Samsung Galaxy S21 could come with under-screen camera technology
What's the story
The successor to Samsung's Galaxy S20 series of smartphones, likely to be called as the S21 (or perhaps S30), could feature an under-screen camera technology.
According to the reputed tipster Ice Universe, the South Korean tech giant is "considering using the under-screen camera technology on the Galaxy S21" and is currently "evaluating the feasibility of the technology."
Information
How does under-screen camera technology work?
For a smartphone to offer under-screen camera, it requires a highly transparent display that allows the light to get through the sensor. Moreover, the imaging sensor has to be larger than the standard selfie cameras and with a wider aperture lens to capture more light.
Work in progress
Interestingly, Samsung has been working on this technology for sometime
In March last year, we heard Samsung was working on a "perfect full-screen smartphone" wherein the selfie camera and sensors were to be hidden underneath the display.
At the time, a Samsung Display executive had said that "in the next 1-2 years, the technology can move forward to the point where the camera hole will be invisible, while not affecting the camera's function."
Teething problems
But, there are some issues that need to be fixed
Evidently, there are some trade-offs with under-screen camera technology. Since the light has to pass through the display, the cluster of pixels above the camera can cause issues such as haze, glare, and color bleeding.
However, OEMs are working on custom camera modules, "display zoning" feature to control pixels above the camera, and developing computational photography techniques to improve picture quality.
New strategy
For Samsung, under-screen camera tech is surely on the cards
Samsung has never shied away from packing the latest and greatest technology into its flagship smartphones. From curved screens or foldable phones to full-screen punch-hole designs, the company has tried it all.
Hence, the idea of adopting under-screen camera technology seems totally plausible, especially under the new leadership of Roh Tae-moon who is expected to bring "fresh strategies" to the table.