Potentially pushing camera bump dimensions to their limits, Samsung may be working on the thickest design yet.
Smartphone makers are on a mission to make their devices thinner, but one element is refusing to slim down: the camera bump. Take the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, for instance. If the rumor mill's right, this upcoming foldable beast could be astonishingly svelte, but the camera bump? Well, it's set to be a stout lump jutting out the back.
Why, you ask? It's all about the camera components - the bigger the sensor, the heftier the lens we need, and manufacturers can't just make these nifty gizmos slimmer without sacrificing image quality. Imagine attempting to fit a generous slice of cake into a tiny container - it ain't gonna work!
Mind you, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries with periscope cameras (think sideways lenses inside the phone), but even these bad boys need some breathing room, and in tight spaces, they just don't cut it.
So, there you have it. You can reduce the thickness of your phone, but the ol' camera bump is gonna stay burly, like a brick wall jutting out the back of your delicate gadget. And guess what? It's gonna look even worse on those outrageously thin smartphones. Oops!
As for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, rumors suggest it'll feature three camera modules, keeping up with the Z Fold 6's wide/ultra-wide/telephoto combo. These renders also show it tucked inside a ThinBorne case, but the dimensions remain pretty much the same, so the camera bump still looms large.
When viewed from the edge, the camera bump on the Z Fold 7 appears almost as thick as the phone's body when it's folded up. Oh, the irony!
It's worth noting that phone manufacturers are gunning for slimmer devices, but there's one thing they can't shrink - the camera module, at least not without compromising image quality. Take the Galaxy S25 Ultra's primary camera, for example. Its image sensor requires a specific distance and diameter for the lens, and if you try squishing that distance, you're in for some serious image quality issues.
So, enjoy your slim, sleek smartphones, but don't be surprised when these chunky camera bumps stare back at you. It's just the cost of great photos, folks!
As for the original article, credit goes to 9 to 5 Google.
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- Despite smartphone makers aiming to make devices thinner, the camera bump remains a substantial feature, as larger camera sensors demand heavier lenses, which manufacturers can't efficiently minimize without sacrificing image quality.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, allegedly set to be extremely slim, will reportedly feature a substantial camera bump, with the rumored triple camera modules continuing the tradition of the Z Fold 6's wide/ultra-wide/telephoto setup.
- Even innovations like periscope cameras, with lenses positioned sideways inside the phone, need some room and struggle in tight spaces, causing the camera bump to persist.
- Interestingly, the camera bump on the Z Fold 7 appears nearly as thick as the phone itself when folded, showcasing a significant disparity between the slim device and its bulky camera.
- In the realm of technology, phone manufacturers continue to strive for slimmer devices, but the camera module—with its specific lens requirements for image quality—remains an obstacle that they cannot reduce in size without compromises.
- For those seeking expert advice on cameras, sensors, lenses, and related technology, they can turn to Ben Andrews, the in-house photography guru at Digital Camera World, who is well-versed in evaluating camera lenses, sensor resolutions, zoom range, and even accessories like camera bags and filters.
