Which Android device has BIOMETRIC_STRONG (Class 3) face authentication?

Question

I have implemented biometric authentication in my application with biometric level BIOMETRIC_STRONG (Class 3). The fingerprint authentication is working as expected but I couldn't able to test the face authentication on any of my devices (Samsung Galaxy S10, Oppo A3S, etc.). I think the face authentication in those devices is not falling under Class 3.

Are there any Android devices with BIOMETRIC_STRONG (Class 3) face authentication? It would be helpful if someone can provide a list.

Unpaged

I have the same question, so far the only device I know with class 3 faceID is Pixel 4. – Tennessee

@TorkelVelure you should post that as an answer, it's better than nothing. – Pareto

Answer 1

Edit: Pixel 8 now has Class 3 face authentication too.

---

Pixel 4 is currently the only device with face authentication that qualifies as BIOMETRIC_STRONG (Class 3).

Face authentication was not added to pixel 5, and looks like there are no plans to add it back with Pixel 6 either.

This is true as of 5th October 2021, but there might be more devices that support in the future.

Source: https://cs.android.com/androidx/platform/frameworks/support/+/androidx-main:biometric/biometric/src/main/res/values/devices.xml

Tennessee

Torkel Velure, do you have the source of this statement, so I can reference it an a research? Thank you. – Tympanum

cs.android.com/androidx/platform/frameworks/support/+/… – Tennessee

if I want to use face authentication on another device, how could I do that? – Unassuming

To use face authentication on other devices you lower the security requirement to class 1 or 2, depending on the device. – Tennessee

Answer 2

Pixel 8 series are now classified as Class 3.

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202310/pixel-8-boasts-improved-biometrics-with-face-unlock

Fabiano

Answer 3

Right now in the US market, Samsung S24 line (all variants, plus, ultra, regular, fe, etc...correction, see below - Samsung has not yet fully implemented strong face unlock, idk why.) and Pixel 8, 8 Pro and 8a--are all IEEE Class 3 (Strong Biometrics) rated. So I reached ot to Samsung who confirmed that they do not support Class 3 in any S24 devices. The feature is in development, but not likely for this current line up, they could not relate a firm release date.

Tunicate

<b>CORRECTION!</b> Samsung S24 has hardware capability to support class 3, but they have not implemented in OneUI, yet... – Tunicate

Answer 4

use BIOMETRIC_WEAK(class 2) for face authentication, it contains both face as well as fingerprint.

Scorper