Why do smartphone cameras stand out? Technical and aesthetic reasons

These days, it's almost impossible not to notice how prominent smartphone cameras are. What started as a feature of some high-end models has spread to virtually all devices, from the most advanced to the mid-range. This design detail, which may seem like a simple matter of aesthetics or fashion, is actually a direct consequence of technological advances. in mobile photography and the growing expectations of users regarding image quality.

Perhaps you have ever wondered why, if mobile phones used to be perfectly flat, now almost all of them have that "step" or protruding module on the back.Beyond the visual aspect, this element has practical implications for everyday use: from the typical wobble when placing the phone on a table to the risk of damaging the lens if a case isn't used. But why have brands decided to prioritize this aspect? Is it a real need, or are there alternatives that could solve this problem?

The evolution of design: from integrated cameras to prominent modules

During the early years of smartphones, cameras were integrated into the body of the phone itself., barely distinguishing and not standing out. The design was more uniform, making it easier to handle and aesthetically pleasing. However, as mobile photography became more prevalent, manufacturers began to prioritize improving their cameras, both in quality and technical capabilities.

Beginning in the 2010s, competition between brands to offer the best photographic experience led to an increase in the size of sensors and the optics used. The need to capture more light, improve detail in low-light conditions, or implement new optical zoom systems made it impossible to continue maintaining flat and discreet cameras.More physical space was needed, and the only way to achieve this without uncomfortably increasing the thickness of the device was to allow the camera to protrude.

This caused the rear camera modules to progressively become larger and more complex, even reaching configurations with multiple lenses (main, telephoto, ultra-wide angle, macro, etc.). Currently, It is common to find mobile phones with four, five or even more rear cameras, each with a specific function..

Why do cameras really stand out? The sensor and optics factor

The main reason for this change is strictly technical. The size of the photographic sensors and the quality of the optics that accompany them require a space that simply does not fit in the slim profile of today's mobile phones.When the phone's body is, for example, 8 or 9 millimeters thick, and the sensor and lens need more than 10 or even 12 millimeters, the only viable option is to have the camera protrude.

This problem is aggravated in premium models, where the sensors can be as small as 1 inch, as is the case in some devices. Huawei or Xiaomi. The larger the sensor, the more light the camera can collect and, consequently, the better the results in night photography or adverse lighting situations.However, physics imposes its limits, and miniaturization has its limits: reducing size without sacrificing quality is, today, a nearly impossible task without resorting to new materials or disruptive technologies.

Not all sensors are created equal, and in fact, complex variants have emerged, such as periscopic systems for optical zoom, which require even more internal space and are usually presented in square or rectangular shapes. These types of lenses can require up to a centimeter of thickness, far exceeding the standard profile of a smartphone.

Impact on total thickness: figures and comparisons between models

An interesting question is the difference between the thickness advertised by manufacturers and the actual thickness once we add the camera module. A recent comparison between several high-end smartphones reveals notable differences between what brands communicate and what the user ultimately perceives..

For example, while a iPhone The Xiaomi 14 Pro or Pro Max boasts a body measuring just 7,85 mm, while its actual thickness, including the camera, is 12 mm, which is more than 4 additional millimeters. Models like the Xiaomi 13 Pro fare even worse, measuring 12,8 mm overall compared to the stated 8,4 mm. Instead, brands like Samsung have managed to reduce this extra jump thanks to greater integration of the camera system, as can be seen in the Galaxy S23 Ultra, where the difference is barely more than a millimeter and a half.

This trend forces users to adapt their choice and use of the device, since An excessively thick phone can be uncomfortable in tight pockets. and more prone to accidental lens damage.

Does the size of the camera module affect the quality of the photos?

You might think that the larger the camera module, the better the photos your phone delivers. However, The reality is that size alone does not guarantee higher quality.There are other factors at play, such as sensor quality, lens aperture, image processing, and the software that manages the photography.

There are cases like the Samsung Galaxy S22, the iPhone 14 or the Google Pixel 7, whose camera module isn't particularly huge and yet still offers outstanding performance. The key is to find the balance between the size of the sensor, the quality of the optics and the integration of the camera with the rest of the hardware and the software.

The trend, however, continues to point to growth in module size, mainly because Manufacturers seek to differentiate their devices and associate physical volume with photographic powerFurthermore, the demand for effects such as blurring, night photography, and extreme optical zoom requires the use of increasingly advanced sensors and optics.

Multiple cameras: specialization and effects

The multiplication of cameras on the rear is not a design whim. Each of these lenses performs a different function: from capturing wide-angle images to allowing optical zoom or applying specific effects.Current models typically feature a main camera, a telephoto lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, monochrome sensors, infrared cameras, and even ToF (time-of-flight) sensors for 3D mapping and enhanced depth effects.

For example:

• Main camera: With a medium angle of view and variable aperture, used for most everyday photography.
• Telephoto: It allows you to visually zoom in on objects without losing quality using optical zoom.
• Wide angle: Capture more space in the same image, ideal for landscapes or group photos.
• Monochromatic: Specialized sensor to capture details and improve sensitivity in low-light conditions.
• Infrared and ToF: They are used for advanced functions such as facial recognition, thermal photography or 3D mapping.

The more cameras and sensors you add, the more space the module needs and the greater the likelihood that it will protrude.However, the increase in the number of lenses doesn't always translate into substantial improvements for the average user, who often can't distinguish significant changes between models with two or five cameras.

The problems of outstanding modules

The presence of a prominent camera module is not without its drawbacks. One of the most annoying is the instability caused by placing the phone on flat surfaces., causing the device to "wobble" or dance when tapping the screen. Although most users use protective cases to balance this difference, it doesn't always completely eliminate the problem.

Additionally, the exposed camera module is more exposed to bumps, scratches, and dirt buildup. It can also cause uneven weight distribution and increase fragility at the corners or in the lens itself..

The impact on ergonomics and user experience is significant, especially on larger devices, where the camera can even make the phone less comfortable to hold during extended use.

Alternatives and solutions on the horizon?

The industry is aware that Integrating large camera modules is not the most elegant or convenient solution.For this reason, innovative companies are working on alternatives that allow them to maintain or improve photographic quality without sacrificing the phone's flat design.

A disruptive example is Metalenz, a startup that develops flat lenses based on optical metasurface technology. These new lenses promise to achieve the same or better image quality than the current ones, taking up much less space and even allowing the integration of the front camera under the screen.If widely implemented, they could completely change the design of mobile phones in the coming years.

Another alternative goes through increase the thickness of the device as a whole, which would allow for housing advanced sensors and optics without protruding from the casing, although this clashes with the trend towards making mobile phones as thin and light as possible.

Meanwhile, some brands like Samsung are opting for progressive refinement, better integrating the camera without resorting to large protruding modules. Other brands choose to protect the exposed area with metal coatings or hardened glass., trying to mitigate wear and tear and aesthetic impact.

What future awaits smartphone cameras?

Although the current trend seems difficult to reverse, research and innovation continue. Advances in materials, the development of thinner sensors, and the implementation of pioneering optical technologies could soon enable high-performance cameras in completely flat bodies.Until then, manufacturers and users will have to live with the compromises between photographic quality and ultra-slim design.

What seemed like a simple evolution of fashion turns out to be a fascinating technological race with many factors at play: user demands, physical limitations, production costs, and the desire to stand out in an increasingly saturated market. Outstanding cameras are, for now, the price to pay for the incredible photographic possibilities of modern mobile phones., although the future could hold pleasant surprises if the industry manages to overcome these challenges.