Huawei's Upcoming Phone Lineup: A "Retro" Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner, or a Revolutionary Leap in Interaction?

Huawei's Upcoming Phone Lineup: A "Retro" Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner, or a Revolutionary Leap in Interaction?While these features are currently based on speculation, Huawei's proven track record in UI optimization suggests a high probability of their implementation. Compared to under-display fingerprint sensors, side-mounted sensors combine the power button, fingerprint scanner, and AI button into one, simplifying the phone's structure and reducing production costs

Huawei's Upcoming Phone Lineup: A "Retro" Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner, or a Revolutionary Leap in Interaction?

Huawei is about to release a wave of new phones, including the highly anticipated Pocket3, Nova 14 series, and Pura80 series, generating significant buzz. These new devices not only boast fresh designs but also uniformly feature Kirin processors and HarmonyOS. However, in a landscape of diverse smartphone unlocking technologies, Huawei's decision to standardize on side-mounted fingerprint sensors across its entire lineup has sparked industry debate.

This isn't simply a technological regression, but rather a bold attempt by Huawei at functional integration and interactive innovation a "side-mounted revolution." Unlike traditional side-mounted fingerprint scanners, Huawei's new phones will incorporate pressure sensitivity, enabling multi-dimensional operations such as light presses, hard presses, and long presses. Leaks suggest light presses could launch the camera, hard presses could activate the XiaoYi voice assistant, and the side-mounted pressure sensor could even be mapped to game skill keys for enhanced gaming control.

While these features are currently based on speculation, Huawei's proven track record in UI optimization suggests a high probability of their implementation. Compared to under-display fingerprint sensors, side-mounted sensors combine the power button, fingerprint scanner, and AI button into one, simplifying the phone's structure and reducing production costs. The Mate70 series' "Smart Control Key," for example, supports long-press activation of the XiaoYi assistant and double-taps to launch the camera or payment QR codes. This multi-functional integration effectively avoids the limitations of under-display fingerprint scanners' single functionality, enhancing the user experience. However, this design carries a risk: damage to the side button could disable numerous functions.

In contrast, under-display fingerprint scanners are susceptible to failure due to wet hands or screen protectors. The physical button of a side-mounted sensor effectively mitigates these issues, providing a more reliable unlocking experience. Of course, wider adoption of 3D facial recognition across its product line would further enhance security and convenience. However, cost and product positioning limitations currently restrict 3D facial recognition to the Mate series.

While the industry generally pursues virtual interaction experiences, Huawei is returning to physical buttons, attempting to prove their potential through functional upgrades and innovation. If Huawei successfully transforms the side-mounted fingerprint button into a powerful "interaction hub," it could usher in a new "physical interaction era" for smartphones.

Further details about Huawei's new phones await official confirmation. However, the Pura80 series is expected to be the highlight of the launch. The standard version will feature a 6.6-inch 1.5K resolution 2.5D flat screen, while the Pro and Ultra versions will sport 6.78-inch 1.5K resolution fully curved screens using 8TLTPO technology. The Pura80 series will also utilize Huawei's best smartphone screen a dual-layer OLED screen with a peak brightness of 3500 nits, significantly improving outdoor readability.

Noteworthy is the Pura80 Ultra's planned debut of a domestically produced 1-inch ultra-large sensor main camera, supporting RYYB super-sensing and variable aperture technology. It is also expected to feature a 50-megapixel 1/1.3-inch ultra-large sensor periscope telephoto lens and the Red Maple multi-spectral + XD Fusion algorithm. The Pura80 series will use either the Kirin 9010 or Kirin 9020 processors, with the standard version likely using the Kirin 9010, and the Pro and Ultra versions using the more powerful Kirin 9020.

The Huawei Nova 14 series is also highly anticipated, with the top-end model featuring the Kirin 9010 processor and Red Maple imaging technology. This series is expected to use a metal middle frame, enhancing the overall feel and quality.

The Huawei Pocket3 continues the innovative foldable design concept, resembling a Sharp rotary flip phone in appearance and featuring a Kirin processor and Red Maple imaging technology. Overall, the Huawei Pocket3 boasts highly competitive features and design, promising a competitive price point.

In conclusion, Huawei's upcoming phone series represents comprehensive upgrades in processors, imaging systems, screen technology, and interaction design. The innovative application of side-mounted fingerprint scanners, along with its exploration of functional integration and interactive innovation, opens up new possibilities for smartphone interaction. With further integration of pressure sensing, sliding, and temperature control technologies, side-mounted buttons could evolve from simple unlocking tools into powerful "interaction hubs," leading smartphones into a "new era of physical interaction." Ultimately, time will tell whether Huawei's "functional upgrade" of the side-mounted fingerprint sensor proves successful.