TECNO Mobile launches the brand-new SPARK 10 series in the Philippines

TECNO Mobile, an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 global markets, today launched the brand-new SPARK 10 series in the Philippines, marking a new era in selfie phones in its segment by combining superior performance with sleek and trendy design. 

This series features adjustable dual soft lights on the 32MP ultra-clear front camera available for the SPARK 10 Pro, allowing the young generation to showcase the best in them and glow as they are. Powered by MediaTek Helio G88 gaming processor, the SPARK 10 Pro comes with a massive 16GB(8GB+8GB extended RAM) and 256GB ROM, geared up to elevate the performance in all aspects. It also features a hard-wearing starry glass back panel, resulting in a premium look and a comfortable feel. All these new additions make the SPARK 10 series the ultimate high-performance selfie phone in its PhP7,000 price range.

32MP glowing selfie, capturing your best self regardless of where you are

Engineered for selfie fanatics, the SPARK 10 Pro has a 32MP Ultra-Clear Front Camera with 4-in-1 HW Remosaic technology. By synthesizing the small pixel size of 0.8um into a bigger pixel size of 1.6um, the sensitivity of the pixel's area is increased by 400%, which allows the camera to capture great details with even greater clarity.

In addition, the entire SPARK 10 series is equipped with dual soft lights on both the front and rear cameras.The built-in 10 Lux soft light provides just the right amount of flash that does not glare, and the intensity of the soft light is adjustable in three levels for different lighting conditions.To ensure users will always get the perfect selfie, any overexposure is immediately corrected by the Super Flashlight Algorithm to achieve a balance of brightness between the background and the subject, while concealing user’s blemishes and accentuating their beauty. All of this makes the SPARK 10 Series the lighting pro in your pocket.

G88 gaming processor, ultra upgrading for performance freaks

For creators and gamers, the desire to push boundaries requires top-notch technology that surpasses expectations. SPARK 10 Pro optimized the performance with MediaTek Helio G88, which is an octa-core processor that features two Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs operating up to 2GHz, enabling quick responsive reactions. Equipped with MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 and supercharged by the GameTurbo Algorithm from TECNO, the SPARK 10 Pro estimates lags and intelligently improves operational smoothness, providing an unmatched gaming and entertainment experience.

With the Memory Fusion technology, the RAM capacity of the whole SPARK 10 series is increased up to 16G, and the SPARK 10 Pro even boasts up to 256GB ROM and 16GB RAM (8GB extended RAM). Such huge memory ensures more apps run at a much faster rate, bringing the smoothest user experience in the history of SPARK.

50MP high-resolution photography system, delivering more detailed shots

The SPARK 10 series offers an advanced 50MP AI camera supported by ASD mode and 3D LUT technology, bringing natural shots that are fully adapted to skin tones. Together with the Intelligent Beauty Mode, SPARK 10 Series delivers flawless and simply stunning portrait photos. Furthermore, with smart Super Night Filters and the Super Night Algorithm, as well as the dual flashlight, SPARK 10 Pro improves the performance of night photography, making every frame and picture clearer.

Vlogging is made even more fun with the SPARK 10 series. The Beauty Mode, AR stickers, HDR, and Bokeh effect as well as the unique cinematography mode, all apply to videos, which empowers users when filming their daily life in all kinds of scenarios. The SPARK 10 Pro and the SPARK 10 5G are also supported by smart focus, so users will never miss a wonderful moment, even if it comes unexpectedly. 

Hard-wearing starry glass panel, sleek and youthful design for trendsetters

These standard setting innovations are housed within a striking, unprecedented design featuring a starry glass back panel that is glossy, smooth, comfortable to hold, and natural to the skin. Dual cameras and a smart flashlight form a flagship triple ring, while the edges of the phone are flat, showing a premium and minimalist look. Users will be proud to show off their devices that come in an array of colors: Starry Black and Pearl White for the SPARK 10 Pro, and Meta Black, Meta Blue, Meta White, and Meta Green for the other models.

Ultra-high resolution display, elevating your visual experience to new heights

Additionally, the 6.8" FHD optimally-sized large screen expands the user experience, and combined with the ultra-high resolution display and DCI-P3 color, these gamuts together build an immersive theatrical visual experience on the phone. Most of the models in the SPARK 10 series are supported by a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast-charging capability, promising a long-lasting battery life that keeps the device powered up even under heavy use. Last but not least, TECNO SPARK 10 Series (except for SPARK 10C) uplifts user experience in software with the impeccable Android 13 HiOS 12.6. 

Availability

The SPARK 10 series comprise four models - SPARK 10 Pro, SPARK 10, SPARK 10 C and SPARK 10 5G supported 5G network.

Get your TECNO Spark 10 Pro 256GB +16GB for PhP7,499 at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee, TECNO Mobile PH Flagship Store in Lazada, TECNO Concept Experience Kiosks and TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide. Also available is  Spark 10 Pro with 128GB ROM for a discounted price Php 6,899 until first sale period only. 

For more information, please visit TECNO Mobile at www.tecno-mobile.com

Its PayDay Special at TECNO Mobile!

TECNO Mobile, knows exactly how to make payday weekend even more spectacular, with huge, hotter-than-summer deals on its best-selling mobile phones and accessories at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada and the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. Staying true to its commitment to deliver innovative, high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, these offerings meet both the needs and budgets of TECNO Mobile’s consumers. The brand strives to enable every Filipino to experience advanced mobile technologies that enable them to stop at nothing in their pursuit of excellence, truly making TECNO Mobile the premium smartphone brand for all. 

Epic Lazada Payday Deals

You’ve never seen anything like these massive deals coming to TECNO Mobile’s Lazada store on payday weekend. Get Php 1,000 off on the POVA 5G smartphone, which you can buy for only Php 11,990 during the sale. A CAMON 18 price drop is also happening on April 28, from Php 9,499 to Php 8,599. Also on April 28, get a Spark 8C at just Php 5,499, from its original price of Php 5,999.

 

From April 28 to 30, 2022, enjoy special CAMON 18 bundles, also in Lazada. CAMON 18 plus TECNO Buds 1 will be sold at Php 10,279, discounted from its regular price of Php 10,599. You can also buy CAMON 18 bundled with TECNO Buds 2 for just Php 9,099 , from its retail price of Php 10,498. TECNO Buds 1 will be offered at a special Buy 1 Take 1 deal as well, for only Php 2,129, on these dates. Buy 1 Take 1 on TECNO Buds 2 will also be available for just Php 1,739.

Stellar Shopee Offers

Visit the TECNO Mobile Shopee store from April 29 to May 1, 2022, and save up to Php 2,000 on select smartphones. Shoppers will also get a free DITO Family Sim Pack (Trio) with each purchase. 

 

Accessories Hot Summer Sale

TECNO Mobile’s AIoT devices are the perfect match to any of its smartphones, adding functionality that elevates your lifestyle. Get your TECNO Watches, Buds, and more at up to 10% off until May 31, 2022 at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada. 

 

Scan To Win With POVA Neo - Extended until May 15!

Win big with TECNO Mobile’s Scan To Win With POVA Neo Promo, which now runs until May 15, 2022. Every purchase of participating TECNO Mobile smartphones entitles a customer to join, for the chance to win fantastic prizes, including Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, the latest smartphones and AIoT devices from TECNO Mobile, and cash rewards. For more details, visit (link).

 

Don’t miss any of the sizzling deals at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada and the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

TECNO Mobile Gives Back to Grab PH Riders and Drivers

Staying true to its commitment to bring innovative and high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, and providing support to Filipinos, one community at a time, premium smartphone and AIoT brand, TECNO Mobile, recently concluded its first couple of CSR activities in the Philippines for 2022. These events are part of TECNO’s ongoing CSR program, which kicked off in 2021 with the City of Manila, the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, and the scholars of Project Malasakit as its beneficiaries.

 

The project is in line with the launch campaign of POVA Neo, TECNO Mobile’s latest smartphone offering, which celebrates everyday heroes who power on with their day-to-day tasks in order to serve the community. For this year’s CSR activities, TECNO Mobile partnered with Grab PH, plus a few of the country’s up and coming content creators, to reach out to local communities once again, and inspire people and make a difference. Through this initiative the brand also hoped to motivate more people to participate in community outreach programs, and make them see that it isn’t about the size of the donation, but the sincerity to help others. 

 

TECNO Mobile Gives Back to Grab PH Riders and Drivers

Grab PH riders and drivers have been lauded as true heroes of the pandemic over the last two years, helping make day-to-day life easier for thousands of Filipinos by making things accessible, even from home. These drivers face various challenges each day they spend on the road, but they never stop moving, and continue to provide their much-needed services to the community. 

 

Recognizing their efforts, TECNO Mobile celebrates the everyday contributions of Grab PH by giving back to the company’s hardworking drivers and delivery riders. The meaningful collaboration between TECNO Mobile and Grab PH is reflective of the positive message that the POVA Neo campaign aims to impart.

Grab PH’s Papugay Awardees received a brand new TECNO Pova Neo smartphone that will help them navigate the busy streets of Metro Manila and power them all day long.

A donation handover took place at the Grab PH Headquarters in Metro Manila on April 9, 2022 during Grab PH’s Papugay event, which the company mounts each quarter to show appreciation to, and recognize their outstanding drivers. As a beneficiary, Grab PH received 65 units of POVA Neo smartphones. This smartphone’s large battery capacity is perfect for the riders and drivers of Grab PH, and will be a big help as they navigate through the city, and provide excellent on-time service. The donation was received by Grab PH’s Papugay awardees, Grabfood rider Richard Aguilar, Grab driver Ricky Dalansay, Grab rider Arc Cabuello, and Grabfood rider Michael Sales.

 

Influencers for the Greater Good

Earlier in April, TECNO Mobile and online influencers Vishnu Isles, Matt Nicolai, Benette Ballester, Xai Smith, Acy De Castro, Edlyn Mea, Banessa Raya, Carol Reyes, Cedrix Eligio, Aldrich Ching, Von Razo, Sharleen Jonson, Blair Madamba, Karen Aquino , banded together to celebrate and recognize the everyday heroes of Malolos, Bulacan. These are individuals who unfailingly provide their services for the betterment of the community, in spite of adversities faced. 

 

At the handover event held on April 5, 2022 at the Malolos City Hall Auditorium, 50 POVA Neo units were donated by TECNO Mobile, to be shared with its beneficiaries from City Health Office and the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Force Multiplier, Social Services, Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and local students. The donation was received by the Chief of Staff from the Office of Mayor Gilbert “Bebong” Gatchalian of Malolos City, Bulacan, Atty. Belle Castro.                  

 

TECNO Mobile PH Marketing Manager, Mitze Abrio (center-right) and Malolos City Chief of Staff, Atty Belle Castro (center-left), together with content creators Matt Nicolai, Xai Smith, Aldrich Ching, Carol Reyes, Sharleen Jonson, Cedrix Eligio, and Blair Madamba.

 Content creators #TeamMatt and Malolos City’s everyday heroes taking a selfie with TECNO’s latest smartphone, the Pova Neo.

 

POVA Neo: The 6000mAh Battery Beast

POVA Neo is loaded with amazing features that give users the power to conquer everyday tasks – An ultimate power supply, large screen, smooth performance, a smart camera, and more. With its 6,000mAh battery and Battery Lab 2.1, POVA Neo has more than enough power to last the entire day. Plus, with 18 watts fast charging, it only takes POVA Neo 35 minutes to store enough power for up to 5 hours of gaming. 

 

 

Other awesome features of POVA Neo include:

●      Big screen display for an immersive and smooth full-frame visual experience

●      HiOS 7.6 with a fresh, easy to use UI interface

●      ET Engine enhancements that deliver outstanding performance

●      An extremely fast touch-driven response that’s perfect for gaming

●      Game Space that provides players with a cool interface and fast play

●      A Smart Camera with 13MP HD quality image system; advanced AI lens capable of 120FPS Slow Motion capture, 1080P Time Lapse, and HDR Photography that fully preserves details in both light and dark areas; Beauty, Body, and Bokeh Beauty modes; AR Animojis and Stickers; and front and rear Panorama Shooting

 

POVA Neo is available in three colors – Obsidian, Geek Blue, and Powehi Black, and is priced at Php 5,999 for the POVA Neo 4GB+64GB, and Php 6,999 for the 6GB+128GB model.

 

Join the Scan To Win with POVA Neo Promo, and get the chance to take home exciting prizes! Every purchase of participating TECNO Mobile smartphones from April 1 to 30, 2022 at the TECNO Mobile Concept Store in SM North Edsa, TECNO Mobile kiosks, and partner retail stores nationwide, entitles a customer to play the Spin to Win game. Almost 1 Million Pesos worth of fantastic prizes will be given away to more than 300 winners, including Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, the latest smartphones , cash and AIoT devices from TECNO Mobile, and cash rewards! For more details, visit http://bit.ly/POVAScanToWin.

 

#KeepthePowerandCarryOn with TECNO Mobile’s #POVANeoPowerAllDay! Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

TECNO Mobile, is giving its consumers the power to win big this April with the Scan To Win With POVA Neo Promo

Premium smartphone and AIoT brand, TECNO Mobile, is giving its consumers the power to win big this April with the Scan To Win With POVA Neo Promo. Every purchase of participating TECNO Mobile smartphones from April 1 to 30, 2022 entitles a customer to join. Fantastic prizes will be given away each week, including Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, the latest smartphones and AIoT devices from TECNO Mobile, and cash rewards!

The Scan To Win With POVA Neo Promo is part of TECNO Mobile’s ongoing campaign geared towards empowering consumers to carry on with their daily tasks, in order to make a positive impact in the community. Through initiatives such as this, along with the continued release of new, high-performing smartphones in the country, TECNO Mobile upholds its commitment to bring innovative mobile technology to emerging markets, as the premium smartphone brand for all.

Scan To Win With POVA Neo

From April 1 to 30, 2022, visit your nearest TECNO Mobile Concept Store, TECNO Mobile Kiosk, or one of TECNO Mobile partner dealers’ physical stores nationwide, and purchase any of the following TECNO Mobile smartphones for the chance to spin and win: Spark 8P, Spark 7T, POVA Neo 64GB or 128GB, and Camon 18. 

 

Note that purchases made at TECNO Mobile online stores in Shopee and Lazada, as well as partner dealer online stores are excluded from the promo. 

 

Upon completion of valid purchases, you will receive a QR code that you may scan to access the Spin to Win game. QR codes may only be accessed at the store where purchase was made, and can only be done within the promo duration, until April 30 before store closing time. Customers must present the warranty card of the purchased unit, their invoice or official receipt, and a valid government ID when availing of the promo.                           

 

After scanning the QR code, participants will be redirected to the Scan To Win With POVA Neo page. Customers must then enter all the necessary details, including their Name, Contact Number, Complete Address, Email Address, Unit Purchased, Store Name, and unit IMEI. Clicking Submit to send in your details, then play the Spin the Wheel game.

 

Lucky players can win one of the following prizes: Three (3) Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Eight (8) Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, Ten (10) Camon 18 smartphones, Forty (40) Php 5,000 cash prizes, Sixty (60) Tecno Watches, One hundred (100) Tecno Buds 2 devices, and One hundred fifty (150) Php 500 cash prizes.

                                                

One (1) valid IMEI serves as a single entry, and entitles a customer to play one (1) Spin to Win game. Customers who purchase more than one participating unit may play and win more than once. There is no limit to the number of times a customer may win. 

 

Winners will be announced weekly on the TECNO Mobile Philippines Official Facebook Page. A representative from TECNO Mobile will contact the winners to coordinate delivery of their prizes. Delivery or crediting of cash prizes will be completed within two weeks from winning. Winners will be required to present a valid government ID upon receipt of their prizes. Prizes are non-transferrable, and may not be converted to cash. 

 

POVA Neo: The 6000mAh Battery Beast

POVA Neo is TECNO Mobile’s latest offering, loaded with amazing features that give users the power to conquer their everyday tasks – An ultimate power supply, large screen, smooth performance, a smart camera, and more. 

 

With its 6,000mAh battery and Battery Lab 2.1, POVA Neo has more than enough power to last the entire day. Plus, with 18 watts fast charging, it only takes POVA Neo 35 minutes to store enough power for up to 5 hours of gaming. 

 

Other must-have features of POVA Neo include:

●      Big screen display for an immersive and smooth full-frame visual experience

●      HiOS 7.6 with a fresh, easy to use UI interface

●      ET Engine enhancements that deliver outstanding performance

●      An extremely fast touch-driven response that’s perfect for gaming

●      Game Space that provides players with a cool interface and fast play

●      A Smart Camera with 13MP HD quality image system; advanced AI lens capable of 120FPS Slow Motion capture, 1080P Time Lapse, and HDR Photography that fully preserves details in both light and dark areas; Beauty, Body, and Bokeh Beauty modes; AR Animojis and Stickers; and front and rear Panorama Shooting

 

This stylish smartphone is available in three colors – Obsidian, Geek Blue, and Powehi Black, and is priced at Php 5,999 for the POVA Neo 4GB+64GB, and Php 6,999 for the 6GB+128GB model.

 

#KeepthePowerandCarryOn with TECNO Mobile’s #POVANeoPowerAllDay! Check out and visit TECNO Mobile Concept Store in SM North Edsa, TECNO Mobile kiosks, and all partner retail stores nationwide.

 

Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

 

POVA Neo is the latest full-power smartphone from TECNO Mobile

Premium smartphone and AIoT brand, TECNO Mobile, introduces its latest offering to the Philippine market, the full-power POVA Neo. With its 6,000mAh large battery and 18W fast charger, POVA Neo is a battery beast, promising to give users more than enough energy to power through the day. 

TECNO Mobile remains committed to bringing innovative and high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, as the premium smartphone brand for all. With this latest release, the brand continues its mission to inspire progressive individuals, particularly the passionate and ambitious youth, to be fearless towards challenges, and stop at nothing to fulfill their dreams. 

 

The launch of POVA Neo hinges on a campaign that celebrates everyday heroes who power on with their day-to-day tasks in order to serve the community. POVA Neo is set to be a smartphone that equips these community heroes with the power that enables them to carry on. 

 

POVA Neo Energy Beast

POVA Neo is loaded with key features that are highly sought-after by today’s consumers – An ultimate power supply, large screen, smooth performance, a smart camera, and much more. 

Fitted with a huge 6,000mAh battery, POVA Neo provides you with power to last the entire day. It is also equipped with Battery Lab 2.1 that gives you super power saving features that are easy to control. And, with 18 watts fast charging, it only takes POVA Neo 35 minutes to store enough power for up to 5 hours of gaming. 

 

Users get to enjoy an immersive and smooth full-frame visual experience with POVA Neo’s big screen display. This smartphone’s ET Engine enhancements deliver outstanding performance, with an extremely fast touch-driven response that’s perfect for gaming, while Game Space provides players with a cool interface and fast play.

 

The Smart Camera of the POVA Neo, with its 13MP HD quality image system, allows for more vivid details in your photos and videos. Its advanced AI lens is capable of 120FPS Slow Motion capture, 1080P Time Lapse, and HDR Photography that fully preserves details in both light and dark areas. Modes like Beauty, Body, and Bokeh Beauty shots add depth, while AR Animojis and Stickers make your captured images more fun. POVA Neo is capable of panorama shooting as well, on both its rear and front-facing cameras. 

 

POVA Neo runs on HiOS 7.6, with a fresh UI interface that is easy to use, and offers various features including Peek Proof that provides your screen with privacy against prying eyes, Film Album for transforming your photos into eye-catching movies, and Kids Mode. This stylishly-designed smartphone is available in three colors – Obsidian, Geek Blue, and Powehi Black. 

 

#KeepthePowerandCarryOn with TECNO Mobile’s #POVANeoPowerAllDay, which you can now check out at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada and the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee. The POVA Neo 4GB+64GB retails for Php 5,999, while the 6GB+128GB model sells for Php 6,999.

Enjoy big brand deals at the Lazada 10^th Birthday Sale from March 27 to 29, 2022! Shop at the at the TECNO Global Flagship Store in Lazada, and save as much as Php 1,000 when you buy a POVA Neo. POVA Neo 4GB+64GB can be yours for just Php 5,055, from its original price of Php 5,999, while POVA Neo 6GB+128GB will be available for only Php 5,970, from its retail price of Php 6,999.  TECNO Mobile’s Spark 8T 4GB+64GB will also be sold at the special price of Php 5,515 during the sale. 

 

Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

 

TECNO announce new technology RGBW camera sensor + glass which is co-developed with Samsung on its CAMON 19 series

During the latest edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2022), one of the major events in the mobile technology world, TECNO Mobile, global premium smartphone manufacturer announced that the Samsung RGBW color filter sensor technology will  be available on its upcoming new CAMON series, which are well-known as the camera phone. This new technology is co-developed it with SAMSUNG, involving the addition of a white sub-pixel to the existing universal RGB configurations on phones,  and is sold as part of the ISOCELL RGBW color filter sensor solutions.

RGBW (red, green, blue, white) technology is heralded as the next major change to existing mobile camera frameworks, allowing the new generation of phones to further match up to professional cameras, particularly in the light sensitivity areas and low-light environments. The new RGBW sensor will be attached to a 64MP camera, and to increase the light input of the CMOS sensor, effectively brightening picture quality and creating ultra-clear details without impacting contrast in dark and backlit backgrounds. Coupled with TECNO’s complementary Glass + Plastic (G+P) technology, light intake can be further enhanced by another 30%, effectively doubling the overall picture quality for users. 

Compared with the traditional RGGB sensor, the RGBW light capture sensor adopts a new pixel arrangement, and introduces (W) white pixels that are more sensitive to light on the basis of not damaging the original three primary colors, with 1.7 times better sensitivity than green color filter, which can not only ensure that the color is not distorted, but also improve the brightness of the camera. 

Pan Xuebao, VP and Head of R&D at Samsung Electronics, said: “This technology innovation was created based on user feedback and an effort to bring brighter and clearly images. especially in the low light and super night mode. Its first launch on TECNO’s CAMON series bringing us one step closer to the dream of delivering DSLR-grade photography into the hands of worldwide consumers. ”

“TECNO CAMON series have been always focused on bringing our users the outstanding camera experience.  The use of RGBW will increase camera capabilities and increase flexibility on TECNO CAMON 19 series to respond to consumer demands, to highlight natural human features and colours to showcase aesthetics and diversity across different markets. ” said Leo Lee, Senior Product Manager of TECNO. 

TECNO’s popular CAMON series has always been a pioneer in the area of mobile imaging. New technology releases such as RGBW and G+P on the new CAMON release will drive the next evolution of mobile imaging.

Looking Ahead with Tecno: How smartphone cameras will improve in 2022

 

Sensor shift stabilisation, new RGBW sensors, personalised AI algorithms, and more – here’s why your selfies and holiday photos are going to level up next year

 

Smartphone cameras are no longer just the most convenient option – they are quickly becoming the best one, beating traditional digital cameras with computational power and innovation.

In 2021, smartphones with multiple lens systems became mainstream. Improved sensor size and resolution mean users can capture more details and render images accurately in complex lighting conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms enhanced many facets of image processing. And they’re not done. A slew of changes are coming in 2022, as smartphone manufacturers push the envelope.

What are the trends that will drive this change? At a recent webinar, Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022, organised by Counterpoint Research, experts from TECNO, Samsung, and DXOMARK Image Labs, discussed some of the key trends we are likely to see in the coming year – and what we will soon be holding in our hands.

Dual OIS: Staying steady

Not getting the sharp images you wanted of your vacation views? Blurry and shaky photos are a common experience with most smartphone users, and are especially pronounced in low-light conditions as the shutter stays open longer to capture more light.

Smartphone manufacturers counter this issue through Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) technology, where the lens "floats" inside the camera assembly. The OIS system stabilises the image or video by "shifting" the lens to counter the shakes.

OIS technology is improving every year, with larger degrees of movement being taken on by the camera stabiliser. According to Jimmy Hsu, senior product manager, image technology, TECNO, pre-2019 the trend was for OIS to be about one degree of stabilisation. According to Hsu, in 2021, standard stabilisation has increased to three degrees thanks to pan-tilt OIS.

In 2022, the company aims to introduce the first Android phone with sensor shift. “Compared to conventional Optical Imaging Stabilisation, TECNO’s sensor shift technology can achieve a response frequency of 5,000 adjustments per second,” Hsu said at the webinar. By combining lens shifting seen in conventional OIS systems and the newer sensor shift technology, TECNO is setting its sights on stabilisation up to five degrees.

High-resolution sensors with pixel binning: Balancing resolution and light sensitivity

Presenting trends in camera resolution, Tarun Pathak, director of research, smartphone, Counterpoint Research, said about 40% of all smartphones in Q2 of 2021 had 48-64 megapixel (MP) sensors, and 3% of all smartphones had 108 MP sensors. According to Pathak, smartphones with 200 MP sensors are likely to launch in 2022.

Sensors with a high pixel count tend to capture more details from the scene. However, the size of pixels on such sensors is usually smaller. “The smaller the pixel, the less light you can capture in each pixel, and the harder it is to get a good image quality in darker environments,” said Pan Xuebao, VP and head of R&D, Samsung Electronics.

However, sensor manufacturers such as Samsung are deploying an algorithm-driven technique called pixel binning that enables high-resolution sensors (with a small pixel size) to perform better in low-light conditions. “Just like our human eye will dilate when we are in a darker environment to let in more light, similarly, in low light conditions, our algorithm will automatically put the sensor in high sensitivity mode,” Xuebao said. In this mode, the smaller individual pixels ‘combine’ and act like bigger pixels. This mode is turned off in brighter conditions.

Continuous optical zoom: Closer to the action

Phones are getting sleeker, but these aesthetics can be a technological challenge. This trend is presenting more of a challenge for manufacturers as they try to incorporate bulky telephoto lenses. Such technologies, such as periscope lenses which use innovative positioning to allow for 5x or 10x optical zoom, started appearing in smartphones during 2021.

The next step is to offer continuous optical zoom, which will allow users to shift between different focal lengths smoothly. This requires precise movement of lenses within small spaces without affecting image quality.

At the webinar, Hsu predicted the market could see continuous optical zoom in the second half of 2022, allowing users to shift between 3x to 5x optical zoom. Driven by advances such as long-stroke motor development and Active Optical Alignment, we could even see 3x to 10x zoom in 2023, he said.RGBW Sensors: Let there be (more) light

Cat photos not up to the mark? It could be down to the lighting. Indoor environments have less than ideal light conditions. Yet, that’s where people usually take most of their photographs.

 

“[A solution to] low light is the holy grail of mobile photography,” said Hervé Macudzinski, image science director and product owner of DXOMARK Image Labs, which tests camera, audio, display and battery quality. “This is one [aspect] that can lead to disappointing quality. In low light, users capture portrait photos, pictures of family, pets and so on. So there is a lot of challenge in this use case.”

While smartphone manufacturers use different techniques to enhance low-light performance, RGBW technology addresses the issue at the sensor level.

The camera sensor captures colour information through a mechanism called the Colour Filter Array (CFA). Traditional camera sensors use CFAs arranged in the Bayer format, which comprises a pattern of Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B) filters. RGBW sensors add White (W) filters to the mix.

According to Hsu, adding white pixels increases light sensitivity by 60%, which means the sensor should be able to absorb more light. Smartphone manufacturers are also developing Glass+Plastic lens technology - many smartphone lenses are constructed out of plastic, but introducing glass elements into the lens construction improves transmission of light. “With the combination of both, the result is an overall 200% increase of light-intake,” Hsu said.

The low-light performance of smartphones looks set to improve as these two technologies appear on smartphones in 2022.

Localised algorithms: Using AI to personalise portraits

As cameras improve, we can see ourselves more clearly. New technologies allow our portraits to be more accurate, especially for people of colour.

While hardware enhancements are essential, smartphone software is playing a more significant role in determining the final image or video quality of these portraits. “We need to have very good processing – that is, to understand what the user’s intention was and modify the image adequately,” Macudzinski said.

That’s why some smartphone manufacturers use big data and deep neural networks to drive personalised and localised image processing. For instance, TECNO’s TAIVOS signal processing technology recognises and accurately reproduces dark skin elements. According to Hsu, the company uses a large dark skin database to “produce more than 6,120 Evaluation Scenarios spanning 115 countries”.

For portrait photography, the AI engine recognises and classifies different elements such as faces and hair colour to determine the subject's age, gender, and skin tone. The photo is then optimised for better clarity, colour, and light, which helps with more accurate reproduction of darker skin tones – even in low-light environments.

Scene, light, and colour enhancement: Behind every subject is a background

It’s not just the subject of a photo that matters – it's what’s behind them. Whether it’s the sun or a beautiful view, smartphone cameras are adapting to capturing these details better.

With traditional photography, professional photographers use their experience and training to make adjustments that highlight not just the subject but also background scene elements. They also typically spend significant time in post-production that brings images to life.

“Smartphone cameras need to provide all these capabilities in the default mode,” Macudzinski said. “That means the final smartphone user does not have to think through everything. They just have to press the button.”

That’s where AI-driven image processing comes in. According to Counterpoint Research’s whitepaper, AI is becoming advanced enough to recognise dynamic scene elements such as trees or sky in the background. Once identified, the image-processing system optimises their colour, contrast, and exposure.

AI will also help interpret light information. For instance, if a user is shooting against the sun, the algorithm works to underexpose the sun and brighten the subject. Smartphone manufacturers are also working on software-based solutions to correct distortions caused by wide-angle lenses.

Time of flight and dynamic vision sensors: Getting a sense of depth

Photos with sharply rendered foreground and blurred background can make for a pleasing effect – especially while shooting portraits. However, to do this, the smartphone must recognise depth and subject edges.

With Time of Flight (ToF) and Dynamic Vision Sensors (DVS) improving, smartphones will get better at generating 3D models of the scene and detecting edges. This will allow for more precise measurements and offer users features such as. enhanced and gradual blurring of backgrounds.

“ToF and DVS could be the opportunities where mobile phone cameras start to outperform (DSLR) cameras,” Hsu said.

A brighter, more intelligent 2022

These trends point to technology growing more intricate and catering to diverse use cases – whether that’s through personalised portrait rendition, stable imaging or allowing users to zoom in to the action.

However, the advancements will not be defined just by cutting-edge features on pricey smartphones. It’s a win across budget tiers - the developments result not just in technological advancement, but also trickle-down premium features to smartphones in the low and medium price bands. With the way smartphone cameras are levelling up, the best moments of your life will be remembered more clearly than ever.

Looking ahead with TECNO

Hosted by Counterpoint Research, Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022 Innovation Talk discussed new trends in imaging technology. TECNO aims to provide an excellent photography and videography experience through constant innovation and a deep understanding of consumer needs.

 

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