Could next Galaxy S be the first phone with an in-display camera?

[midian182]

Rumor mill: If you’re not a fan of notches or hole punches appearing on smartphones, you might like Samsung’s next Galaxy S handset, which could be the first phone to use an under-screen selfie camera.

We’ve been hearing about Samsung’s plans to kill off the notch by placing a myriad of sensors under its phones’ screens since 2018. Now, renowned leaker Ice Universe claims the company is considering implementing an under-screen camera in next year’s Galaxy S handset. Some believe the device will be called the S30, though Ice Universe says it’ll be the S21, which seems more likely, given it matches the year.

Samsung is considering using the under-screen camera technology on the Galaxy S21 first, and is evaluating the feasibility of the technology.

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) April 9, 2020

There had been rumors that the under-screen selfie cam would debut in the Galaxy Note 20 that launches later this year, but it seems Samsung isn’t ready to reveal the technology in 2020. It was a similar story with the in-display fingerprint reader tech: despite rumors of its imminent arrival stretching back several phone generations, Samsung held back from adding the feature to its handsets up until the Galaxy S10.

Even if the Galaxy S21/30 does have an under-screen camera, it might not be the first phone to use the system. Back in June last year, both Oppo and Xiaomi posted videos of their in-display selfie cams. The firms later released more information about their versions; they use a highly transparent material along with a redesigned pixel structure above the camera, which allows light through.

OPPO's brand new solution for full-screen display - Under-screen Camera (USC) has just been unveiled here at #MWC19 Shanghai! #MoreThanTheSeen pic.twitter.com/k5qEQ3QNta

— OPPO India (@oppomobileindia) June 26, 2019

Do you want a sneak peek at the future? Here you go...introducing you to Under-Display Camera technology!#Xiaomi #InnovationForEveryone pic.twitter.com/d2HL6FHkh1

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) June 3, 2019

Should the next Galaxy S feature an under-screen camera, it’s likely that other Android developers will eventually follow suit, and it could give Samsung an edge over Apple's iPhones.

Image credit: Framesira via Shutterstock

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https://www.techspot.com/news/84783-could-next-galaxy-s-first-phone-display-camera.html

 

[gigantor21]

I'll likely wait for these so I can replace my Note 9 and skip the notches and cutouts entirely.

The OnePlus phones are tempting, but I worry about the long term durability of mechanical pop-up cameras.

 

[Burty117]

The OnePlus phones are tempting, but I worry about the long term durability of mechanical pop-up cameras.

I've had my OnePlus 7 Pro since launch and the camera has been faultless, although I rarely take selfies, I use it to unlock the phone when my hands aren't free.

Plus OnePlus used it's testing as marketing material to prove its durability:

It's also kinda nice to know when an App is using your front facing camera since it has to physically pop up.

 

[Nobina]

My phone has a pop up camera, no notches and it works much better than expected. It's also cool as s*it.

 

[Red999]

Android manufacturers should stop copying bad things of iOS, e.g. notches. A small bezel, such as s9 bezel, is definitely ok and it gives space for great thing like iris scanner.

 

[Red999]

My phone has a pop up camera, no notches and it works much better than expected. It's also cool as s*it.

My phone has a pop up camera, no notches and it works much better than expected. It's also cool as s*it.

But it's not waterproof.
Since using waterproof smartphone, I have habit of quick cleaning the phone by rinsing it under the tap with slow water flow.

 

[Nobina]

But it's not waterproof.
Since using waterproof smartphone, I have habit of quick cleaning the phone by rinsing it under the tap with slow water flow.

Never cared or had a need for a waterproof phone, I just clean mine with alchohol and a microfiber cloth.

 

[RobertW]

I have an S9. The advantages of an invisible camera have never crossed my mind, nor do I care, nor do I suspect does anyone else.

 

[RobertW]

Never cared or had a need for a waterproof phone, I just clean mine with alchohol and a microfiber cloth.

What if someone shoves you into a pool?

 

[Burty117]

What if someone shoves you into a pool?

I mean, if we're still talking about the OnePlus 7 Pro:

So yes, it can survive water just fine.

 

[Nobina]

What if someone shoves you into a pool?

I guess I didn't think about it all that much then...Guess I gotta buy a waterproof phone then.