The latter half of this year marks the explosion of under-screen camera technology, with the genuine players like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO joining the fray.

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Under-screen camera technology is seen as the final piece to achieve a 100% bezel-less screen experience, beyond the unpopular methods like rotating cameras and pop-up mechanisms, which are no longer favored at the current moment.

Smartphones with under-screen cameras already exist but are still not optimal.

How will industry giants address the technological limitations in the first smartphones?

These smartphones are definitely worth the wait!

John Doe

08/08/21

Under-screen camera technology is seen as the final piece to achieve a 100% bezel-less screen experience, beyond the unpopular methods like rotating cameras and pop-up mechanisms, which are no longer favored at the current moment.

After seeing leaked information about industry giants like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO preparing to launch new products with hidden cameras, I believe now is the ripe time for widespread commercialization.

Smartphones with under-screen cameras already exist but are still not optimal.

Let's recall the first smartphones with this technology, starting with the ZTE Axon 20 5G followed by the second generation ZTE Axon 30 recently launched, Vietnam also contributed with the Vsmart Aris Pro.

However, the common drawback of these products is the technology's lack of maturity, evident in issues like the camera-covered screen area, low pixel density affecting image quality, and inconsistent camera performance prone to lens flares. Therefore, significant intervention of processing algorithms is needed.

Source: genk.vn

In principle, to ensure good image capture with the cluster of under-screen cameras, manufacturers must ensure that light passes through the phone's glass layer into the camera. At the same time, the screen must still display full content when the camera cluster is placed underneath.

This means that the LED density in the area with the camera must be reduced to allow light to enter the image sensor. However, if all LED lights are reduced to achieve the best camera quality, that area will no longer be able to display images.

So, how will this problem be solved in 2021?

How will industry giants address the technological limitations in the first smartphones?

Last week, OPPO teased the next-generation under-screen camera technology. Unlike previous under-screen camera technologies that reduced pixel density to capture more light, OPPO's new technology uses smaller pixels in the area where the selfie camera is placed, allowing it to maintain a pixel density of 400 PPI, similar to the rest of the screen.

So, the display quality may not change much, not to mention the company also uses AI algorithms to further optimize image quality. Below is a photo captured by OPPO's under-screen camera.

As for Samsung, being the world's leading smartphone company in screen technology, it's certain that the company won't stay out of the game.

There have been numerous reports of Samsung filing patents for this technology; however, the company remains tight-lipped, refraining from showcasing any videos or images to the media. Nonetheless, reputable leakers have almost confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold3, set to be unveiled on August 11, will feature an under-screen camera.

The camera specifications of the Z Fold3 have almost been fully disclosed; however, details of the under-screen camera are still uncertain. Tomguides revealed that its sensor resolution will be 16 MP, while Sammobiles disclosed it to be only 4 MP, a figure that may seem modest in 2021, especially for a flagship like the Z Fold3.

Ice Universe previously shared that the under-screen camera (UPC) on the Z Fold3 increases light transmittance by over 40% compared to current technologies in use. It's worth waiting to see how Samsung will surprise the community with this.

Finally, Xiaomi, whether intentionally or coincidentally, has decided to launch the Mi Mix 4 on August 10, just before the release of the Galaxy Z Fold3.

Xiaomi has been pursuing this technology for quite some time now, since early 2019. The company has announced that mass production of smartphones with under-screen cameras will commence in 2021.

According to Xiaomi, their new camera technology provides image quality similar to conventional front cameras, while the sensor will be perfectly hidden.

Above are the information and video about the flexible screen and impressive display capabilities of the Mi Mix, although there are minor differences in the camera area, the overall performance is still excellent.

These smartphones are definitely worth the wait!

Industry giants have spoken, and with their position as the top 3 manufacturers, when they decide to commercialize a product, it must reach a certain level of perfection, especially considering that the aforementioned smartphones are all flagship models.

Therefore, I believe that under-screen camera technology in general, or specifically the Mi Mix 4 and Z Fold3, will be the products that set the trend for the next design - sleek, flawless borderless smartphones.

All will be revealed on August 10 and 11, so make sure not to miss the launch event of these two devices!

INTRODUCING THE SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD3 AND Z FLIP3 2021

INTRODUCING THE XIAOMI MI MIX 4

Details of Galaxy Z Fold3 specs: 4MP under-screen camera, SD 888, over 50 million
Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 advertisement poster leaked: Almost certainly featuring under-screen camera

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of under-screen camera technology in smartphones?

Under-screen camera technology offers a significant advantage by allowing for a truly bezel-less display. This design eliminates the need for notches or cutouts, enhancing the overall aesthetic and user experience. Moreover, it allows manufacturers to innovate by providing seamless screen space while housing essential camera features underneath the display. Although the technology is still maturing, the potential for high-quality selfies without compromising screen integrity makes it an appealing choice for future smartphone designs.

How do different smartphone brands implement under-screen camera technology?

Smartphone brands like OPPO, Samsung, and Xiaomi each implement under-screen camera technology uniquely. For instance, OPPO focuses on maintaining a high pixel density of 400 PPI in the camera area, which enhances display quality while using advanced AI algorithms to optimize image capture. In contrast, Samsung is known for its patented innovations, reportedly increasing light transmittance by over 40% with its under-screen cameras. Xiaomi emphasizes mass production capabilities, aiming to provide image quality on par with conventional front-facing cameras.

Are there any drawbacks associated with under-screen camera technology?

Yes, there are several drawbacks associated with under-screen camera technology. Currently, issues like lower pixel density in the camera area can lead to diminished image quality, with inconsistent performance often resulting in lens flares. Additionally, the technology’s maturity is still in question, as achieving a balance between display quality and camera performance remains challenging. Manufacturers are actively working on solutions, but these limitations need addressing for widespread consumer acceptance.

What innovations can we expect in future smartphones featuring under-screen cameras?

Future smartphones with under-screen cameras are expected to feature significant innovations, primarily aimed at enhancing image quality and display performance. We can anticipate advancements in pixel technology, where manufacturers like OPPO are utilizing smaller pixels to maintain high display density without compromising camera functionality. Additionally, improvements in processing algorithms and AI capabilities are likely to emerge, ensuring better light capture and clearer images, further pushing the boundaries of smartphone design and user experience.

When are major smartphone brands expected to launch devices with under-screen cameras?

Major smartphone brands are expected to launch devices featuring under-screen cameras in the near future, with OPPO and Xiaomi already teasing upcoming releases. The anticipated launch events for devices like the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Mi Mix 4 are set for August 10 and 11, 2021, respectively. Given their prominence in the industry, these launches will likely set the standard for future smartphones, showcasing refined technology that aligns with consumer expectations for sleek, borderless designs.

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