With the Samsung Galaxy S10 range, the brand looks set to bring a whole host of new features, including a triple-camera set-up on the back of the phone, an all-screen Infinity-O display design, and an in-display fingerprint sensor developed with Qualcomm.
Unfortunately, the latter will not work with a screen protector. That's according to case manufacturer Armadillotek, which has claimed that it has tested its screen protectors on the as-yet-unannounced flagship smartphone.
- Samsung Galaxy S10 release date, UK price, features, 5G, leaks
- Samsung Galaxy Sport could ditch the rotating bezel
According to a tweet from the company, the in-display ultrasonic sensor is unable to read fingerprints when there is an extra layer on the glass screen.
Armadillotek tweeted: "We have tested our cases on real #GalaxyS10 phones. The in-screen fingerprint does not support screen protector. So our vanguard will have no built in screen protector."
The case manufacturer claims to have tested both tempered glass, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) style protective covers – and both of these blocked the biometric sensor from authenticating a fingerprint. Consequently, Armadillotek says it will forgo the screen protector entirely from its signature Vanguard case for the Samsung Galaxy S10 range.
We have tested our cases on real #GalaxyS10 phones. The in-screen fingerprint does not support screen protector. So our vanguard will have no built in screen protectorJanuary 16, 2019
It's unclear whether other case manufacturers have run up against the same issues with the new in-screen fingerprint sensor. Samsung could be faced with a very hard sell if one of its headline features with the Galaxy S10 doesn't work when users try to stop their shiny – and expensive – new glass smartphone from breaking when it's inevitably dropped.
Thankfully, the most affordable Galaxy S10 model, dubbed Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite, won’t run into this issue, since it will use a fingerprint scanner embedded inside the side-mounted power button.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
As always, it's worth taking this with a healthy pinch of salt. Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event will be held on February 20, 2019 when everything will be revealed.
- MWC 2019: everything we're expecting from the biggest phone show of the year
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
Nutribullet Flip review: a powerful, portable blender for smoothies on the go
Can this portable, insulated blender live up to its promises of powerful smoothie blitzing on the go?
By Lee Bell Published
-
Your BMW or Mini car gets a great Christmas gift from the BBC
This update for BMW and Mini cars sounds great
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung could adopt Apple-style tech for its next foldable
Can a thinner design be achieved while supporting the S Pen?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 hands-on photos appear in massive pre-launch leak
Galaxy S25+ shows off its curves and leaves little to the imagination
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy phones just snagged a crucial security upgrade
This is a must in the AI age
By Sam Cross Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked S25 launch event date and time revealed by tipster
The Samsung Galaxy S25 launch is close – here's the latest leaked date
By Chris Hall Published
-
Android XR to debut on all-new Apple Vision Pro rival from Samsung
Android XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung's banking on yesteryear tech to win the chipmaking fight – I hope it wins
It's a different kind of retro tech
By Sam Cross Published
-
Samsung accidentally posts its own Galaxy S25 spoilers
Revealing One UI 7 features gives us a glimpse at future phone powers
By Chris Hall Published
-
This monster 77-inch Samsung OLED TV is less than half price for Cyber Monday – that's crazy!
You can get $1,700 off the Samsung Class S84D OLED at Best Buy right now
By Rik Henderson Published