Samsung appears to be preparing a major leap in biometric security with its future flagship, the Galaxy S27 Ultra, expected to launch in 2027. Early leaks suggest the company is developing an entirely new polarized-light-based face recognition system, potentially replacing the current 2D scanning method found in today’s Galaxy devices.
If true, this system — reportedly named Polar ID v1.0 — could mark one of the most significant advancements in smartphone authentication in years.
Polar ID v1.0: Polarized light for advanced face authentication
According to a tip shared by @SPYGO19726 on X (formerly Twitter), references to “Polar ID v1.0” were discovered in early test firmware for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Internal documentation allegedly describes it as a “polarized light-based identification system” integrated within Samsung’s biometric security framework.
The technology is said to rely on a high-resolution polarization signature, allowing it to detect the unique reflective patterns of human skin. The system reportedly works in tandem with the front-facing ISOCELL Vizion sensor and a new BIO-Fusion Core security module.
Early testing claims the system can unlock the device in around 180 milliseconds, even under low-light conditions or when the user is wearing a mask or sunglasses. If accurate, Polar ID could offer a significant upgrade over conventional 2D face scans, which are easily fooled by photos or videos.
A shift from 2D scanning to light-based depth mapping
For years, Samsung’s Galaxy phones have relied on simple 2D camera scanning for face recognition — a method known for its speed but criticized for its vulnerability to spoofing. The Polar ID approach aims to eliminate these weaknesses by using polarized light to detect the unique light reflection signature of living skin.
Unlike Apple’s Face ID, which depends on complex infrared 3D sensors, Polar ID may offer a more compact, efficient, and flexible solution that requires less hardware space. This could allow Samsung to deliver high-security facial recognition without adding bulk to the device.
Toward a new era of biometric security
If implemented, Polar ID could extend beyond phone unlocking, finding use in mobile payments, secure app logins, and digital ID verification. Combined with Samsung’s advancements in ultrasonic fingerprint scanning, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could become the company’s most secure smartphone to date — effectively serving as a personal digital identity hub.
A promising but unconfirmed leak
It’s important to note that the leak remains unverified. The same source previously made mixed claims about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera hardware, and with two years still to go before the S27 Ultra’s release, these details should be taken cautiously.
Still, considering Samsung’s long-term R&D focus and the industry’s push for more reliable biometric systems, a polarized-light face recognition method doesn’t seem far-fetched. If accurate, this innovation could redefine how smartphones handle identity verification.