by our G4 not having it.

Im seriously asking, no snark or sarcasm intended, why is that so important. In the short time I had the galaxy 6, it seemed to be nothing more than aa gimmicky add on. It functions, for me, no differnt than a code screen lock, or anything of the like. There really isnt anything top secret enough on my phone that the scanner would protect that a numerical or swipe code wouldnt. I also feel it saved me maybe 2 seconds when unlocking the phone, when it read properly on the first scan.

So im earnestly asking, what am I missing?

 

[Aflaaaak]

I keep reading over and over how for some the fingerprint scanner will the reason folks will or wont upgrade to the g5, and were let down by our G4 not having it.

Im seriously asking, no snark or sarcasm intended, why is that so important. In the short time I had the galaxy 6, it seemed to be nothing more than aa gimmicky add on. It functions, for me, no differnt than a code screen lock, or anything of the like. There really isnt anything top secret enough on my phone that the scanner would protect that a numerical or swipe code wouldnt. I also feel it saved me maybe 2 seconds when unlocking the phone, when it read properly on the first scan.

So im earnestly asking, what am I missing?

Are there any other uses for the fingerprint scanner on a phone, other than unlocking it? Can you use it within apps to pay for things, or log onto sites, after the phone is unlocked? I use LastPass on my computer to remember all my passwords, and installed it on my iPad. I use the iPad's fingerprint scanner to log onto LastPass so I don't have to type in the long, convoluted Master Password.

 

[jamielov]

I have the G4, so it doesn't have the scanner. Im not sure if there are or aren't other uses? Even so, I cant see it saving me too much time to warrant it as the make or break feature. For example, you mentioned payments? I pay for probably 80% of my purchases with PayPal, and that literally prefills and keeps my info.

 

[dazkil2103]

Having had my s6 stolen and now looking for a replacement I can testify that a fingerprint scanner is an extremely useful feature that I will miss if buy new one without.Im not sure I'd go back to the s6 due to battery life which frankly sucked.

 

[Mikey47]

Having to lock my phone with a strong password that has to be changed every 90 days in order to access business email, I would say hallelujah if I could replace this with a finger swipe!

 

[jamielov]

Interesting points. Ad i said, im not knocking it at all, but for me, since it was really nothing Id use or ever miss, I was curious as to what made that the make or break for a new purchase. Completely logical.

Dazkil...couldnt agree more. Ive commented prior I felt the S6 battery was so amazingly bad, you could almost watch it drain.

 

[caffeinated pants]

Excellent question btw, thanks for bringing this up.

My main concern with fingerprint readers, as with biometric identification more generally, is security. What are you going to do if your phone gets pwned and someone manages to get hold of your fingerprint(s)? If you get hacked, you can change your password, but you can't change your fingertip or iris.

There is always a trade-off between security and convenience. People say they love the convenience of the fingerprint reader but do we understand the consequences of using our bodies for ID?

 

[anon(8938849)]

Excellent question btw, thanks for bringing this up.

My main concern with fingerprint readers, as with biometric identification more generally, is security. What are you going to do if your phone gets pwned and someone manages to get hold of your fingerprint(s)? If you get hacked, you can change your password, but you can't change your fingertip or iris.

There is always a trade-off between security and convenience. People say they love the convenience of the fingerprint reader but do we understand the consequences of using our bodies for ID?

You can use Android device manager to lock/wipe/locate a stolen device. You know you can't change your lock screen pin remotely so that is a moot point. I wouldn't worry too much about someone faking my fingerprint to break into my phone in the first place, but like I said the moment you realize your phone is missing/stolen you can use Android device manager.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[caffeinated pants]

You can use Android device manager to lock/wipe/locate a stolen device. You know you can't change your lock screen pin remotely so that is a moot point. I wouldn't worry too much about someone faking my fingerprint to break into my phone in the first place, but like I said the moment you realize your phone is missing/stolen you can use Android device manager.
Posted via the Android Central App

Fair enough, but that's no more than a stopgap and doesn't really get at the heart of the issue. You may well not realize you've been hacked, or even that you lost your phone or that it has been stolen until it's too late. Btw, you're lucky if your thief doesn't remove the battery first and you actually get to wipe your phone.

 

[Jaycemiskel]

I know for me, a fingerprint sensor is so much more convenient than a code. I have a G4, but I pretty much only use my S6 because I just can't use a phone without a fingerprint sensor.

 

[gone down south]

Fingerprint readers can be used anywhere a password/code is required - logging in to apps and websites, accessing accounts, etc., as well as authenticating identity for banking and financial transactions. It's actually very useful once you start using it.