The smartphone industry is notorious for its constant push toward innovation, especially when it comes to design. For years, the dreaded “notch” has been a significant focal point of criticism.
From the iPhone X to countless Android devices, the notch was often regarded as an eyesore that interrupted the smooth, bezel-less display. However, ZTE’s bold move with the Axon 30, featuring an under-display camera (UDC), has proven that this aversion to notches might have been exaggerated.
In this article, we’ll delve into how ZTE’s Axon 30 has redefined smartphone displays, and why the under-display camera technology could be the key to the future of notch-less phones.
What is the Under-Display Camera (UDC)?
The Under-Display Camera is a revolutionary design where the front-facing camera is hidden beneath the phone’s screen. Unlike traditional notches or punch-holes, which disrupt the display, the UDC allows the phone to maintain a seamless screen without interruptions.
ZTE’s Axon 20 5G was the first commercial phone to feature an under-display camera, and its successor, the Axon 30, took this innovation to the next level.
The camera, while still hidden, utilizes a specialized OLED display that is transparent enough for light to pass through when the camera needs to capture an image. When not in use, the screen appears entirely uniform and uninterrupted.
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Key Features of the ZTE Axon 30
- Under-Display Camera: The Axon 30’s flagship feature is its under-display camera, which is capable of taking selfies without compromising the screen’s aesthetic.
- 6.92-inch AMOLED Display: With a stunning AMOLED panel, the phone delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, complementing the sleek design.
- Snapdragon 870 Processor: The Axon 30 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset, ensuring smooth performance and multitasking.
- 64MP Quad-Camera Setup: On the rear, the device features a 64MP primary camera, paired with ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors for versatile photography.
- 4500mAh Battery: A sizable battery that ensures long-lasting performance with fast charging capabilities.
- Under-display technology: A truly bezel-less experience, the Axon 30 is a step toward a future where under-display technology becomes the norm.
Why the ZTE Axon 30’s Under-Display Camera Is a Game Changer
1. End of the Notch Era
For many years, the notch has been a love-hate feature. Some consumers despised the interruptions it caused, while others barely noticed it. In either case, the Axon 30 offers a much cleaner aesthetic. By placing the camera beneath the display, ZTE removes the need for any visual intrusion, giving users an uninterrupted viewing experience. This development marks the beginning of a world where we might not need to compromise on screen space.
2. Improved Full-Screen Experience
With the Axon 30, users enjoy a full-screen experience without the need for distracting notches or cutouts. The display becomes a true edge-to-edge screen, which is especially appreciated by those who enjoy watching movies or gaming on their devices. The UDC allows manufacturers to push the boundaries of design, bringing us closer to bezel-less phones with hidden features.
3. Enhanced Innovation in Display Technology
The Axon 30 demonstrates the viability of under-display cameras in consumer smartphones. It shows that with the right technology, front-facing cameras can be hidden without sacrificing photo quality. ZTE has already made strides in this direction, and as the technology improves, it’s likely that more manufacturers will follow suit with their own under-display camera systems. This opens the door to sleeker devices with less emphasis on physical camera placement.
How Does the Under-Display Camera Work?
The UDC used in the ZTE Axon 30 is a breakthrough in display technology. The front-facing camera is placed beneath an OLED screen that becomes transparent only when the camera needs to operate.
The rest of the time, the screen appears solid. When you activate the camera, a small section of the display becomes transparent to allow light to pass through, while the rest of the screen remains opaque.
This sophisticated technology helps maintain the phone’s sleek, uninterrupted appearance, while still allowing for high-quality selfies and video calls.
However, it’s important to note that the camera’s quality is still evolving, and while it is decent, it’s not yet perfect in comparison to traditional selfie cameras.
Comparison to Other Foldable and Flagship Phones
| Feature | ZTE Axon 30 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | iPhone 13 Pro |
| Display Type | 6.92-inch AMOLED | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED | 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED |
| Under-Display Camera | Yes | No | No |
| Processor | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | A15 Bionic |
| Rear Cameras | 64MP Quad | 12MP Dual | 12MP Triple Cameras |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 3700mAh | 3095mAh |
| Price | Mid-range | High-end | High-end |
As seen in the comparison, while other phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and iPhone 13 Pro focus on premium specifications, ZTE has made an impact by prioritizing the UDC as a unique feature, which is likely to influence the future of phone design.
Future of Under-Display Camera Technology
The ZTE Axon 30 marks an important milestone in the development of under-display camera technology.
While it still has room for improvement, it showcases how this innovation can be utilized to improve the overall user experience and provide a cleaner, more streamlined look for smartphones.
As the technology evolves, we can expect:
- Better Camera Quality: As manufacturers refine the under-display camera’s capabilities, image quality will continue to improve.
- Faster Adoption: With successful models like the Axon 30, more companies might incorporate this technology into future devices.
- Integration with Other Features: Future models may integrate under-display cameras with additional features like sensors or even under-display fingerprint scanners.
Conclusion
The ZTE Axon 30 proves that the notch hate we’ve seen in recent years is somewhat overblown.
While not perfect, the under-display camera technology is a promising innovation that has the potential to shape the future of smartphones.
ZTE has taken a step toward a truly bezel-less, uninterrupted screen experience, providing us with a glimpse into what the future of phone design could look like.
The Axon 30 has made its mark as an affordable and innovative solution to the cluttered design of older smartphones, and it’s clear that the under-display camera could be the next big trend in mobile tech.
People May Ask
1. Does the ZTE Axon 30’s camera quality suffer because of the under-display design?
The under-display camera on the Axon 30 provides decent image quality but doesn’t quite match up to traditional front-facing cameras in terms of clarity. However, as technology advances, it’s expected that camera performance will improve.
2. Is the ZTE Axon 30 available worldwide?
Currently, the Axon 30 is available in select regions, including Asia and parts of Europe. Availability may vary depending on the market.
3. What is the price range for the ZTE Axon 30?
The ZTE Axon 30 is positioned as a mid-range phone, making it much more affordable than other flagship foldables. Expect the price to be competitive with devices in the $500 to $700 range.
4. Will more companies use under-display camera technology?
Given the success of the Axon 30, it’s likely that more manufacturers will adopt this technology in future devices. As it improves, we may see more smartphones featuring this innovative design.
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