The changing frontier: Evolution of the smartphone camera

Over the years, the smartphone industry has demonstrated a keen understanding of the needs of consumers by developing products that make their lives easier.

Today, Smartphones have revolutionized our lives in ways that go well beyond how we communicate. From watching movies, playing games, 24x7 access to information, digital payments, to work space management, smartphones are omnipresent in today’s lifestyle.

As phones have evolved, so have the demands of the consumers.

This has pushed for technological advancement and research, leading to innovations like AI, ultra-fast charging, bezel-less display, motorized camera among others. Every year there is a palpable sense of expectation from consumers who wait to get their hands on cutting-edge technology, packed with ground-breaking innovations.

This fast-paced technology adaption by consumers today is playing a big role in shaping the future of the smartphone market globally.

In this highly competitive smartphone market, consumers are the catalysts for constant Research & Development (R&D) because their needs, requirements, and desires along with buying patterns are constantly changing.

Consider how the smartphone industry has utilized insights from consumer research in photography. In the nascent days of mobile photography, images would often appear blurred and of low quality.

But today, smartphone cameras are able to capture pro-grade pictures in any lighting conditions – even in some cases when there is little to no light. The best part? This powerful camera fits in your pocket, enabling you to capture lasting memories in unparalleled detail without the need for a professional kit.

Evolution of the smartphone camera – Then vs Now

When smartphones started incorporating cameras into their devices, all we saw were VGA cameras with barely discernible images – forget about capturing anything in low-light conditions.

At that time, 10 years ago, just integrating a camera on the handheld phone was considered to be a marvelous feat achieved by smartphone brands. Fast forward to 2019, the smartphone camera today has not only evolved in terms of performance but also in form factor and offers features such as ultra-night mode, beautification, hybrid zoom and so on.

Today’s smartphone camera is capable of generating bokeh/background blur impacts, take clear pictures even in low light, shoot macro objects, take ultra-steady videos and even provide the ability to refocus or manipulate a picture with a tap.

However, the evolution of smartphone camera did not just stop at increasing megapixel count or the number of cameras. Smartphone brands continue to innovate and the most recent example of breakthrough technology in this space is the introduction of a periscope-based system.

It enables a smartphone camera to offer a sophisticated 10x optical zoom, complete with motorized internal optics without jeopardizing image quality in the palm of your hand. In the coming years, its innovations like these, that would be the differentiating factor for consumers purchase considerations.

Along with advancements in camera sensors, we are also witnessing a growth in the integration of a dedicated image signal processor in smartphones. This has opened an array of possibilities in smartphone camera technology in terms of image quality as well as useful features.

Contrary to popular belief, a dedicated image signal processor is not just limited to high-speed processing of images. It plays a multi-faceted role in terms of improving image quality, reducing noise and enhancing features like HDR, auto exposure, auto focus, and auto white balance.

Another common term associated with smartphone cameras today is AI. Smartphone brands have started using AI integration to improve the overall camera experience.

Using AI, today’s smartphone camera can identify shooting scenarios, detect object edges for bokeh, offer multi-face detection for beautification and even works for secure face unlock feature. Some smartphones even come with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that further enhances the AI capabilities of the smartphone adding to the overall capabilities of smartphone cameras today.

The advancement in smartphone camera technology can be attributed to the innovations rife in the industry fulled by consumer demands and expectations. What makes the future of smartphone camera exciting is that it’s not just the premium smartphones that will get the best camera capabilities anymore.

Instead, expect to see mid-range smartphones in the fast-growing US$ 300-500 segment to offer cutting edge camera capabilities and meaning innovations.

In the years to come, smartphones are poised to get even smarter with innovations that will channelize the potential of cameras in the field of virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence in new ways.