Nowadays, all iPhone and iPad devices come standard with either Touch ID or Face ID. Both authentication methods offer convenient ways to unlock your device, but they differ in functionality and security. In this blog, we will discuss the key points and advantages of both Face ID and Touch ID, so you can make an informed choice.
Touch ID: The good old fingerprint scanner
Touch ID , first introduced on the iPhone 5S, uses a fingerprint scanner in the home button. You can register up to 5 fingers to unlock your device and perform various actions. If you are attached to Touch ID, you can still go for a refurbished iPhone SE 2022 , for example.
Face ID: The Future of Facial Recognition
Face ID is the successor to Touch ID and is the name for Apple's facial recognition. This new feature was introduced in September 2017 and is integrated into models from the iPhone X and the iPad Pro from 2018. To use Face ID, you swipe once over the screen and let your registered face be scanned. With this method, just like with Touch ID, you can unlock your device, but also download, log in and pay without the passcode.
Pros and cons
As you can read above, the two identification methods differ quite a bit from each other. They both have advantages and disadvantages. Are you not sure which method you would prefer to use? We have listed the most important points for you, so that you can weigh up what is best for you.
- With Touch ID you can register 5 fingers, with Face ID only two faces via 'alternative appearance'. Do you share your device or do you like that multiple people unlock your iPhone without a passcode ? Then Touch ID offers a solution.
- Touch ID doesn’t care how you hold your device; horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and even upside down if you want. Your finger will almost always be scanned correctly as long as you keep it on the home button. Face ID always needs to be in the frame of the top camera, so you always have to hold your device upright for a good scan.
- Face ID works almost hands-free, you only need to swipe the screen. For Touch ID you need to touch the home button properly. Unfortunately, this is not possible with gloves and dirty or wet fingers.
- For Touch ID, it doesn't matter (apart from those gloves) what you look like. Face ID is a bit more critical in this respect: is your face partly covered by a face mask or a pair of fancy sunglasses? Then your face is not recognized.
- And lastly: Face ID is more secure and we'll explain why!
Key Considerations
- Multiple user registration: Touch ID allows you to register up to 5 fingers, which is useful if you want to share your device with others. Face ID, on the other hand, limits registration to two faces via 'alternate appearance'.
- Ease of use and positioning: Touch ID works regardless of how you’re holding your device, while Face ID requires you to hold your device upright so your face is in clear view for an accurate scan. Face ID, on the other hand, has the advantage of being hands-free, allowing you to simply swipe the screen.
- Environmental factors: Touch ID can work consistently even when you're wearing gloves or your fingers are wet or dirty. However, Face ID may have issues if your face is partially covered, such as by a face mask or sunglasses
Safety first
Face ID is therefore more secure and that is actually quite logical, because compare your finger with your face. Your face has many more recognition points that are measured with the True-Depth camera. According to Apple, the chance that someone else unlocks your device with Face ID is therefore 1 in a million and this chance is 20 times greater for Touch ID, namely 1 in 50,000. This chance is therefore still small, but that makes Face ID theoretically more secure. You are also better off with Face ID in certain annoying situations, for example in the event of a robbery. Due to the attention function of Face ID, it is very difficult to force the scan, while this is a lot easier with a fingerprint scan. On the other hand, a face scan can be done very secretly and a fingerprint scan cannot, because it requires an action. In short, for Touch ID and Face ID: every disadvantage has its advantage. In terms of security, Face ID takes the win. But that does not mean that Touch ID is unsafe. Both methods offer much more security than entering a simple code. Is it important to you that you can share your device and that it doesn't matter how you hold your device? Then Touch ID is a better fit for you. Do you want to identify yourself hands-free or is security a big issue for you? Then you might be better off going for Face ID.
How Face ID Works and Security
Face ID is an advanced system that uses infrared technology to create a detailed 3D map of your face. This technology is extremely reliable and secure. It is almost impossible to fool the system with a photo or mask. In addition, the information about your face is only stored on your device and not on Apple servers. This means that your privacy is fully protected.
Setting up Face ID is easy. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up Face ID. Follow the onscreen instructions to scan your face. You can use Face ID to unlock your device, make purchases from the App Store and use Apple Pay , and sign in to apps and websites.
The benefits of refurbished Apple products at Leapp
At leapp you can buy refurbished Apple products that work just as well as new devices, but for a lower price. These devices have been thoroughly checked and repaired if necessary. They come with a 2-year warranty, so you can make a purchase with peace of mind. In addition, you contribute to a more sustainable world by buying a refurbished device instead of a new device.
How can Leapp help you further?
In addition to delivering high-quality refurbished Apple products, we are also ready to support you in setting up and using Face ID on your device. We offer information about Face ID and related technologies and have a customer service for questions and problems regarding Face ID and refurbished Apple products. In short, at leapp you are in good hands. Discover our range of refurbished Apple devices with Face ID at leapp.nl and experience the benefits of refurbished yourself!
