Depends one what function. Volume and power on a phone I find better than touch controls, since I can control it without looking. And do things like hold the power button to turn of flash light or double tap power button to bring up camera. No need for screen to have been on.
For more complicated UI then touchscreen is better with it being more dynamic like selecting songs.
Screen scanners seem much more sensitive to dry and callused fingers than dedicated finger print scanners of old. Some can't even use it because their skin texture isn't picking it up well, or have to do things like lick their finger before using which is gross. I miss the power button scanners or rear ones.