IPhone Duo’s Under-Screen Camera: Invisible, but at What Cost?
A camera hiding under Apple’s new folding phone sounds like the future, but comes with compromises too.
Apple's new iPhone Duo, set to launch in October, introduces an under-screen camera that eliminates the traditional camera cutout or bezel. This innovative feature blends seamlessly into the device's screen, a first for Apple. Alongside this covert camera, the Duo also boasts a front-facing camera and dual rear cameras. However, the under-screen camera, while shrouded in OLED pixels, exhibits a significantly lower spec list than its counterparts.
Apple hasn't disclosed the megapixel count for this camera, but it does support 1080p video recording and FaceTime compatibility. The camera features Center Stage for auto-centering video calls, a valuable tool during online meetings. It also boasts an f/1.8 aperture. However, it appears to lack higher-res 4K recording, cinematic mode, slow-motion or time-lapse features, LED flash, or portrait modes.
The under-screen camera seems to be more of a bare-bones component, primarily designed for video chats and FaceTime. While it could potentially serve as a viable FaceTime/Zoom/chat camera, it might not be the best fit for selfies or other scenarios where a higher-quality image is desired. If Apple continues to innovate in this area, this under-the-screen camera could potentially make its way into future MacBooks, iPads, or even wearable devices like the Apple Watch.
Despite the compromises made, such as the lack of a visible camera, this experiment by Apple represents a fascinating attempt to miniaturize camera technology.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
