These days our smartphone cameras are just for taking photos, but they can also act as sensors, such as the TrueDepth camera system on Apple’s newer iPhones which can be used to map a user’s face and use it for facial recognition in the Face ID security system. However come 2019, we might be able to expect more.
Reports out of Korea are claiming that both Samsung and Apple’s 2019 smartphones are expected to feature 3D sensing cameras that will incorporate the use of time-of-flight sensors. These sensors are said to be used in the Samsung Galaxy S10 models, but will also find their way to Samsung’s mid-range A-series smartphones. The report claims that LG is expected to supply Apple the ToF sensors, while Samsung will be relying on its SEMCO and Patron suppliers.
However it should be noted that notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had stated back in September that Apple’s 2019 iPhones will not feature ToF sensors. Note that all of these reports are based on rumors and speculation so it’s hard to say who has it right and who has it wrong, although Kuo’s track record for near-perfect Apple predictions makes his a voice that’s hard to ignore.
In any case take it with a grain of salt for now, but based on what we’ve been hearing, Samsung’s Galaxy S10 is starting to shape up like quite the powerhouse and is definitely high on the list of phones to watch out for in 2019.