Face ID on these Android phones carry a major security risk for users: What we know
Last Updated: 2026-04-28 16:21:50
Android phones need better security and many have tried out Apple’s version of Face ID recognition tech to varied effect. But a new report suggests that the facial feature on Android phones can be easily tricked to unlocking which makes its use extremely dangerous for millions.
Over the years we have seen many security experts trying to dupe iPhone’s Face ID by making it unlock through a photograph which Apple has never found as a legitimate claim. But now the same technical issue is being linked to Android devices which needs further scrutiny. Brands like Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi have featured in the dubious list which has been quoted by The Times in its report.
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Save your face-ID
The report talks about testing around 133 devices from different brands that proved that bypassing face ID is doable with a photo. It specifically mentions devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 which is a flagship model, as well as the Oppo Find X9 Pro and the Motorola Razr 50 among others.
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Most people know that unlike Apple’s sensor-based Face ID feature, Android brands have relied on software-based recognition which experts over the years have labeled as less secure. And this research study once again proves that using a photo clicked by a phone’s camera can be enough to unlock most of the Android device.
All about living in 3D
The big difference between a secure and unsecure face ID lies in the system and that compares with the 2D and 3D mapping deployed by Android and Apple, respectively. Breaking the 3D system has been difficult and the iPhone security feature has shown its value and robustness better. This is a main reason why fingerprint sensors on Android devices have been preferred by many, including the writer, who tends to recommend it over the former and rightly so.
Having said that, some of the latest Android phones do come with improved scanning tech which means the Face ID feature on them is harder to break than before which bodes well for the future models and also giving people more reasons to choose them over the older and less expensive models.
Google is also working behind the scenes to offer more tougher layers to the facial security option, making it more hardware-based which should give it almost iPhone-like protection.