Qualcomm Introduces Second Generation 3D Sonic Sensor for In-Display Fingerprint Recognition

Qualcomm has introduced its second generation 3D Sonic Sensor winning a CES 2021 Innovation Award for Embedded Technologies.

Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensors use acoustics (ultrasonic waves) to scan 3D features such as ridges, valleys, as well as pores of a user’s finger for a deeply accurate image. This allows the Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor to scan fingerprints through solid surfaces like glass and metal even while wet. The first generation sensor was used in many smartphones including the Samsung Galaxy S10, Note10, S20, and Note20 series.

The second generation sensor will available in new sizes that are 50% faster and 77% larger compared to Gen 1. Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor Gen 1 was 4x9mm (surface area 36mm2). Gen 2 will debut with a sensor that is 8x8 (64mm2), which is 77% larger than Gen 1.


The larger sensor provides a larger region for you to place your finger and allows Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor to capture 1.7x more biometric data. This larger sensor combined with faster processing will be 50% faster than Gen 1 so you can unlock your device quicker than ever.

Qualcomm's 3D Sonic Sensor Gen 2 is expected to debut in mobile devices early this year.

Read More