Purposes of Different Lenses on Smartphones

In recent years, smartphone camera technology has improved dramatically, and many modern smartphones come equipped with multiple lenses. These lenses serve different purposes and can be used to take a variety of different types of photos. In this article, we will explore the different types of lenses found on smartphones and their respective purposes.

What Do Different Smartphone Lenses Use for

The wide-angle lens is the most common type of lens found on modern smartphones. As the name suggests, it is used to capture wider angles than the standard lens. This lens is ideal for landscape and group photos as it allows you to capture a wider area in a single frame. The wide-angle lens usually has a focal length of around 18mm and is available on many smartphones, including the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S21.

The telephoto lens is designed to magnify the image, making distant objects appear closer. This lens is ideal for capturing portraits and other types of photos where you want to zoom in on a specific subject. The telephoto lens usually has a focal length of around 50mm and can be seen on most camera smartphones today like Xiaomi and Honor phones.

The macro lens is designed for close-up photography and can capture intricate details on small objects. This lens is ideal for capturing photos of flowers, insects, and other small objects. The macro lens usually has a focal length of around 60mm and is available on some quality smartphones, such as the Huawei P50 Pro.

The ultrawide lens is similar to the wide-angle lens, but it can capture even wider angles. This lens is ideal for capturing panoramic landscapes and large group photos. The ultrawide lens usually has a focal length of around 12mm and is available on high-end smartphones from iPhone 14 to Honor Magic 5 Pro.

The depth sensor lens is designed to measure the distance between the camera and the subject, allowing for more accurate depth perception. This lens is ideal for capturing portraits with a bokeh effect, where the subject is in focus, but the background is blurred. You can also see a 3D depth sensor lens on some smartphones like Honor Magic 5 Pro for face recognition and beautiful selfies.

The periscope lens is a category of telephoto lens that employs a prism to reflect light perpendicular to the original direction of the light. By doing so, it allows for an extended focal length without needing to increase the physical dimensions of the lens. The periscope lens is ideal for capturing distant objects and is available on superb smartphones like the Honor Magic 5 Pro to give vivid masterpiece pictures anytime and anywhere. Check HONOR Magic 5 Pro review for more details and examples. 

The Time of Flight (ToF) sensor lens is designed to measure the time it takes for light to bounce off a subject and return to the camera. This allows for more accurate depth perception and is ideal for augmented reality (AR) applications. The ToF sensor lens is often seen on Samsung smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Final Words

In conclusion, the different types of lenses found on smartphones serve different purposes and can be used to take a variety of different types of photos. Whether you’re capturing panoramic landscapes, close-up photos of flowers, or portraits with a bokeh effect, there is a lens on your smartphone that can help you get the shot you want. When shopping for a new smartphone, consider the types of lenses it has and how they can enhance your photography experience.