Galaxy S20 FE Virtual Proximity Sensor - How it works!

Just a quick and rough video on how I believe the virtual proximity sensor on the S20 FE works. I wanted to be thorough, hence the long video. The video gets cut off at the end because my camera battery died.
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Twitter: / michaelttrinh

[@usama1993]

Thank you so much! It's so far the best explanation I've seen!

[@MTTech]

Thanks! I was a bit too thorough with this video, as I could've just jumped straight to the point and made the video shorter. Glad you enjoyed the video. Much appreciated!

[@tomislavzagreb8009]

I have a Xiaomi redmi note 10 with a virtual proximity sensor. It works just like you said, when I lift the phone and touch it with my ear the screen turns off. The only problem is that after a couple of seconds the screen turns on again (during conversation) and I press buttons on the screen with my ear or my face. Also, I had a situation when the screen was off, but my ear was still touching the buttons (I accidentally turned off wi-fi and mobile data, so I was wondering why I don't have internet access 🙂). I don't know about Samsung Galaxy, but my Xiaomi is one huge peace of sh*t!

[@curiocritters]

One of the most useful tech videos I have seen on KZbin. Thank you for your explanation!

[@MTTech]

Thank you! Greatly appreciated.

[@MukeshKumar-vv3wd]

This video gives me so much peace of mind. I was about to return my phone to and get a new one.

[@mikeKidLazy]

Thank you SO MUCH! Just got an S20 FE and when I did the proximity sensor test in the Samsung Members app, although I followed the instructions correctly, it told me my palm hadn't been recognized, so I was worrying that there might be something wrong with my phone, as I noticed the screen would turn off only when physically touching it. I've been looking for info on this on almost every Samsung forum for a few days now, but no one could offer an explanation of why this is happening. Until I came across your video. Now I know that everything is working fine and this is actually "a feature, not a bug" :). Thanks a whole lot once again!

[@MTTech]

Glad you found my video helpful.

[@dcu21]

Basically virtual proximity sensor will not work while you're laying down answering thr phone?

[@shrujanamsyama9940]

Thanks. I was having this question for a long time. Very thoroughly explained.

[@MTTech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AndroidDigest]

Hey just a heads up... I am making a video on the S21 FE. And I think it's super important to point out that the S21 FE DOES have a proxy sensor and that the S20 FE had issues, no youtubers seem to be pointing it out. So I used about 10 seconds of this video in my video (giving you credit) and I'm leaving a link in the description to your video so people can watch it, just wanted to give you a heads up. I tried to look you up on twitter but couldn't find you!

[@MTTech]

Hi, that's interesting to know. My Twitter link in the description does work, so that's weird. It's twitter.com/michaelttrinh?t=hxIUZYnv2kOo7H1VujxR3g&s=09

[@AndroidDigest]

@@MTTech just dmed you on Twitter, thanks for sharing your Twitter

[@HarryUnchained]

thanks for the explanation, do you know if this phone has ambient light sensor for the adaptive/auto brightness function? I have mine for a few days but the auto brightness seems a bit wonky and in battery usage, 'cameralightsensor' is using 16% of battery. i'm wondering if they just use the front camera for the auto brightness.

[@uk5993]

Did you find the answer for this? I have an m23 myself which doesn't have the ambient sensor and the battery usage shows same stats

[@EVRGERNIGG]

Thanks for the detailed explanation!

[@MTTech]

My pleasure!

[@magicalidea9322]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@warlordace9070]

Hey, very informative video. Here's some constructive criticism, video started off too slow and took too long to get to the point, had to skip and then watch at 1.75x speed. Much love

[@MTTech]

Yeah, that's definitely something I need to work on. I like being thorough, as I want to cover everything. But it drags out the video too much.

[@markprueltan8967]

while on a flat surface, instead of just touching the screen with a finger, try covering the top portion with your palm. my screen turns off when I do that.

[@MTTech]

Interesting find! Wonder if thats for those who are laying in bed with their phone flat on the bed, and have their head against the phone.

[@thomasnius]

Thanks for the explanation, finally got a good night's sleep 😁

[@informacoesbasicas272]

Very nice! The best explanation of that! Congratulations ...

[@MTTech]

Thanks! I was a bit too thorough with this video, as I could've just jumped straight to the point and made the video shorter. Glad you enjoyed the video. Much appreciated!

[@BakaOctopus]

Or maybe they're just using the front camera on low power instead of a proximity sensor, which just activates when phone is in a specific angle, this angle thing caused a huge mess on Xioami devices cause they were using proximity+ accelerometer to activate it, so if you take calls in sleeping position it won't work!. Also Samsung and moto has been using front cam for attention display " display doesn't turn off if you're looking at it" without a much impact on battery so makes sense

[@wilsonjr5763]

Procurei respostas em todo lugar, fui encontrar aqui!! Muito obrigado. Estou com um S20 FE e acho esse sensor muito ruim, principalmente quando vamos escutar áudio do whatsapp ele demora demais em trocar para o alto falante do ouvi, com isso alguém pode acabar ouvido o que não deveria. Pensei em pegar o S21, mas acho que o sensor também é virtual.

[@1234fazermann]

Are you sure about s21?

[@MTTech]

I have no idea what the original comment says. But the S21 uses a real proximity sensor.

[@wilsonjr5763]

@@1234fazermann comprei o S21, pelos testes que fiz ele possui sensor físico, e muito melhor que o S20 FE.

[@wilsonjr5763]

@@MTTech In the original comment I thanked you for the excellent content you produced. I also said that I had a s20fe cell phone, and that I didn't like it because of the difficulty of listening to whatsapp audio discreetly, precisely because the sensor is crap. Well basically that was it. Had to translate on Google Translate and it's not always true to what I meant, for that I apologize. But thank you for your attention friend.

[@MTTech]

@@wilsonjr5763 Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@raghobadesai5515]

Thats really explained in nice way! Thanks mate

[@Miko-bs7zk]

I don't actually like commenting but this was so helpful.Thank's allot for this video 🙏🏻 mine is a virtual proximity sensor, and I now understand how it works 🙏🏻

[@Mr.LakeShow]

This virtual sensor is glitchy in my A51. The screen doesn't always turn back on when I move the phone away from my face. But when in call, the screen will randomly turn on if I slightly move the phone. You really have to press your face against the display for it to stay off. Going to disable this nonsense and just turn the screen on via power button.

[@AnythingEverythingGh]

You solved it ?

[@hirankaushal3899]

Nice explanation

[@EvzenEmanuel]

one of those dots are actually a light sensor which controls the automatic screen brightness

[@IcyJay30]

10:00 i think its because of gripesensor also coming into action

[@mirobandik3679]

Problem is protecitve glass in galaxy s20 fe

[@tonebonebgky2]

Hmm interesting, I also found that once you've activated the virtual proximity sensor once it works every time bizarrely enough.

[@abod898]

Nice explanation but i think video can be 3 minutes instead of 11

[@MTTech]

Yeah, its something I'm trying to improve on. Gotta make it short and straight to the point.

[@1Kubiak1]

I noticed an interesting problem. The A52s has a virtual proximity sensor. If I have a cell phone in my pocket and I have an incoming call, I'll pick it up so it goes out right away. If I'm going to end the call, I have to turn on the screen with the side key. It does this if I have the ringtone turned on. If I switch to vibration, I don't have this problem. If I have a cell phone on my desk, I have no problem. Does anyone have a similar experience?

[@robertcarden4308]

My S20 FE phone does not come back on once it goes black. I also have to press the power key to turn the screen back on.

[@sternum16]

absolutly the same problem. try to fix it for an year no succes, but didn`t send to service.

[@1Kubiak1]

@@sternum16 upgrade fix this problem :)

[@sajidkhanmahmood]

unfortunately in Miui poco and redmi phones they have messed this up and either the phone does not go off while held to ear or if it goes off will not come back on. And also when whats app voice note is played the screen is going off and not coming back on.

[@goutammondal3167]

Very nice.

[@zucciniii1878]

Proximity sensors annoy me when I'm on a game call with my friends, cause the position of my hand over the sensor triggers it and blocks out my game. Found out I could disable them, though.

[@RamsafRamees]

How could we disable it for gaming?

[@Taskiman]

Thank you very much friends. This is very helpful.

[@tarunpalsingh4709]

Thank God. I was afraid that my phone's proximity sensor broke. Bought S20 FE 5G a week ago and was going through device diagnosis and proximity sensor was not working as you mentioned. But your explanation made me relaxed. My only issue is that when I put the phone in my pocket, the fingerprint sensor says that wait for 20 seconds which basically means that it's glitches in my pocket. What could be the reason?

[@MTTech]

I'd suggest making sure the screen is off before putting the phone in your pocket.

[@bAssisTowo]

I have a s21 Fe and when I take a call 2 dots appear next to the camera. I noticed this is a real proximity sensor, ig it's an under display proximity sensor

[@seantennant1559]

I noticed during the sensor test the front camera doesn't respond, however covering or moving your hand around the rear camera it changes the sensing value. Could it be there messed up which camera give a reading? Or do they think when holding the phone to your ear you would cover the rear camera with your hand..

[@MTTech]

The rear camera doesn't do anything for me. In terms of making a call. However I do see what you mean with the value in the diagnostic screen. Interesting..

[@atozcellparkindia7782]

Thank You so much useful message

[@ibrahims258]

I use pushups app that is based on proximity sensor (putting my phone on the floor so the app automaticly count my push ups using the proximity sensor) i want to ask you if this app will work ?? (Sorry for my english) thank you

[@zealogix]

you get me a very good explaination , thank you kindly 🙂👍

[@MTTech]

You're welcome

[@realflightsimulator4259]

Samsung a 72 sensor calibration?

[@moinjawed4594]

The problem which I faced that is when i hear voice message from Whatsapp put it on my ear .. usually the voice comes from loud speaker.. mobile screen changed in to black one.... whereas my mobile sensor is perfect ..

[@higochumbo8932]

Does this work well in the S20FE though? Because wonky proximity sensor issues are the main reason why I don't buy Xiaomi phones.

[@eb_reviews]

Thanks for this

[@MTTech]

No problem

[@unbox3131]

Then wat about adaptive brightness

[@Karim-uknwmg702]

without proximity sensor and all that calculations it will make phone overheat and reduce battery

[@avcomth]

You made a video which should've been 2-3 minutes long into a 12 minutes session. The first 5 minutes gone into discussing how your nostalgic defunct phone's proximity sensors works. You're like one of those people who needs to give your life background story when a stranger simply asked for directions 😂

[@mostafamonwar5817]

thanks for your video, I am also sufferings virtual proximity sensor problem in Samsung a52 mobile , now it has been little clear about it , please review a52 mobile issue. thanks.

[@nullbeyondo]

So you've to hold it upright? What if you're calling someone while lying down and the phone under your ear.

[@MTTech]

You don't have to hold it upright. It will still work while laying down, but your ear and part of your cheek would have to touch the screen.

[@Guessing-too-much]

When i take a call, I wonder if it works while I'm lying on a bed or sofa. The angle must be different right?

[@MTTech]

Yeah the angle would probably affect it, just gotta mess around with it.

[@mikethespike056]

​@@MTTech It does work flawlessly in flat positions on my A54. Even laying on a table. If I hold my hand above it and slightly touch the screen, it triggers. However, if the phone is in a calling position (vertical), I don't even have to touch the screen, it triggers as expected after placing my hand ~1 cm away from the screen. It then locks in place until I move the phone. Much better than a physical sensor that triggers WHENEVER something gets close to it. That was so annoying on my old phone. Grabbing something across the table and your arm goes over your phone? Bam, WhatsApp voice message stops playing. Covering the sun to read something on the screen? Bam, it triggers. Touching the notification bar? Bam, it triggers.

[@cnmb.9443]

How abt calling in sleeping positions?

[@mikethespike056]

I've tested extensively and the virtual proximity sensor on my A54 does work on a flat position. If I put my hand over the screen, it shuts off. Also, if it is in a normal calling position, simply putting it *close* to my ear will trigger it. It is better than any physical sensor I've used.

[@tykurniawan88]

Did you experience proximity sensor problems with third-party cases?my s20 proximity sensor works with 2 original cases, but when i put a spigen case, proximity sensor doesn't respond whether i take the phone near my ear or away from..what's your opinion?

[@MTTech]

Interesting. I have the Rinke fushion case. My GF has the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. She hasn't complained about any issues.

[@abhisekmandal1591]

what about pocket mode? Does devices with virtual proximity sensors have pocket mode? My OnePlus 6 has a traditional hardware proximity sensor and has a nice pocket mode. I am planning to buy the Redmi Note 10 for my dad but I am seeing too many complaints about virtual proximity sensor in reddit and xda.

[@MTTech]

Yes it does surprisingly. Not sure how the phone detects it, but I have accidently triggered "pocket mode" with the phone out of my pocket for a few seconds.

[@Azurefire36]

my problem is when I end a call or talking to someone the screen stays black till the press the side button of anyone can answer that would be great

[@1Kubiak1]

disable double tap wake display

[@ivaniseu270]

I need help. How to enable screen off when i calling.

[@MTTech]

Screen off is triggered by the virtual proximity sensor. There isn't a way to turn the screen off unless you're in speakerphone mode or using headphones or bluetooth.

[@levon9]

Best watched at 1.25x speed.

[@arlaos]

how to do it on s21 to catch more always touch the screen???

[@MTTech]

What do you mean?

[@klunk64]

wont do it on my samsung galaxy s20 plus i want to do that when i close my wallet case and it just stays on all the time

[@MTTech]

Are you using an official Samsung case? Or a 3rd party case? If so, can you send me the link to the case you have?

[@informacoesbasicas272]

Could you, please, tell us if the virtual proximity sensor of Samsung A12 works the same way?

[@MTTech]

I don't own this phone, so I'm not sure. But if it is a virtual sensor, it should work the same way.

[@informacoesbasicas272]

@@MTTech sorry my mistake ... I mean virtual light sensor. Could you, please, tell us?

[@kucingku_0198]

Thank you bro..🙏😊

[@karolina23a]

*#0*# doesn't do anything on my G20 FE. Do I need to disable/enable anything? Please let me know and thank you!

[@MTTech]

Did you buy your phone from a carrier? If so which one? Or did you buy your phone unlocked?

[@karolina23a]

@@MTTech bought it from Verizon. I thought all phones are unlocked nowadays

[@MTTech]

Nope, all carrier phones come locked. Each carrier has their own policy for unlocking. Verizon phones are locked for 60 days then they're unlocked. What I meant when I said "did you buy your phone unlocked" is whether you bought your phone and paid full price from Samsung or Best Buy etc. With no carrier tied to the phone. Unfortunately, the reason why you're unable to use *#0*# is due to your carrier Verizon. They block short codes on all Samsung phones. Probably all Android phones actually with Verizon software/firmware. Easiest way to check is to see if your phone boots up with the Verizon boot screen. If it does, then your phone has Verizon's software on it and they disabled short codes in the dialer. To my knowledge, only Verizon does this. T-Mobile/Sprint and AT&T allow the use of shortcodes.

[@karolina23a]

@@MTTech got it. Thank you for letting me know. So I don't have a way to easily chceck if proximity sensor works on my phone or not.

[@IcyJay30]

Devices with super amoled plus have underdisplay proximity sensor because the display is thinner compared to normal super amoled Like M51, M52, M62, A71 and flagship series

[@amitmitra4065]

Please test on s20 fe 5g Indian

[@MTTech]

Should still be the same as it's the same phone.

[@1234fazermann]

Play at x1.25

[@wtfyoo6022]

Virtual proximity sensor suck! My double tap to wake functions now broken after latest security patch. Avoid buy phone with virtual proximity sensors

[@MTTech]

Mine works just fine.

[@molecula2215]

So, they saves $1 costs of BOM. Or $2. If users have been informed about quality of virtual proximity sensor - will they buy these phones? - NO. So be it. Please inform everyone about it. Xiaomi and samsung must kicked out from market after their relation to theis users.

[@mikethespike056]

they fixed its behavior

[@Ismail_jr08]

I was am my way to take my S20FE back to samsung store

[@Orpedo]

Could you talk any slower?

[@mithunch8705]

It's not very good, just an annoying sensor