HIGHLIGHTS

* The recent technology in a patent application reveals an under-display front camera.
* Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series come with under-display cameras.
* Google has not revealed details about adoption of under-display cameras in record .
* ZTE has phones with under-display cameras.
* Google’s technique involves using two different parts of the screen to change how light moves through it.

Under-display cameras have been used on smartphones for a while now.
ZTE is on its fourth generation of under-display camera phones, and Samsung uses one on the inner display of its latest Galaxy Z Fold 5.
There are also rumors that Apple will use under-display cameras in upcoming iPhones.

Google has joined the list, having patented under-display camera technology that is likely headed for its upcoming Pixel phones.
Google has filed a patent with the European Patent Office for a new under-display front-facing camera.
The patent would allow Google to place the camera under the display panel without a separate hole-punch cutout or a notch.

Google’s new patent application has described an innovative smartphone technology that likely has the potential to place the company’s Google Pixel smartphones ahead of iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices, as per a new report.

The patent application describes a system and apparatus that allows the emissive display of a computing device to operate over a large area of the surface of the device, without any notches, cutouts, or punch holes in the emissive display.

This is possible because the camera is positioned under the display and receives light that is transmitted through the display.

The application reads the computing device can have a display with two or more cameras underneath.
Light can pass through the display to reach the cameras, while the display still works normally.

This is better than traditional displays because it gives users a better experience. With this type of display, users can see more of the screen and use the camera without having to worry about the camera blocking the screen.

iPhone 14 Pro has started using “Dynamic Island,” a pill-shaped region with camera hardware and a shape-changing centre for important alerts.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series already has under-display cameras, but Google’s approach is distinct.

They intend to enhance camera quality by incorporating intentional light-blocking elements and distortions.

Let’s see how the new tech would make its way to this year’s Pixel 8 series or even the Pixel 9 series in 2024 for that matter.

Under-display cameras usually shoot underwhelming pictures so we have to see if Google’s tech will be any better.

Google’s technique involves using two different parts of the screen to change how light moves through it.
They do this by adding a layer of material that blocks some light in specific shapes or patterns.

Underneath these parts of the screen are special camera sensors.
These sensors could be of different types, like one that sees colours and another that sees in black and white.

Each pattern on the screen helps the sensor work better for certain things, like making the picture sharper or getting the colours right.
The parts of the screen where this happens might have different arrangements of pixels that affect how the light goes through.

The signals from both sensors are mixed using computer tricks and learning, so the final picture looks really good. This way, the report noted that taking pictures through the screen becomes easier.

Such a design presents some major problems, as the screen must function as both a display and a ‘window’ to allow light through to the front-facing camera beneath.

It also has to perform both of these functions without negatively effecting the quality of either the display or the camera.

This technology has already been developed by companies such as ZTE and Xiaomi.
Cameras are also put beneath the display in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
An under-display camera on Pixel phones would offer Google an advantage over the iPhone.

In addition to the detailed description of the patent, the documentation includes some images to provide further references to the ongoing experiments.

Google has not revealed any details about the adoption of under-display front-facing cameras on Pixel devices officially as of now.
The patented technology could just be used for testing and it is expected to undergo changes before the final release.

FAQs

Q.1 When will the Google Pixel 8 series be launched?

The official launch date has not been announced yet, but it’s expected soon. Stay tuned to Google’s official channels for the latest updates.

Q.2 What are the rumored storage options for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro?

Pixel 8: 128GB and 256GB; Pixel 8 Pro: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, allowing for plenty of space to store photos, apps, and files.

Q.3 What colors will the Pixel 8 series be available in?

Pixel 8: Licorice, Peony, and Haze; Pixel 8 Pro: Licorice, Porcelain, Sky, and possibly a Jade variant. These colors offer a mix of classic and trendy options.

Q.4 What camera features are expected in the new Pixel models?

Pixel 8: Dual rear camera including a 50MP primary sensor; Pixel 8 Pro: Triple rear camera with a 50MP primary sensor, 64MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto lenses. Both are expected to have advanced image stabilisation and high-quality sensors.

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Leaked Specs, Colors, and Features

Also Read: Nothing Phone 2 Vs Google Pixel 7a – Which One You Should Buy?

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Price Leaked, Costlier than Pixel 7: Check Launch Timeline & Specifications