
For years, Android tablets have struggled to compete with the iPad’s dominance. While some manufacturers have made strides in closing the gap with powerful hardware and sleek designs, a new threat has emerged: cheap and pointless face unlock. This seemingly innocuous feature is slowly eroding the user experience, turning potentially great tablets into frustrating devices.
This isn’t about the technology itself. Face unlock, when implemented correctly, can be a convenient and secure way to access your device. The problem lies in the half-baked, poorly executed versions that are becoming increasingly common on budget and mid-range Android tablets. These systems often rely on basic 2D cameras that are easily fooled by photos or even just a vaguely similar-looking person. This not only compromises security but also leads to a frustrating cycle of failed unlocks and PIN code entries.
The irony is that many of these tablets would be perfectly good without this flawed feature. They might have decent screens, capable processors, and even stylus support, but the terrible face unlock implementation sours the entire experience. It’s like buying a sports car with a faulty engine; all the potential is there, but it’s ultimately unusable.
The Allure of the “Premium” Feature
So why are manufacturers so keen on including this subpar face unlock? The answer likely lies in marketing. Face unlock is perceived as a premium feature, something that consumers associate with high-end smartphones. By including it, even in a watered-down form, manufacturers can create the illusion of a more advanced device. It’s a classic case of prioritizing a flashy feature over core functionality.
This race to the bottom is particularly damaging to the Android tablet market, which is already struggling to find its footing. While Apple can afford to invest in sophisticated Face ID technology, many Android manufacturers are cutting corners to keep prices low. The result is a slew of tablets that boast about face unlock on the box but fail to deliver a reliable or secure experience.
The Real Cost of Cheap Face Unlock
The consequences of this trend are far-reaching. Not only does it frustrate users, but it also undermines the credibility of Android tablets as a whole. When people have a negative experience with one tablet, they are less likely to try another, even if it’s from a different brand. This creates a vicious cycle where manufacturers continue to prioritize cheap features over quality, further eroding consumer trust.
Moreover, the focus on face unlock often comes at the expense of other, more important features. For example, some manufacturers skimp on fingerprint sensors or even basic security measures like encryption in favor of implementing a rudimentary face unlock system. This leaves users with a device that is both insecure and inconvenient.
A Call for Better Standards
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. There are Android tablets out there with excellent face unlock implementations, but they are often overshadowed by the cheaper, less reliable models. What we need is a shift in priorities, both from manufacturers and consumers.
Manufacturers need to stop treating face unlock as a mere checkbox feature and start investing in proper implementation. This means using better sensors, more sophisticated algorithms, and rigorous testing to ensure accuracy and security. Consumers, on the other hand, need to be more discerning and demand better from their devices. Don’t be swayed by marketing hype; look for tablets that prioritize core functionality and security over flashy but ultimately useless features.