Samsung Could Bring Back Face Unlock on Galaxy S27 Ultra with Polar ID

While Apple has stuck with its tried and tested Face ID, Samsung has relied on traditional fingerprint scanners with little to no innovation after ultrasonic scanners. However, that could change with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, as new rumours suggest the brand is testing a new technology called Polar ID to challenge Apple's Face ID.

Samsung is working on Polar ID for Galaxy S27 Ultra

According to X user phonefuturist, Samsung is working with Metalenz to develop a hardware feature called Polar ID. The technology is fundamentally different from the camera-based unlocking options we find in Android smartphones, and could debut in the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra in 2027.

Unlike Face ID, which uses Infrared dots to create a 3D depth map and authenticate, Polar ID uses a special lens to analyse how the light falls on your face and the tissue's liveness to tell the difference between human skin and a high-quality 3D mask or photo.

It also uses a flood illuminator and Samsung's own ISOCELL Vizion 931 sensor, and is reportedly capable of working in total darkness as well. Besides, the biggest advantage of Polar ID appears to be its size.

Face ID is bulky, but since Polar ID integrates into Samsung's standard punch-hole cutout, it could allow the Galaxy S27 Ultra to offer better security with the same size punch-hole.

If implemented, this would finally solve the pain point of in-display fingerprint scanners. Although ultrasonic scanners have matured, they tend to be inconsistent when hands are wet or dirty. Similarly, enabling camera-based face unlock poses a security risk. In which case, Polar ID could make unlocking the Galaxy S27 Ultra easier and more secure.

With the Galaxy S26 series launch date closing in and expected on February 25, 2026, the Galaxy S27 series is not expected until early next year. Therefore, we suggest you take this leak with a grain of salt.