Leak suggests Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra may include Polar ID facial authentication for enhanced security and convenience, rivaling Apple's Face ID.
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung has experimented with advanced biometric methods before. Nearly a decade ago, the Galaxy S8 introduced an iris scanner, considered one of the most secure unlocking methods. However, with the shift to bezel-less design in the Galaxy S10 series, that technology was abandoned. Now, according to a new leak, the company might be preparing a return to enhanced facial authentication, but at a new level.
Insider @phonefuturist reports that the Galaxy S27 Ultra could get a system called Polar ID. The technology is developed by Metalenz, a company specializing in meta-optics—solutions that extract enhanced data from a single image. In the case of Polar ID, this involves analyzing facial shape and determining tissue "liveness," which is particularly important for protection against spoofing.
The system uses a scattered light beam and the Samsung ISOCELL Vizion 931 sensor, which acts as the light source. This approach allows it to recognize complex 3D masks and various spoofing tools, significantly boosting security. Polar ID works in any lighting conditions and doesn't require screen illumination in the dark. In some scenarios, the technology might even outperform Apple's Face ID.
The solution's compactness is another key point. Unlike Face ID in iPhones and iPads, Polar ID takes up less space and can be placed under the display without enlarging the front camera cutout. Visually, the smartphone will maintain the familiar minimalist design of the Galaxy lineup.
If the information is confirmed, the Galaxy S27 Ultra would offer users a choice between an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and full 3D facial unlocking. This would improve convenience in everyday situations—like when fingers are wet or dirty—without compromising security.
However, this leak should be taken with caution: such rumors don't always pan out. Samsung will only clarify the situation definitively during the official announcement of the Galaxy S27 series, expected early next year.