Summary of Two Fingerprint Scanners on the Nubia NaviX Ultra: Why You Might Want Them
- The Nubia NaviX Ultra has two fingerprint scanners: a standard in-display sensor and another built into the side AI button.
- The side scanner verifies you the moment you start an AI chat, so you don't have to tap the screen first.
- It's not the first phone with two fingerprint readers—the Huawei Mate RS did it back in 2018.
- The phone starts at 5,999 yuan (about $894) for the 12GB/512GB model, with no word yet on a global launch.
- Beyond the dual scanners, you get a 6.78-inch 144Hz OLED screen, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and a 7,100mAh battery.
Why Two Fingerprint Scanners?
Most phones give you one fingerprint scanner. You press it, and you're in. But Nubia's new NaviX Ultra has two. One sits under the display, the usual spot. The other lives inside the side AI button. That second scanner is the twist.
The idea is simple. When you want to talk to the AI assistant, you press the side button. With the scanner built in, the phone verifies your identity the moment you touch it. You don't have to tap the in-display sensor first and then press the button. It's one step, not two.
This matters for security. If the AI can access personal data, like messages or calendar entries, you want proof it's really you. The side scanner provides that proof without slowing you down. For everyday apps and wireless payments, the in-display sensor still does the job.
Not a New Idea, but a Smarter One
What this means for Two Fingerprint Scanners on the Nubia NaviX Ultra
Two fingerprint scanners on one phone isn't brand new. Back in 2018, the Porsche Design HUAWEI Mate RS had a rear scanner and an in-display one. But that was a different time. In-display sensors were slow and finicky back then. Having a backup made sense.
Nubia's approach is different. Both sensors are modern and fast. The in-display one is a Goodix ultrasonic sensor, which works well even with wet or greasy fingers. The side one is also from Goodix. The trick isn't the hardware; it's where Nubia put it. Tying the second scanner to the AI button is a clever use of space.
It also means you have options. If you prefer the side button, use that. If you like the under-display feel, stick with it. You're not locked into one way of doing things.
The Rest of the NaviX Ultra's Specs
The dual scanners are the headline, but the NaviX Ultra has plenty else going on. It's a flagship through and through. Here's what's inside:
- Screen: 6.78-inch 144Hz OLED with a 2,800 x 1,260 resolution
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Battery: 7,100mAh with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Main camera: 200MP with a 1/1.4-inch sensor
- Telephoto: 64MP 3x periscope lens
- Ultrawide: 50MP
That battery is huge. It should easily get you through a full day, maybe two. The 90W wired charging means you won't wait long to top up. The camera setup covers a lot of ground, from wide shots to distant zoom.
AI Features Beyond the Button
Nubia calls the NaviX Ultra the world's first AI-powered phone. That's a bold claim, especially since Samsung has made similar statements. But the phone does come with a suite of AI tools.
Inside, you'll find ByteDance's Seed AI model. It supports multimodal smarts, meaning it can understand text, images, and voice. There's voice wakeup, so you can call the assistant hands-free. It also handles continuous dialog, so you don't have to repeat the wake word every time you speak.
The AI can write code, which is handy for developers. It also integrates with third-party apps, so you can ask it to do things like set timers or send messages. The side button scanner ties into all this. You get verified the instant you start a chat, making the whole experience feel more natural.
Price and Availability
The Nubia NaviX Ultra launches in China first. The base model comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It starts at 5,999 yuan, which works out to roughly $894.
There's no word yet on a global release. If the phone does leave China, expect the AI features to change. Some AI models are region-specific, and Nubia might have to swap them out for international markets. That could affect how the side button and its scanner work.
For now, the NaviX Ultra is a China-only affair. If you're outside the country, you might have to import it, but that comes with risks. You'd need to check network bands and software support.
Should You Care About Two Scanners?
If you're in the market for a new phone, the dual scanners are a nice-to-have, not a must-have. The real question is whether you'd use the AI button enough to benefit from the quick verification. If you're someone who talks to their assistant daily, the convenience is real.
But the NaviX Ultra isn't just about the scanners. It's a powerful phone with a great screen, long battery life, and a versatile camera. The AI features are a bonus, even if they're not the first of their kind.
Before you buy, think about what matters to you. Do you need a huge battery? Then this phone delivers. Do you want a top-tier camera? Check. Do you care about having two fingerprint scanners? If not, you might find better value elsewhere.
For more context on how this phone stacks up against the competition, you can browse our phone directory or use the phone finder to compare specs. If you're curious about how we test devices, read our review methodology. And for the latest on new releases, keep an eye on our mobile news section.