what is this proximity sensor on your Samsung smartphone

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.

Ever wondered why your phone’s screen turns off when you bring your phone close to your ear during a call? But it does not turn off when you cover it with a palm or finger. This happens due to the improved proximity sensor,  the proximity sensor installed under the display, and on all the latest Galaxy Smartphones, and it 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 your phone away, The screen will wake up, this eliminates accidental touch inputs during the call and also saves the battery power.

That’s how the proximity sensor works on your Galaxy Smartphone.