Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

OPPO wants to drag in-screen fingerprint readers into the mainstream

Chinese manufacturer OPPO is working on another smartphone with an in-screen fingerprint reader.

It’s called the OPPO R17, according to a source familiar with the device, and bundles a dual-camera on the rear (no, it’s not housed underneath a sliding cover like that of the flagship OPPO Find X) and a fingerprint sensor nestled beneath the notch-clad screen.

An Oppo R17 held in hand displaying homescreenTwo black Oppo R17 standing on white background showing front and back panel view

Something doesn’t quite add up, though.

Last month, the handset surfaced on Chinese certification agent TENNA’s online database. The accompanying documentation included a render that showcased the unit with a horizontal camera setup, while the device in this latest leak has a vertical configuration.

Related: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 

It’s possible that someone, somewhere, has muddled up the branding and we’re looking at two different handsets, but we aren’t in the business of taking chances, so we’d recommend taking this leak with a pinch of your preferred seasoning until we have more information.

What we can confirm, however, is that OPPO is serious about integrating its in-screen fingerprint reader into as many smartphones as possible, beating Apple and Samsung to the punch, in order to give it the edge it so desperately needs to compete with its westernised rivals.

Do you think in-screen fingerprint readers are the future of authentication? Let us know on Twitter @TrustedReviews.

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

author icon

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Trusted Reviews Logo

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the best of Trusted Reviews delivered right to your inbox.

This is a test error message with some extra words