What is this Proximity Sensor on your Samsung smartphone

Ever wondered why your phone’s screen turns off when you bring your phone close to the ear during the call? But it does not turn off when you cover it with your palm or finger. This happens due to the improved proximity sensor.

A proximity sensor consists of a light-emitting and light-receiving component. Infrared rays from the light-emitting component analyze the light reflected from physical objects and measure the distance between the object and the device. 

The proximity sensor is installed under the display, on all the latest Galaxy smartphones and is now capable of detecting the angle of the device. Make a call and bring the phone close to your ear. The screen will turn off as you move the phone away, and the screen will wake up.

This eliminates accidental touch inputs during the call and also saves the battery power.

If the proximity sensor does not work, please check our guides here: 'The proximity sensor is not working properly'.