According to SamMobile, Samsung might be developing a significant facial recognition upgrade for the Galaxy S27 Ultra based on leaked information from X user @SPYGO19726. Early test firmware reportedly contains references to “Polar ID v1.0” described as a “polarized-light authentication system” in internal logs. The technology would allegedly work with the front ISOCELL Vizion sensor and a new secure enclave called BIO-Fusion Core, achieving an unlock latency of just 180 milliseconds. This system would supposedly offer better protection against spoofing than current 2D image scanning methods and work under various lighting conditions, even when users wear masks or sunglasses. However, the leaker has previously been involved in disputes with other sources about Galaxy S26 Ultra camera rumors, so this information should be treated cautiously.
How this polarized light tech actually works
So what makes polarized light different from existing facial recognition? Current systems like Samsung‘s use either basic 2D camera scanning or infrared sensors that map facial contours. Polar ID apparently captures the polarization signature of your skin—basically how light waves orient when they bounce off your face. This creates a much more detailed biometric profile that’s supposedly harder to spoof with photos or masks.
Here’s the thing—this sounds suspiciously like what Apple’s been doing with Face ID for years, just with a different technical approach. Apple uses structured light projection while Samsung appears to be going with polarization analysis. Both aim for the same result: 3D mapping that’s secure enough for payments and sensitive data.
Why Samsung needs this upgrade
Let’s be honest—Samsung’s current face unlock has been playing catch-up to Apple’s Face ID since forever. It’s been good enough for basic phone unlocking but not secure enough for banking apps or Samsung Pay. This Polar ID system could finally close that gap.
The claimed 180ms unlock speed is interesting too. That’s faster than most people can blink, and if it actually works with sunglasses and masks? That’s a huge practical advantage over current systems that struggle in those scenarios. But remember—we’re talking about a phone that’s probably two years away from launch. A lot can change between now and then.
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Should you actually believe this rumor?
Look, @SPYGO19726 has been wrong before—the article specifically mentions their Galaxy S26 Ultra camera rumors sparked arguments with other leakers. Early firmware references don’t always translate to shipping features either. Remember all those cool Galaxy features that showed up in code but never made it to market?
Still, the timing makes sense. Samsung has been clearly investing in better biometrics, and facial recognition is one area where they’ve consistently trailed Apple. The technology described here sounds plausible given recent advances in sensor tech. But will it actually ship in the S27 Ultra? Your guess is as good as mine.
Basically, treat this as an interesting glimpse into what Samsung’s engineers are playing with—not a guaranteed feature. We’ve got the S26 Ultra to worry about first, and that’s still months away from announcement.
