With the advancement of technology, phones nowadays come equipped with high-quality cameras. However, some phone manufacturers have started producing models where the front-facing selfie camera is not visible. This “hidden camera” design provides a full-screen experience without any notches or hole-punches for the camera. But which phones actually have a hidden front camera, and how does this technology work? Let’s find out.
What is a hidden camera phone?
A hidden camera phone, also known as an under-display camera phone, has the front-facing camera located underneath the display. This allows the phone to have an uninterrupted full-screen experience without requiring any cutouts or notches on the display for the camera. The key technology that enables this is the under-display camera itself.
Traditional phone cameras cannot be placed under the display because the screen pixels block the camera’s view. But in under-display cameras, the section of the screen above the camera is constructed using special transparent materials that allow light to pass through and enable the camera to see through the screen. The pixels above the camera are also custom-designed to be translucent when the camera is activated, allowing light to reach the camera sensor.
Manufacturers use advanced algorithms to process the images captured through the display and remove artifacts or noise, enhancing image quality. While under-display cameras generally don’t match the quality of traditional front cameras yet, the technology is rapidly improving with each new generation.
Phones with hidden front cameras
Here are some of the phones currently available or announced with hidden front cameras underneath the display:
1. ZTE Axon 20 5G
Released: September 2020
The ZTE Axon 20 5G made headlines by being the first commercially available smartphone with an under-display front camera in September 2020. It features a 6.92-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 32MP front camera hidden beneath it. Reviews found the hidden camera’s photos to be decent but with some loss of detail compared to a traditional camera.
2. Xiaomi Mi Mix 4
Released: August 2021
The Mi Mix 4 became the second under-display camera phone to launch, with improved camera quality compared to the Axon 20 5G. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display and uses a customized CUP (camera under panel) module co-developed with Samsung for its 20MP front camera.
3. ZTE Axon 30 5G
Released: September 2021
ZTE launched the successor to the pioneering Axon 20 5G model in 2021. The Axon 30 5G has an upgraded 16MP under-panel camera and a brighter 6.92-inch AMOLED display. Reviews found slightly better camera quality than the Axon 20 but still not as good as standard cameras.
4. Xiaomi Mi Mix 5
Expected: Early 2023
Xiaomi is expected to launch the Mi Mix 5 in early 2023 as its next under-display camera phone. Rumors point to a high-end model with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and an improved hidden camera compared to the Mi Mix 4.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Expected: Mid 2023
Samsung is working on bringing its under-display camera tech to its foldable phone lineup after co-developing Xiaomi’s hidden camera. Leaks indicate the Galaxy Z Fold 4, expected in mid-2023, may be Samsung’s first phone with the technology.
6. Oppo Find X5
Expected: Late 2023
Oppo teased its own under-screen camera solution at MWC Shanghai 2021. The technology is expected to debut with the Find X5 late in 2023. Oppo’s solution features a special pixel arrangement optimized for light transmission to enhance image quality.
7. Vivo Apex 2020 Concept Phone
Showcased: February 2020
Vivo unveiled the Apex 2020 concept phone in February 2020, shortly before the Axon 20 launch. It featured an under-display 16MP selfie camera. However, this concept has not materialized into a commercial product yet.
8. Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
Rumored: Late 2022
Some leaks indicate that Motorola may be developing a hidden camera phone expected in late 2022. This device could launch as the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra if rumors are accurate.
Comparison of hidden camera quality
The quality of under-display cameras continues to improve but still can’t match conventional front cameras, especially in low light. Here is a rough comparison of the hidden camera quality on currently available models:
| Phone | Hidden Camera Quality |
|---|---|
| ZTE Axon 20 5G | Poor |
| Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 | Moderate |
| ZTE Axon 30 5G | Moderate |
The Mi Mix 4 currently has the best quality thanks to hardware and algorithm improvements. But there is still work to be done by manufacturers to improve camera performance, especially in challenging lighting.
Advantages of hidden camera phones
Here are some of the benefits that under-display selfie cameras offer:
Truly full-screen display
No notches, pinholes, or other cutouts – hiding the camera enables a true edge-to-edge display without interruptions.
Sleek, modern design
Removing front camera holes allows for a seamless, streamlined look and premium full-screen aesthetics.
Immersive experience
Whether gaming, watching videos, or other use cases, a display without distractions enhances the immersion and experience.
Security and privacy
No visible camera makes it unambiguous when the camera is in use, preventing unauthorized or unintended use.
Disadvantages of hidden cameras
However, there are some downsides or compromises to consider as well:
Reduced camera quality
Image quality and performance is still not at the level of standard front cameras, especially in low light.
Higher cost
The new customized displays and camera components increase manufacturing costs.
Limited options
Very few phones currently have under-display cameras, giving consumers fewer options.
Unproven long-term durability
The long-term durability and lifespan of under-panel cameras is still unconfirmed.
Conclusion
Hidden camera phones provide an exciting full-screen design not possible with regular selfie cameras. ZTE kicked off the trend with the Axon 20 5G, and Xiaomi and others are helping refine the technology – but it still has some maturing to do. Improved image quality and more phone options will make hidden cameras more viable and popular in the future. But for now, they retain some disadvantages compared to conventional front cameras. Early adopters can check out phones like the ZTE Axon 30 or Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 to experience under-display cameras for themselves.