Smartphone camera trends to expect in 2022

Smartphone cameras are no longer just the most convenient option; they are quickly overtaking traditional digital cameras in terms of computational power and innovation.

Users can capture more details and render images accurately in complex lighting conditions thanks to increased sensor size and resolution. Many aspects of image processing have been improved by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

And they’re not done yet; a slew of changes are on the way in 2022.

Transsion-owned TECNO Mobile is at the forefront of smartphone camera innovation.

TECNO recently introduced two new models in South Africa, the SPARK 7 Pro and the CAMON 17P, both of which produce exceptional photographic and video content.

The CAMON 17P features a massive 6.8″ FHD+ IPS Hole screen, a 16MP Clear Selfie Camera, a 64MP AI Camera, and a G85 Octa-core processor.

The CAMON 17P is described by TECNO as the clearest selfie camera on the market.

The brand is determined to be a global leader in smartphone camera technology in 2022, and experts from TECNO, Samsung, and DXOMARK Image Labs discussed some of the key trends we are likely to see in the coming year during a recent webinar, Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022, organized by Counterpoint Research.

Dual OIS

Smartphone manufacturers are using Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) technology to combat blurry and shaky photos.

The image or video is stabilized by the OIS system by “shifting” the lens to compensate for shakes.

According to Jimmy Hsu, Senior Product Manager: image technology at TECNO, the trend prior to 2019 was for OIS to be about one degree of stabilisation. Standard stabilisation will be increased to three degrees in 2021 thanks to pan-tilt OIS.

TECNO intends to launch the first Android phone with sensor shift in 2022.

According to Hu, “TECNO’s sensor shift technology can achieve a response frequency of 5 000 adjustments per second when compared to conventional OIS.” TECNO is aiming for five-degree stabilisation by combining lens shifting seen in traditional OIS systems and newer sensor shift technology.”

Sensors with high resolution and pixel binning

Sensors with a high pixel count capture more detail from the scene. However, the pixel size on such sensors is typically smaller. Smaller pixels capture less light, lowering image quality in low-light situations.

Some manufacturers are now using an algorithm-driven technique known as pixel binning to improve the performance of high-resolution sensors (with small pixel sizes) in low-light conditions.

It causes smaller, individual pixels to ‘combine’ and act like larger pixels, allowing more light in.

Optical zoom that is continuous

Phones are becoming more streamlined, but this can pose a technological challenge for manufacturers looking to incorporate bulky telephoto lenses.

The solution is to provide continuous optical zoom, which will allow users to smoothly switch between different focal lengths. This necessitates the precise movement of lenses within small spaces without compromising image quality.

Hsu predicts that continuous optical zoom will be available in the market in the second half of 2022, allowing users to switch between 3x and 5x optical zoom.

Sensors that are RGBW

While different techniques are used by smartphone manufacturers to improve low-light performance, RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, and White) technology addresses the issue at the sensor level.

The Colour Filter Array mechanism on the camera sensor captures color information (CFA). Traditional camera sensors employ CFAs in the Bayer format, which consists of a pattern of Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B) filters. White (W) filters are added to the mix by RGBW sensors.

According to Hsu, adding white pixels increases light sensitivity by 60%, implying that the sensor can absorb more light.

Smartphone makers are also working on Glass+Plastic lens technology. Many smartphone lenses are made of plastic, but incorporating glass elements into the lens construction improves light transmission.

Algorithms that are localized

Smartphone software is increasingly determining the final image or video quality of these portraits.

Big data and deep neural networks are being used by some smartphone manufacturers to drive personalised and localised image processing.

TECNO’s TAIVOS signal processing technology, for example, recognizes and accurately reproduces dark skin elements. According to Hsu, the company “produces more than 6,120 Evaluation Scenarios spanning 115 countries” using a large dark skin database.

For portrait photography, the AI engine recognizes and classifies various elements such as faces and hair color to determine the age, gender, and skin tone of the subject. The image is then optimized for clarity, color, and light, resulting in more accurate reproduction of darker skin tones – even in low-light situations.

Enhancement of the scene, lighting, and colors

Professional photographers use their experience and training to make adjustments that highlight not only the subject but also background scene elements in traditional photography. They also typically devote a significant amount of time to post-production, which brings images to life.

Experts agree that these capabilities should be available by default.

This is where AI-powered image processing comes into play. According to a whitepaper published by Counterpoint Research, AI is becoming sophisticated enough to recognize dynamic scene elements such as trees or sky in the background. When an image is identified, the image-processing system optimizes its color, contrast, and exposure. AI will also aid in the interpretation of light data.

Sensors for time of flight and dynamic vision

Photos with a sharp foreground and a blurred background can have a pleasing effect, especially when shooting portraits. However, the smartphone must recognize depth and subject edges in order to do so.

Smartphones will get better at generating 3D models of the scene and detecting edges as Time of Flight (ToF) and Dynamic Vision Sensors (DVS) improve. This will allow for more precise measurements as well as features like enhanced and gradual blurring of backgrounds for users.

A more cutting-edge and cost-effective 2022

The advancements will be defined by more than just cutting-edge features on high-priced smartphones. It’s a win for all budgets: the developments result not only in technological advancement, but also in premium features trickling down to smartphones in the low and medium price ranges.