Samsung Galaxy S27: Polar ID – New Face Scan Tech to Rival Face ID?

Samsung is poised to re-enter the high-security facial recognition market with a new technology called Polar ID, potentially debuting on the Galaxy S27. The development signals a renewed focus on biometric authentication for the South Korean tech giant, after years of prioritizing fingerprint scanning.

According to early reports, the company is collaborating with U.S.-based optics firm Metalenz to develop the system. Polar ID aims to rival Apple’s Face ID, currently considered the gold standard for biometric security in smartphones.

Unlike Face ID, which uses 3D depth mapping with over 30,000 infrared dots, Polar ID reportedly reads the polarized light reflected from human skin. This approach is designed to be more difficult to spoof, as inorganic materials reflect light with different polarization states than living skin. Photos, videos, phone screens, and even silicone masks are claimed to be unable to replicate the unique pattern.

The new system promises a more compact design as well. Polar ID is expected to require only two main components – an infrared projector and a compatible front-facing camera – reducing the size by approximately 50% compared to the hardware suite used in Apple’s Face ID. This smaller footprint could allow Samsung to integrate the technology into a standard punch-hole camera cutout, avoiding the necessitate for a larger notch or Dynamic Island.

Performance metrics suggest Polar ID will unlock phones in around 180 milliseconds, matching the speed of Face ID. The system is also expected to function reliably in various lighting conditions, including low light and bright sunlight, and even when the user is wearing sunglasses or a mask.

If implemented, Polar ID could be Samsung’s first serious attempt to offer a facial scanner with security comparable to digital payments. The company previously moved away from iris scanning several years ago. Currently, face unlock features on Galaxy phones are considered less secure for sensitive authentication tasks like mobile banking or digital payments, requiring users to rely on fingerprint sensors.

Reports indicate Polar ID will be paired with Samsung’s Isocell Vizion front sensor and a new security module called BIO-Fusion Core. This combination is intended to provide sufficient security for authorizing digital transactions, potentially reducing reliance on fingerprint authentication.

Another potential advantage is production cost. Polar ID is reportedly cheaper to manufacture than Face ID, which could allow the technology to be included in more than just the flagship Ultra model, potentially extending to mid-range devices.

It’s important to note that the existence of Polar ID remains unconfirmed. The feature was previously rumored for the Galaxy S25 and S26, but never materialized. Early firmware leaks often contain experimental features that are ultimately canceled, as reported by Gizmo China and Phonedroid.

Samsung has yet to officially comment on the technology.