Sony’s two latest Android smartphones Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact were announced way back at the IFA 2016 Berlin event. However these smartphones in US did not have the fingerprint scanner. In fact this is not the first time that Sony has excluded these sensors. It has actually been following a policy of excluding fingerprint sensors from its flagship smartphones sold in America. Though we don’t know why?

However, today we get to know that the lack of fingerprint sensor is a software limitation only. Sony has not removing the physical components required for fingerprint reading. So the fingerprint scanner can actually be re enabled by following a simple process. Users just need to flash their handset to a different region, and once that has been done, users will be able to turn on the fingerprint sensor. The US Xperia XZ bears the firmware customization number 1304-9026.

Once the region is changed to UK, the smartphone gets a new firmware customization number 1305-2216.

This enables the fingerprint sensor on the US Xperia XZ.

However this isn’t exactly the official method and hence not covered under any warranty.

Just to give you a quick recap, Xperia XZ comes with 5.2” screen with 1920 x 1080p resolution. The smartphone is powered by Snapdragon 820 chipset and a quad-core processor, with 3GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. The phone comes with a 23MP rear camera along with a 13MP camera for selfies and video calling. Sony Xperia XZ will be running Android Marshmallow. The entire device is backed by a 2900mAh battery and supports fast charging as well.

The Xperia X Compact has a 4.6-inch LCD display with 720p resolution. The smartphone is powered by Hexa-Core Snapdragon 650 SoC coupled with 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage which can be further expanded via a microSD card slot. It has a 23MP rear camera and a 13 MP front camera. The entire device is backed by a 2700mAH battery with the Quick Charge 2.0 support.

• The Sony Xperia X Compact isn't still available online. To be notified when it becomse available click here.
• The Sony Xperia XZ isn't still available online. To be notified when it becomse available click here.