Secure Your World: Fingerprint Scanner Phones Available at YES Gadgets Ke (2025)
Welcome back to the YES Gadgets Ke blog, your trusted source for the latest in mobile technology in Kenya! In today’s digital age, security is paramount. One of the most convenient and widely used security features in modern smartphones is the fingerprint scanner. While the technology behind fingerprint scanning has evolved, its core purpose remains the same: to provide a quick and secure way to unlock your device and authenticate transactions.
At YES Gadgets Ke, we offer a wide range of phones across various brands and categories that incorporate fingerprint security. Let’s explore the different types of fingerprint scanners you might find in the Kenyan market and the phones that feature them.
The Evolution of Fingerprint Scanning in Phones
While the term “all optical fingerprint phones” isn’t current, it’s worth understanding the historical context:
* Optical Fingerprint Scanners (Legacy Technology): These were among the earliest types of fingerprint scanners integrated into phones. They used light to capture an image of the fingerprint. While functional, they were generally less secure and could be fooled more easily than newer technologies. You might still encounter some older or very basic budget phones with this type of scanner, but they are not common in recent models.
* Capacitive Fingerprint Scanners (The Current Standard): This is the most prevalent type of fingerprint scanner found in smartphones today, spanning across budget, mid-range, and even some high-end devices. Capacitive scanners use an array of tiny capacitors that measure the electrical conductivity of your finger’s ridges and valleys to create a detailed map. They are generally fast, reliable, and more secure than optical scanners. You’ll find capacitive scanners in various placements:
* Physical Buttons: Often integrated into the power button (side-mounted) or the home button (front or rear).
* Rear-Mounted Sensors: A dedicated circular or rectangular sensor on the back of the phone.
* In-Display (Optical): Some mid-range and higher-end phones use optical in-display scanners, which are different from the older standalone optical scanners. These work by illuminating your finger on the screen and reading the pattern with a sensor beneath the display. While convenient, they are generally considered slightly less secure and sometimes slower than capacitive physical sensors or ultrasonic in-display sensors.
* Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanners (The Premium Choice): This advanced technology uses sound waves to create a 3D map of your fingerprint. Ultrasonic scanners are known for their high level of security, accuracy, and ability to work even with wet or dirty fingers. They are typically found in flagship and high-end smartphones with in-display fingerprint sensors.
Fingerprint Scanner Phones Available at YES Gadgets Ke (Across Categories)
While we won’t focus on “all optical” due to its outdated nature, here’s a look at the prevalence of fingerprint scanners across the phone categories we offer:
Apple iPhones
Modern iPhones (from iPhone 5s onwards, excluding iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation which use Touch ID in the home button, and the latest models which primarily use Face ID) have utilized capacitive fingerprint scanners integrated into the home button (Touch ID). While the newest flagship iPhones have moved to Face ID, many users still appreciate the speed and reliability of Touch ID found in older models available in the pre-owned market.
Feature Phones
Generally, feature phones do not come equipped with fingerprint scanners due to their focus on basic functionalities and affordability. Security is typically handled through PIN codes or pattern locks.
Ex-UK/Ex-USA Phones (Pre-owned)
The availability of fingerprint scanners in these phones depends entirely on the specific model. You can find a wide range, from older models with capacitive scanners in various placements to more recent ones with in-display (optical or ultrasonic) options. Always check the specifications of the specific pre-owned device you are interested in.
Google Pixel Phones
Google Pixel phones have utilized both capacitive fingerprint scanners (often rear-mounted) and ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners in their newer flagship models. The specific type depends on the Pixel generation and model.
Huawei Phones
Huawei has widely adopted capacitive fingerprint scanners (side-mounted or rear-mounted) and in-display fingerprint scanners (both optical and ultrasonic) across their range, from mid-range to high-end devices.
Infinix Phones
Infinix has increasingly incorporated capacitive fingerprint scanners, often side-mounted or rear-mounted, in their smartphones, even in the budget and mid-range segments, providing a convenient security feature.
Itel Phones
While focusing on affordability, some recent itel smartphones in the entry-level segment are starting to include rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanners as a value-added security feature.
LG Phones
Although LG has exited the smartphone market, their previously released smartphones featured both rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanners and in-display (optical) options in some models.
Motorola Phones
Motorola offers a variety of phones with capacitive fingerprint scanners, often integrated into the power button (side-mounted) or placed on the rear of the device, across their budget and mid-range lineups. Some higher-end models might feature in-display (optical) scanners.
Neon Phones
As budget-friendly options, Neon phones may or may not include fingerprint scanners. If they do, it’s most likely a rear-mounted capacitive sensor.
Nokia Phones
Nokia offers a range of smartphones with capacitive fingerprint scanners, often found on the rear or integrated into the power button, providing a secure unlocking method across different price points.
Nothing Phones
Nothing phones have incorporated in-display optical fingerprint scanners for a sleek and modern design.
OnePlus Phones
OnePlus devices typically feature in-display fingerprint scanners, with newer flagship models often utilizing the faster and more secure ultrasonic technology, while mid-range options may use optical scanners. Some older models had front-mounted capacitive scanners.
Oppo Phones
Oppo smartphones widely feature in-display fingerprint scanners (both optical and ultrasonic) in their mid-range and high-end devices, while some budget models might have side-mounted capacitive scanners.
Philips Phones
Depending on the model, Philips phones might include rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanners for added security.
Sony Xperia Phones
Sony Xperia phones have often integrated capacitive fingerprint scanners into the side-mounted power button for a seamless and ergonomic unlocking experience. Some recent models might also feature in-display (optical) scanners.
Pre-owned/Locally Used Phones
The type of fingerprint scanner will vary greatly depending on the specific model and its original features.
Realme Phones
Realme focuses on offering features at competitive prices, and many of their smartphones include capacitive fingerprint scanners (side or rear-mounted) and increasingly in-display (optical) scanners in their mid-range offerings.
Refurbished Boxed Phones & Refurbished Kit Phones
These will retain the original fingerprint scanner technology of the specific model they are.
Samsung Phones
Samsung offers a wide variety of fingerprint scanner technologies across their extensive range. You’ll find capacitive scanners (side or rear-mounted) in many of their budget and mid-range phones, while their flagship Galaxy S and Note series often feature advanced ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners for enhanced security. Some mid-range models also utilize in-display optical scanners.
Tecno Phones
Tecno has increasingly included capacitive fingerprint scanners (mostly rear-mounted) in their smartphones, providing a convenient security option for their user base.
Villaon Phones
As budget-centric devices, Villaon phones may or may not feature fingerprint scanners. If present, it’s likely a rear-mounted capacitive sensor.
Vivo Phones
Vivo is known for its focus on camera technology and design, and many of their phones feature in-display fingerprint scanners (both optical and ultrasonic), contributing to a sleek aesthetic. Some budget models may have capacitive scanners.
Xiaomi Phones
Xiaomi offers a wide range of phones with capacitive fingerprint scanners (side or rear-mounted) and in-display fingerprint scanners (both optical and ultrasonic), depending on the model and price segment.
Xtigi Phones
As affordable options, Xtigi phones may include rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanners on some of their models.
ZTE Phones
ZTE offers smartphones with various fingerprint scanner implementations, including rear-mounted capacitive scanners and in-display (optical) options in some of their models.
Find Your Secure Phone at YES Gadgets Ke
At YES Gadgets Ke, we understand the importance of security and convenience. That’s why we offer a diverse selection of phones equipped with reliable fingerprint scanning technology, catering to various budgets and preferences.
Visit our website at https://yesgadgets.co.ke to explore our extensive collection and find the perfect phone that keeps your digital life secure and easily accessible. Browse by brand, price, and features to discover the ideal device for your needs!
We hope this detailed overview helps you understand the landscape of fingerprint scanner phones available in Kenya. Shop with confidence at YES Gadgets Ke!
YES Gadgets Ke. Visit us at Moi Avenue, HH TOWERS, Fifth floor, SHOP 505, (LAST OFFICE), directly opposite NAIVAS SUPERMARKET situated at Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue Junction, Nairobi CBD near IMENTI HOUSE. HH Towers is the New Cream Tall Building. Follow the (YES Gadgets Ke) SIGNAGES to the shop upon exiting the Elevator/Lift at 5th Floor. Regards, Papa Kelli. Our contacts: 0746152231/0724749105. (Papa Kelli).