Xiaomi and Oppo have just shown a new solution to all-screen phones: hide the front camera under the panel. Forget about using a notch, holes on the screen or those mechanisms that show and hide the camera when it is not needed.
Oppo and Xiaomi, who will arrive first?
Xiaomi and Oppo are competing to see who gets there first with the front camera hidden under the panel. Both manufacturers have shown a small video on social networks today in which you can see two terminals whose front camera is hidden under the screen.
That is, just as they are already able to carry the fingerprint reader under the panel, now they go and hide the selfie camera. In this way, they provide a new solution for all those who are looking for a device with a completely clean front.
In this first video, originally published on the social network Weibo, the manufacturer Oppo shows what according to them is the first phone with this type of solution. Something that we already know is not the case, although we will leave that fight to decide who came first for another time.
For those seeking the perfect, notchless smartphone screen experience - prepare to be amazed. ?
You are taking a very first look at our under-display selfie camera technology. RT! ? pic.twitter.com/FrqB6RiJaY
- OPPO (@oppo) June 3, 2019
As you can see, it is a very attractive and interesting solution. Without the need to pierce the screen or resort to mechanisms that show and hide the camera, the manufacturer has managed to keep it for all the selfies, video calls or any other use we can make of it.
Today is a good day, Xiaomi showed off the screen camera technology! A hidden camera was installed on the Xiaomi Mi 9 to achieve a self-portrait that looks good. pic.twitter.com/NJVGtWMvsC
- Ice universe (@UniverseIce) June 3, 2019
Immediately afterwards we have known, via Ice Universe, which would be Xiaomi's proposal. Same idea, a sensor placed under the panel to avoid any other of the solutions seen so far.
For now, all this is just a first preview of what, in theory, seems to be the next industry trend. A logical movement because, until now, everything was more focused on temporary solutions that allowed a higher percentage of the screen.
Of course there are also doubts. Some disadvantage beyond a possible higher manufacturing price must have. Perhaps, less quality in the photographs, less light,... issues that cannot be resolved until they have a final model in their hands. But there are also supposed advantages: finally it seems that we stopped "breaking" the interface with elements such as the notch or holes on the screen, which, despite what they say, never disappear no matter how much you get used to them.
What we cannot deny is that it is an attractive solution, possibly what many were waiting for and a new demonstration of the power of innovation from Oppo and Xiaomi. Even if Apple arrives later, put all your Face ID there and what we already know happens.