
When selecting a smartphone, the camera is always a pivotal feature. Capturing a beautiful image requires not just a phone with good resolution but also advanced focusing technology. So, what is the most modern autofocus technology today? Super-fast phase-detection autofocus is recognized as one of the newest and most advanced focusing technologies on smartphones. Let's discover the smartphones incorporating this cutting-edge autofocus technology.
1. Exploring Smartphones with Super-Fast Phase-Detection Autofocus
The camera is always a pivotal feature when selecting a smartphone. Capturing a beautiful image requires not just a phone with good resolution but also advanced focusing technology. So, what is the most modern autofocus technology today?
Super-fast phase-detection autofocus is recognized as one of the newest and most advanced focusing technologies on smartphones. Let's explore the smartphones implementing this exceptional focusing technology.

Phase-detection autofocus technology helps you capture the most beautiful images.
Firstly, you might wonder, what is phase-detection autofocus technology? Why is it so fantastic? Let us elaborate on this focusing technology.
Phase-Detection Autofocus (PDAF) is a focusing technology learned from DSLR cameras. Samsung first introduced this feature in the Galaxy S5, aiding the device in detecting subjects and focusing faster than contrast-based methods. PDAF excels in low-light conditions, enabling you to capture beautiful moments even in dimly lit environments. Particularly, phase-detection autofocus can focus on moving objects, helping you capture the most beautiful moments.
In the phase-detection autofocus camera, pairs of one-dimensional optical sensors are arranged to have only a single row of pixels. Each sensor pair forms an autofocus point. Each image is split into two separate images with the help of two different micro lenses and converges onto 2 optical sensors. If it doesn't converge onto the two optical sensors, the camera adjusts the lens to bring the image back to the position of the sensor pair, creating a phase-detection image. If the images on the phase-detection surface are the same, the camera has accurately focused on the subject.

Model of the phase-detection autofocus mechanism on smartphones
Apple iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus
Apple consistently ensures the iPhone stands 'top' in photo capture tests, especially in the era where phones focus in just 0.1 to 0.3 seconds. The technology used in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, called Focus Pixels by Apple, essentially employs phase-detection autofocus. The latest Apple smartphones feature a 4.7-inch display with 750 x 1334 pixels, 8MP/1.2MP cameras, and a 1,810mAh battery.


Samsung Galaxy Note5 / Galaxy S6 / Galaxy S6 Edge / Galaxy S6 Edge Plus
Samsung has been a pioneer in PDAF technology since the Galaxy S5. After a year, the company continues to perfect its technology, achieving a focusing speed of 0.1 seconds in Note5 and S6 Edge Plus, as well as the Galaxy S6/S6 Edge.

Experience the lightning-fast autofocus of the Galaxy Note 5

Sony Xperia M5
Xperia M5 is a 5-inch screen phone with a pixel density of 441 ppi, an octa-core 2GHz chip, and 3GB RAM. However, its standout feature is the 21MP camera at the back, utilizing the IMX230 sensor for the first time on a Sony phone. IMX230 incorporates phase-detection autofocus technology borrowed from mirrorless cameras with 192 autofocus points, enabling it to focus on fast-moving subjects like children and pets. Sony claims it takes only 0.25 seconds to focus.

0.25-second autofocus technology lets you capture photos like a professional photographer
Sony Xperia Z5 / Xperia Z5 Compact / Xperia Z5 Premium
All three generations of Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Premium, and Xperia Z5 Compact can focus at 'super-speed' of 0.03s. Sony has upgraded the sensors to ensure users get excellent images even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the Clear Image Zoom 5x capability preserves a remarkable amount of detail in the images.

Source: Compiled