When it comes to smartphones, security and personalization start with the lock screen. It’s your phone’s first line of defense and the first thing you interact with daily. While Apple’s Face ID is often praised for its secure and seamless authentication, Samsung has taken the lock screen to a whole new level—with options that blend style, functionality, and security.
So how do Samsung’s lock screen features stack up against iPhone’s Face ID? Let’s break it down and compare both in detail.
1. Face Unlock vs Face ID
How Samsung’s Face Unlock Works
Samsung’s facial recognition is fast, but it’s more about convenience than military-grade security. It uses the front camera to map your face, unlocking your phone almost instantly. While it’s quick and reliable in good lighting, it’s less secure than Apple’s Face ID—Samsung even warns users that a photo might fool it in rare cases.
iPhone’s Face ID Explained
Apple’s Face ID, introduced with the iPhone X, uses an advanced TrueDepth camera system that projects 30,000 infrared dots to map your face. This makes it incredibly secure—secure enough for Apple Pay and encrypted apps. Face ID adapts to changes like facial hair, hats, or glasses, making it super versatile.
Verdict? iPhone wins in facial recognition security, but Samsung gives you the flexibility of multiple options.
2. In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
Ultrasonic Scanner on Samsung
Samsung’s flagship devices like the Galaxy S23 and S24 feature an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor built right into the screen. It’s fast, works in the dark, and even when your fingers are slightly wet. This adds a convenient second layer of security that iPhones simply don’t offer.
No Fingerprint Scanner on iPhone
After iPhone X, Apple ditched Touch ID on its flagships, going all-in with Face ID. That means no fingerprint scanner—unless you’re using an older model or the iPhone SE.
Advantage: Samsung. Dual biometric security > Single biometric method.
3. Lock Screen Customization
Widgets, Clocks, and Themes (Samsung)
With Samsung, your lock screen is your canvas. Add widgets for weather, music, step count, or upcoming calendar events. You can change clock styles, set animations, or use themes from the Galaxy Store to personalize your experience.
Limited Customization (iPhone)
Apple has made strides in lock screen customization since iOS 16, but it’s still very curated. You can add widgets and change fonts—but options are fewer compared to Samsung. Themes? Not happening on iOS.
Samsung users enjoy more creativity. iPhone users get a cleaner, minimalistic feel.
4. Always-On Display
Samsung’s AOD Technology
Samsung’s Always-On Display (AOD) has been around for years. It shows the time, battery percentage, and notifications—even when your phone is asleep. You can choose different clock styles, animations, or even display a motivational quote.
iPhone’s AOD: A New Arrival
Apple only recently introduced AOD with the iPhone 14 Pro series. It’s more refined, showing a dimmed version of your wallpaper. But it’s not as customizable—no analog clocks, animations, or creative themes like Samsung.
Winner: Samsung—experience and variety matter.
5. Edge Lighting and Notifications
How Samsung Displays Alerts
Missed a notification? Samsung lets you know with edge lighting. Your screen subtly glows along the edges in colors of your choice. Combine that with the AOD, and you’ll never miss a thing.
iPhone’s Notification Approach
iPhones display notifications on the lock screen and in a stacked format. It’s clean and unobtrusive, but it lacks visual flair. No edge lighting or color-coded effects.
Samsung: More visual feedback. iPhone: Clean but less exciting.
6. Smart Lock Features
Trusted Devices, Locations, and Voice Match
Samsung Smart Lock is all about convenience. It can keep your phone unlocked when you’re at home, near your smartwatch, or even when it hears your voice. It’s context-aware, and honestly, a huge time-saver.
Apple’s Security-First Philosophy
Apple doesn’t allow smart lock features for security reasons. You’ll need Face ID or passcode every single time unless the screen timeout kicks in while it’s still unlocked.
Smart Lock gives Samsung the edge—if you’re willing to trade a bit of security for convenience.
7. Lock Screen Shortcuts
Customizable App Shortcuts (Samsung)
Samsung lets you add up to two lock screen shortcuts for quick access—say, Camera and WhatsApp, or even your flashlight and Notes. You choose.
Static Flashlight/Camera Icons (iPhone)
iPhones give you only two shortcuts—flashlight and camera—and you can’t change them.
Flexibility wins. Samsung’s shortcuts adapt to you.
8. Secure Folder Access
Samsung’s Knox-Backed Secure Folder
Secure Folder is like a private vault on your Samsung phone. Protected by Samsung Knox, it lets you store apps, photos, and documents separately. You can even hide the folder from view.
iPhone’s App Lock Alternatives
Apple doesn’t offer a Secure Folder. You can hide apps or use Screen Time restrictions, but it’s not the same as a dedicated private space.
Samsung provides real file-level protection. iPhone is more basic here.
9. Dual Clock and Roaming Info
Samsung’s Travel-Ready Lockscreen
Samsung’s lock screen can display two clocks—your home time and your current location. Perfect for travelers or anyone working across time zones.
iPhone’s Focused Simplicity
Apple keeps it simple with one clock. If you need more, you’ll have to swipe to widgets or use the World Clock in the app.
Frequent flyers? Samsung’s got your back.
10. Bixby Routines vs Siri Shortcuts
Samsung’s AI-Powered Automation
Bixby Routines lets you create powerful “if this, then that” scenarios. For example: If you’re driving, open Spotify and turn off Wi-Fi. When you plug in headphones, open YouTube Music. These routines can be tied to lock screen events too.
Apple’s Workflow with Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts are powerful too—but less tied into the lock screen. You’ll often need to use the Shortcuts app manually, or ask Siri to trigger something.
Automation feels more seamless on Samsung.
Conclusion
When it comes to lock screen functionality, Samsung clearly leads with versatility, customization, and multi-layered security. iPhone’s Face ID is incredibly secure and polished, no doubt—but it’s a one-trick pony. If you love personalizing your tech or want more control over how you interact with your device right from the lock screen, Samsung gives you more tools.
So, if you value security and simplicity—go iPhone.
But if you’re into customization, multitasking, and convenience—Samsung’s lock screen is the winner hands down.
FAQs
1. Is Samsung’s Face Unlock as secure as iPhone’s Face ID?
No, Samsung’s Face Unlock is faster but less secure. iPhone’s Face ID uses infrared depth mapping, making it harder to spoof.
2. Can I use both fingerprint and face unlock on Samsung?
Yes! Samsung lets you use both for added convenience and security.
3. Does iPhone have a Secure Folder like Samsung?
Not really. Apple doesn’t offer an equivalent, although you can hide apps or use Screen Time restrictions.
4. Which phones have Always-On Display?
Samsung’s flagships and mid-range phones include AOD. iPhones added AOD starting with the iPhone 14 Pro.
5. Can I change lock screen shortcuts on iPhone?
No, iPhone only allows flashlight and camera on the lock screen—and they’re not customizable.
6. What’s the benefit of Smart Lock on Samsung?
Smart Lock lets you bypass security when you’re in a trusted place or with a trusted device, adding convenience.
7. Do both phones support lock screen widgets?
Yes, but Samsung offers more widget options and better customization overall.