Samsung Galaxy S11 might be one of the biggest contenders against both the iPhone 11 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 12. It's certainly one of the highest-profile Android phones coming up in 2020. But a new leak has confirmed that the smartphone maker is working on its own version of a technology already incorporated into the iPhone.
XDAdevelopers leakster Max Weinbach was looking through the code for Face Service, a facial recognition app. In that code was multiple references to something called UX_Picasso.
Another (exclusive) S11 leak(?). In the Face Service app, Samsung has started to work on the UX_Picasso. Essentially, the UX for the S11. In reality, it doesn't say much about anything besides Samsung is actively working on facial recognition. pic.twitter.com/FNFrK158iuOctober 28, 2019
Here's where it gets interesting. Picasso has been confirmed by top Samsung leakster Iceuniverse as the codename for the Samsung Galaxy S11. If Face Service is creating UX, or user experience technology, for the Galaxy S11 it stands to reason the device can handle the technology.
We can conclude that the phone is going to follow in the Google Pixel 4's footsteps and feature 3D facial recognition, possibly to unlock the phone in place of the fingerprint scanner like Apple's FaceID tech.
Someone asked about the Galaxy S11, there are four things that can be confirmed:1. Codename "Picasso"2. The camera has a substantial upgrade3.Based on Android Q One UI 2.x4.Hole in display is smaller than Note10Other than that, it is unknown.July 29, 2019
Given the Samsung Galaxy S10's previous security problems with the embedded fingerprint scanner, a facial unlock might be an elegant way to circumnavigate this problem. Samsung devices have incorporated 2D face-unlock functionality before, but the biggest question is whether we are going to be a full 3D face-unlock feature in line with the iPhone. Unfortunately, it's too soon to tell.
The Galaxy S11 is expected to debut with a raft of features to take on rivals like the Huawei P40 Pro. An under-screen selfie camera, 5G compatibility and a practically bezel-less face are all possibilities. As of today, it seems as though we can add 3D facial recognition to the list.
Liked this?
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
- Huawei P40 Pro: everything we know
- Samsung Galaxy Fold review
Matt Evans now works for T3.com sister brand TechRadar, covering all things relating to fitness and wellness. He came to T3.com as staff writer before moving on, and was previously on Men's Health, and slightly counterintuitively, a website devoted to the consumption of Scotch whiskey. In his free time, he could often be found with his nose in a book until he discovered the Kindle.
-
The best new camera phone might not be from Samsung or Apple
Oppo's making a big push for its next phone
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I tried the iPhone 16 Pro on safari – now I want one for the huge camera upgrade
The iPhone 16 Pro's zoom boost is a game-changer
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE could be the king of foldables for one good reason
And the other rumours are looking good too...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Android phone prices could soon soar for just one reason
Price of the brick goin' up
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Leaked Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra case shows a shift back to the mundane
Samsung's next flagship might not be quite so unique.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Is this the foldable phone that has Samsung most worried?
Another folding phone has just launched, this time with Loewe design
By Chris Hall Published
-
When is the iPhone 16 coming out? Could Apple's on-sale date be a surprise?
The iPhone 16 has already bucked trends once
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra concept renders show a potential iPhone beater
Samsung might be cooking up a beauty
By Max Freeman-Mills Published