Vivo X Fold 4 Might Drop In-Screen Fingerprint Sensor for a Side-Mounted One

Highlights

• The Vivo X Fold 4 is rumoured to switch from an in-screen fingerprint sensor to a side-mounted one.
• Expected Specs – Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 6,000mAh battery, wireless charging, IPX8 water resistance and a rear camera setup with three 50MP lenses.
• Vivo and other brands like Oppo, Honor and Huawei are all moving to side-mounted fingerprint sensors.
• It is reportedly to make foldable devices thinner and target an 8mm thickness range.

Vivo is reportedly working on the Vivo X Fold 4 featuring the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. While other details are mostly speculation at the moment, a new leak suggests the phone might see one significant design change. Here’s what we know so far.

Vivo X Fold 4 To Switch to a Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor

According to tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), the X Fold 4 will no longer feature an in-screen fingerprint sensor, which will be a first for Vivo’s foldable lineup.

Tipster DCS’s Weibo post also revealed that four Chinese smartphone brands will launch foldable phones this year. While he didn’t name them directly, reports suggest they are the Oppo Find N5, Honor Magic V4, Vivo X Fold 4 and Huawei Mate X7.

Interestingly, Xiaomi may skip the Mix Fold 5 this year, though the brand is reportedly still committed to book-style foldable.

The biggest takeaway from the leak is that all four upcoming foldable will feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors instead of in-screen ones. This marks a big shift for Vivo as all its previous foldables from the X Fold and X Fold+ with optical sensors to the X Fold 2 with ultrasonic sensors have used in-screen fingerprint readers for both internal and external displays.

DCS claims that brands are moving to side-mounted fingerprint sensors to make foldable devices thinner, targeting an 8mm thickness range. For comparison, the upcoming Oppo Find N5 is rumoured to measure 9.2mm when folded.

Vivo X Fold 4 – Expected Specs

The Vivo X Fold 4 is shaping up to be a slim and lightweight foldable despite packing a huge 6,000mAh battery. Here’s what the leaks suggest:

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Charging: Wireless charging support
• Water Resistance: IPX8-rated

Rear Cameras:

• 50MP main sensor
• 50MP ultra-wide lens
• 50MP periscope telephoto lens (3x optical zoom)

Unlike last year, Vivo is reportedly not planning a Pro model, which means we will only see the standard X Fold 4 this time.

Meanwhile, with all foldable phones reportedly getting thinner and more refined, it will be interesting to see how this design shift plays out.

FAQs

Q1. What processor will the Vivo X Fold 4 feature?

Answer. The Vivo X Fold 4 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

Q2. What significant design change is rumoured for the Vivo X Fold 4?

Answer. The Vivo X Fold 4 is rumoured to switch from an in-screen fingerprint sensor to a side-mounted one.

Q3. What is the expected battery capacity and water resistance rating of the Vivo X Fold 4?

Answer. The Vivo X Fold 4 is expected to have a 6,000mAh battery and an IPX8 water resistance rating.

Q4. Why are brands moving to side-mounted fingerprint sensors for foldable devices?

Answer. Brands are moving to side-mounted fingerprint sensors to make foldable devices thinner, targeting an 8mm thickness range.

Also Read: AnTuTu November Rankings Published: It’s Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Dimensity 9400, with ROG Phone 9 Pro Leading the Chart

Also Read: Vivo X Fold 4 Spotted in IMEI Database, Expected Launch in Early 2025