The Poco M3 has caught the attention of many since its launch due to its fantastic features combined with pretty low pricing. Today, one factor that really matters for any smartphone is that touch biometric security at the core: the fingerprint sensor. In this detailed review, we will cover almost all aspects of the Poco M3 fingerprint sensor, including design, performance, reliability, and comparison with other similar smartphones in the market. User experience, common problems, and their solutions with typical use cases where the fingerprint sensor really shines will also be discussed.
1. Introduction of Fingerprint Sensors in Smartphones
Without going much deeper into the specific fingerprint sensor placed into the Poco M3, it is now time to be realist and consider the context of fingerprint sensors in the overall purpose of smartphone security. Within the last decade, fingerprint sensors have grown to become the nearest thing to magic as far as biometric security goes. Users find this technology straightforward, quick, and waking up their phones faster than the PIN or any password.
Fingerprint sensors typically belong to three major classifications:
Optical Fingerprint Sensors: Uses light to create a visual image of the fingerprint. Usually in in-display fingerprint sensor.
Capacitive Fingerprint Sensors: Uses electrical current to map the ridges and grooves of a fingerprint, thus very accurate. Commonly located at the back or side of devices.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensors: Capture data by sound waves, providing superior accuracy and highly secure application. This is mostly for high-end smartphones.
As is often the case with budget smartphones like the Poco M3, capacitive fingerprint sensors record as much in comparisons in terms of cost, speed, and accuracy.
2. Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor: Position and Design
The Poco M3 has a capacitive fingerprint sensor mounted on the side and integrated with the power button. This is not only strategic design but also becoming increasingly popular with smartphone manufacturers: budget devices in the midrange range and below. The merits of such an implementation, as opposed to the widely lauded in-display or rear fingerprint scanners, are:
Convenience of Access
The positioning of the side-mounted fingerprint reader is also aligned, so to speak, with the thumb or index finger of the user during the actual holding of the phone, making it more convenient than a rear-mounted sensor. Whether it is on the table or being held in hand, it will allow unlocking without needing to adjust the grip or pick up the phone.
Aesthetics in Application
Placing the sensor on the side keeps the back design of the phone sleek and minimalistic. For people who want a cleaner profile with no visible fingerprint sensor on the back, this option would add to the aesthetic value of the device as well.
Durability
Because this sensor functions in conjunction with the power button, wear and tear are less because a rear-mounted sensor is often hallmarked by scratches and smudges. This reduced the number of cutouts in the body of the phone, which in effect increased chances of durability.
Overall, the placement and design of the fingerprint sensor in the Poco M3 merges function and aesthetics in a good usability-style balance.
3. Performance and Speed of the Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor
In terms of performance, this is where the Poco M3 marks the high note. Even if it is cost effective, the speed and accuracy of unlocking are impressive when compared with other devices.
a) Speed
The Poco M3 fingerprint sensor unlocks the device in a flash for less than a second, about the same with a number of mid-range and even flagship smartphones. When averages are measured, users can unlock it for about 0.3 – 0.5 seconds. Such quick and seamless unlocking creates a perfect experience with a phone. The fast unlock timings ensure that users are not kept waiting for daily activities like displaying notifications, answering a call, or opening an application.
b) Appropriate Performance
It is equally remarkable in terms of accuracy. In fact, the sensor was able to achieve almost 98 percent success rates for recognized fingerprints. Very few cases are marked by rejections or errors, with mentions occurring mostly as a result of having wet or dirty fingers, which is normal for capacitive sensors. With this level of accuracy for the price range, the reality of having every phone meet high standards is becoming an attainable goal, and everyone enjoys the same unlocking experience of reliability and consistency.
c) Learning Curve
Although the sensor works really fast and accurately too, there is a slight learning curve for side-mounted sensor beginners. This involves learning the exact positioning of thumb or finger on the sensor for every time it should recognize. But if users get used to where the sensor is located and how sensitive it is, unlocking is already going to be intuitive and easy.
4. Security Features of the Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor
Fingerprint sensors are chosen over PINs or patterns for many reasons, among which security takes prominent precedence. The capacitive fingerprint sensor of the Poco M3 guarantees optimum security by the fact that it uses biometric data that is unique and personal (the fingerprint of the user unlocking the phone) to unlock the device. Unlike traditional passwords, which can be guessed or stolen, fingerprint data is far more difficult to replicate, thus forming a much stronger defense against unauthorized access.
a) Local Storage of Fingerprint Data
Like most today’s smartphones, this Poco M3 stores the fingerprint data locally in the device, and not to server or cloud. With this, biometric information is stored securely and privately. The fingerprint data will be encrypted and secured together in the enclave of the chip within the hardware of the phone, which adds extra protection against hackers or malicious software.
b) Protection Against Spoofing.
The capacitive sensors, such as those found in Poco M3, are immune to most spoofing techniques of a simple 2D picture or a mold of the fingerprints. The 2D image or a mold of the fingerprints is made to use as something created from an authentic person’s fingerprint, stored inside or in between the ridges and valleys of the finger with the electrical properties laid down, so projection at a typical scenario to use a fake fingerprint will not let the device be unlocked.
c) Alternative Modes of Security.
Poco M3 possesses the security of modern ways, but besides fingerprint sensors, it also offers tradition security methods like PINs, patterns, or passwords, which together can be reinforced via the fingerprint sensor for further safety. For example, the users can configure the device to demand a fingerprint and PIN together after restart or if the fingerprint scanner fails to read the scan after a few tries.
All in all, the Poco M3 fingerprint sensor is secure enough to fulfill the needs of most users for regular daily usage. While it may not be the best electronic fingerprint unit in functionality for ultrasonic sensors in flagship phones, it’s quite sufficient for wallets.
5. Comparison of the Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor with the Rest
Fingerprint sensors are some of the most important features that budget smartphones use to compete against one another in an already crowded market. Let’s compare the fingerprint sensor of the Poco M3 to some of the other smartphones in this price bracket:
a) Realme Narzo 30A:
The Realme Narzo 30A, which goes head-to-head with the Poco M3, is also equipped with a capacitive fingerprint sensor built at the back. The performance of Narzo 30A fingerprint sensor is on par with speed and precision as its counterpart Poco, but the rear placement may not appeal to users who unlock their phones without picking them up. Therefore, in the case of comparison, this one of Poco M3 holds an upper hand over convenience and usability.
b) Samsung Galaxy M12
Another budget contestant, the Samsung Galaxy M12, also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Performance-wise, regarding speed and accuracy, the M12 is a close match for the Poco M3. However, for some users, the M12 has the occasional misread and slower return time, so the Poco M3 is slightly more dependable.
c) Xiaomi Redmi 9
This is yet another low-cost device from Xiaomi, Redmi 9, whose back is home to a fingerprint sensor. It is based on the popular Poco M3 for performance, although the rear placement appears to be not quite intuitive to many users. It has also been noted that the fingerprint sensor of the Redmi 9 tends to make more mistakes compared to that of the Poco M3 when fingers are wet or dirty.
Poco M3 boasts most of, if not the best, fingerprint sensor experience in the whole classroom compared to its counterparts, depending on speed, accuracy, and placement.
6. User experience with the Poco M3 fingerprint sensor
User minds, which often are easy to know and forget, by proving or disproving the end-to-end competition within a aspect of performance, probably come from the long lines stretching. Overall, public user views on the fingerprint sensor of the Poco M3 generally leaned on positive comments and highlights where both users’ experience pointed out:
a) Positive comments
Quick Unlocking : Users love the fast unlocking from the Poco M3 fingerprint sensor since it would allow them to unlock the device immediately without stopping them in their tracks.
Convenient Placement: Many cite the ability to unlock the phone without lifting it off the table or turning it around to find the sensor, thanks to the side-mounted design.
Consistent Performance: Several users have called upon the reliability of the sensor, stating that it works consistently and accurately while still working even after months of use.
Sensitivity to Landmarks: The sensor of Poco M3 does not read fingerprints well when the fingertip touches or it is wet and dirty. The other users mentioned that when their fingers are sweaty or damp, the scanner fails occasionally.
Placement Learning from the Curve: Some users have said that it took them a couple of days to acclimate to the side-mounted sensor; generally, they would miss it or place their finger incorrectly at first, but this is usually taken care of in subsequent uses.
c) User Tips for Improving Fingerprint Recognition
According to user report the fingerprint sensor performance on Poco M3 can be maximized with the following tips and tricks:
Register Multiple Angles: When setting up the fingerprint sensor, users should register their fingerprint from multiple angles. This enables the sensor to identify the finger more accurately, even if it is slightly off-center. Enrolling the fingerprint from multiple angles, users can eliminate the chance of misreads or rejections.
Keep it Clean: As dust or debris affects the accuracy of the sensor, regular cleaning of power button would be a very good option. Gentle cleaning of the sensor using microfiber cloth helps in keeping optimal performance.
Register More Than One Fingerprint: For further convenience, the user can register more than one fingerprint- usually that of the thumb and index finger of the dominant hand. This will help unlock the phone in various scenarios even when it is used with the opposite hand-for example.
To have an alternative unlocking method such as PIN or pattern for use when wet or dirty hands exclude the fingerprint sensor from functioning.
7. Common Issues with the Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor and Solutions
Most of the time, the fingerprint sensor is highly reliable. But then, sometimes a user experiences some minor issues. Here below are some common problems associated with the sensor by most users, together with their possible solutions:
a) Fingerprint Not Recognized.
There are documented instances in which users have complained that the fingerprint sensor failed to recognize their fingerprint even when the user made several attempts. The reason might possibly be due to one of the following: dirt on the fingerprint sensor or a misalignment of the finger over the sensor. To make this work:
Check that the fingerprint sensor is clean and free of smudges.
Register afresh for a fingerprint, ensuring to capture different angles and positions of the finger.
b) Fingerprint Sensor Does Not Work When Fingers Are Wet or Damp:
Capacitive sensors such as that of a Poco M3 cannot read a fingerprint if it is wet or damp at the time of reading. In order to avoid such occurrence:
Before using it, dry your hands to ensure they are completely dry before using it on the fingerprint sensor.
Register multiple fingers for use in different scenarios, like if one hand is expected to be wet (like after washing hands or exercising).
c) Sensor Sensitivity Deteriorate Over Time:
Some users have observed the fact that sensitivity tends to deteriorate for the fingerprint sensor after months of use, mainly due to debris collected on the sensor. To rectify the situation, one should:
Save from regular cleaning of the fingerprint sensor from dirt tins. If the same issue persists, delete and redo fingerprints since the rings on your hand finger’s skin undergo some minor variations due to wear and tear.
d) Sensor malfunction following software update
At times, it may happen that the users sit tight for the fingerprints to process any biometric input as most fingerprints become non-functioning or sometimes stopped to read. Such a condition may arise as a manifestation of the standard software related problem and can be repaired by:
Restarting the phone to relieve it from temporary malfunctions. Checking if there may have been any subsequent software patches or updates that solved the problem. Re-calibrating it by re-registering the fingerprints to allow any learning from any possible errors.
8. Scenarios Where the Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor Excels.
There are many days and real-life scenarios where the Poco M3’s fingerprint sensor outshines its competitors’ fingerprints. It is not only effective but also reliable in the use of experience:
a) Quick Unlocking in Probably Busy Situations
A fingerprint sensor will prove to be extremely useful for someone who wants to get to a phone very quickly in an area of high-paced activity. Whether replying to a text message, answering a call, or viewing notifications, it is made possible with the fast unlock speed of this finger recognition process.
b) Safe Access to All Applications and Data
Fingerprint sensor is a useful accessory for smartphone users like teenagers, who engage in the banking sector or keep doing social networking or those who put personal information on their devices as it can act as a barrier for other people in gaining access to their bank accounts. Users can lock and unlock specific applications using the sensor for accessing the information stored for non-biometric authentication.
c) Unlocking While Wearing a Mask
With masks rapidly becoming the norm in public places, users who rely on facial recognition may find it hard to unlock their phones without removing their masks. With this inconvenience, the fingerprints sensor provides a much more comfortable means through which users can access their devices, even with their faces covered.
d) Handy Convenience for One-Handed Users
The fingerprint sensor, located on the side, is ideally placed for one-handed use, especially when holding the phone with the right hand. It is well integrated with the power button; thus, users can instantly wake and unlock the device in one movement easy for most functions possible for one-handed operation.
9. Software Integration and Customization
Poco M3 ships with MIUI 12, a Xiaomi-based custom Android skin focused on delivering additional functionality and personalization for the fingerprint sensor. It allows users to customize how they would need to interact with the fingerprint sensor as well as take advantage of its integration with other applications.
a) App Lock
MIUI 12 has integrated App Lock, which enables users to lock individual apps with the fingerprint scanner. By doing so, the user protects apps like banking, social networking, or messaging with an additional layer of safety, deciding which apps will need biometric authentication while ensuring that anyone has access to the phone without any further hassle to get to sensitive information.
b) Quick Access Shortcuts
Apart from unlocking the phone, the fingerprint sensor on the Poco M3 can also set actions or shortcuts. Users could, for example, set the fingerprint sensor to open the camera, open an app, or activate a voice assistant by double tapping the power button. This adds value to the fingerprint sensor feature beyond mere security.
c) There are different ways of saving fingerprints.
It gives this facility of registering up to five fingerprints. For instance, a user may use his left and right thumbs and after that left and right index fingers for unlocking purposes. This way, there will be four different fingerprints stored for unlocking purposes.
10. Conclusion: Is the Poco M3 Fingerprint Sensor a Strong Selling Point?
Fingerprint sensors are something one would shine upon in a good device in the present price segment. Praising speed, accuracy, convenience, and security, it shows that users love biometric security in an affordable smartphone. The side-mounted value is great for overall user experience as it offers easy access to the sensor while making it sleek as well. With regard to performance, it is a rival to other devices, even beating a few in terms of reliability and ease of use as well.
It also has some limitations, for example very sensitive to wet fingers, but it is common for capacitive sensors and can be solved by proper usage and maintenance. Fingerprint sensor exactly suits this cheap and affordable Poco M3 because it has everything and much more than expected by a user in this segment.
In the end, this is not an area where the Poco M3 fingerprint sensor will let down any user desiring a reliable, fast, and secure way of unlocking the phone. It complements the reputation of this phone as one of the best value-for-money smartphones available.