How can professional imaging technology be transformed into an everyday, portable, and simplified tool?

2024 marks a significant year for AI hardware innovation.

The industry consensus in AI is "not competing on parameters but on applications." On one hand, AI capabilities are being aggressively integrated into hardware, with AI hardware becoming increasingly popular across industries such as mobile phones, PCs, household appliances, automobiles, cleaning devices, headphones, cameras, and storage, all seeking innovative uses for AI. On the other hand, AI is profoundly transforming software, with native AI applications like Wenxiaoyan and Doubao gaining widespread adoption, and search, input methods, browsers, payments, office software, and e-commerce being reshaped by AI.

AI has emerged as a "magic wand" for technological innovation, and this is just the beginning.

In December, the "Leitech Annual Special" will be launched, with "Focus on 2024" systematically organizing companies, products, technologies, and key figures in the tech industry that warrant attention this year. Meanwhile, "Looking Ahead to 2025" will preview anticipated products and technologies in the tech industry for 2025, paying tribute to innovation, recording the era, and inspiring the future.

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2024 has witnessed rapid advancements in mobile imaging technology, with "imaging flagship" becoming a core category for high-end mobile phones. Mid-range phones, foldable phones, and even budget phones have focused on enhancing their imaging capabilities, previously considered their weakness. With various mobile phone manufacturers showcasing their prowess, mobile imaging has leaped forward. Mobile phones that can "effortlessly capture stunning photos" have successfully evolved from daily recording tools to professional creation tools, and "mobile photography" has even become a sub-category of photography. While professional mirrorless cameras are known for their professionalism and power, imaging phones offer simplicity without compromising on power.

What new technologies in mobile imaging caught Lei's eye in 2024? As part of Leitech's 2024 annual report, this article reviews the key technological breakthroughs, innovations, and explorations in the mobile imaging industry this year. Some have become industry standards, while others may not have been as successful. Nonetheless, they all deserve to be recorded, aligning with the theme of Leitech's annual special issue: paying tribute to innovation, recording the era, and inspiring the future.

1. Telescopic Lens: Revived by Huawei, Yet to Become a Trend

Representative Model: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

The telescopic lens is not new in mobile phones. Due to its bulky lens module, large size, and overly complex mechanical structure, it has long been phased out by the market. However, Huawei Pura 70 Ultra presents a highly professional and advanced solution. Contrary to popular belief, Huawei Pura 70 Ultra doesn't use the telescopic lens for zoom but to increase the sensor's light intake and significantly reduce the body thickness.

Looking back at this year's imaging flagships, it's evident that while Huawei Pura 70 Ultra may not be the most powerful, it is the thinnest imaging flagship with a more compact camera module, appealing to photography enthusiasts averse to oversized camera modules.

(Image Source: Huawei Official)

Currently, other manufacturers have yet to grasp the value of telescopic lenses or may not have mature technology to follow suit. As a result, telescopic lenses have not yet become a trend as anticipated.

2. Variable Aperture: From High Hopes to Gradual Decline

Representative Models: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra & Nubia Z70 Ultra

In 2022, Huawei's Mate 50 series introduced variable aperture technology, followed by Xiaomi's 13 Ultra. However, its practicality has been questioned by many consumers who find it insignificant in imaging.

While variable aperture technology may not be as intuitive as ultra-telephoto, ultra-high resolution, or ultra-large sensors, its primary function is to enhance the adaptability of mobile phone photography scenes. For example, a large aperture is ideal for portrait or product close-ups, while a smaller aperture is required for landscape or panoramic shots. Without a variable aperture, the out-of-focus area may appear blurred.

(Image Source: Nubia Official)

Before variable aperture technology, users could manually adjust the aperture size using the professional mode in the camera app. However, not everyone understands the relationship between aperture and depth of field. Variable aperture technology lowers the usage threshold, allowing users to automatically adjust without additional operations.

(Image Source: Nubia Official)

Currently, only Huawei and Nubia continue to insist on variable aperture technology. Regarding whether variable aperture is a practical technology, Lei believes that "existence is reasonable." While it meets the needs of some users, some manufacturers may have their reasons for abandoning it. Perhaps next year, a new batch of products equipped with upgraded variable aperture technology will be introduced.

3. Telephoto Lens: Enhanced Reach and Power

Representative Model: vivo X100 Ultra

Telephoto lenses have evolved from early 8-megapixel small-sensor models to today's 200-megapixel ultra-large-sensor models, enabling users to capture clearer images from farther distances.

In 2024, the Samsung HP9 1/1.4-inch sensor on the vivo X100 Ultra left a deep impression on Lei. With CIPA 4.5-level image stabilization and 200 million pixels, it remains the most powerful telephoto sensor on the market. Seriously, the parameters and cost of this telephoto sensor are not much lower than those of flagship phones' main sensors.

(Image Source: vivo Official)

The telephoto lens's biggest advantage is simplifying image composition by excluding cluttered background information to highlight the subject and creating a sense of spatial compression not found in wide-angle lenses. However, previous telephoto lenses often suffered from issues like low light intake, poor image quality, and excessive smoothing. The introduction of high-resolution large-sensor telephoto lenses has resolved these issues, with the only drawbacks being high production costs and thicker modules.

Ultra-long-distance photography was previously the domain of professional cameras. For manufacturers, bringing lightweight, mass-market mobile phones closer to the perspective and quality of professional cameras can enhance image quality and serve as a marketing selling point. In 2025, telephoto lenses will likely be a top priority for mobile phone manufacturers in enhancing their imaging capabilities.

4. Multispectral Imaging Technology: Achieving Human Eye-Level Color Restoration

Representative Model: Huawei Mate 70 Series

Huawei's newly released Mate 70 series introduces multispectral imaging technology, which Huawei calls "Maple Leaf True Color Imaging."

This technical term may confuse many consumers. In simple terms, multispectral imaging technology relies on the internal sensors' three colors and the ISP's post-processing to restore captured images to the colors visible to the human eye.

(Image Source: Huawei Official)

Huawei is not the first manufacturer to bring multispectral imaging technology to mobile phones. OPPO and iPhone have also attempted to improve color accuracy through multi-channel color temperature sensors, but the results have been mediocre.

Based on previous solutions, Huawei has made improvements. The Huawei Mate 70 series, for example, first records colors in the scene using sensors, then uses the internal ISP to restore missing colors from the original sensor data, and finally utilizes various auxiliary components to achieve what you see is what you get. Lei has learned that the upcoming OPPO Find X8 Ultra will also feature a new generation of multispectral imaging technology, placing Huawei once again at the forefront of the imaging market.

5. Fast and Accurate Snapshot: Making the Camera Button Useful

Representative Model: OPPO Find X8 Pro

Lei previously analyzed the camera button in detail in "iPhone 16 Camera Button Special Experience: Apple's Treasure, Users' Chicken Ribs" (a play on words in Chinese, meaning something seemingly useful but practically useless). It was a new design for innovation's sake, without considering whether the button's existence was reasonable. It seemed that any difference from the previous generation could be called innovation.

Currently, only Apple and OPPO offer independent camera buttons. However, OPPO has clearly put more thought into this feature. Besides launching the camera, taking photos, adjusting focal lengths, and recording videos, the most critical function is integrating with the OPPO Find X8 series' snapshot feature to achieve a "pick-up-and-shoot" experience.

(Image Source: OPPO Official)

OPPO, Xiaomi, Honor, Huawei, and vivo have been continuously enhancing their snapshot and burst shooting capabilities. Based on Lei's experience, OPPO stands out among them. While its burst shooting speed is slower than other manufacturers, it excels in image quality, with about seven out of ten photos being clear and usable.

This is related to OPPO's snapshot approach: Traditional snapshot methods primarily involve quickly launching the camera and taking consecutive shots, whereas OPPO first identifies the subject, adjusts parameters, and then retains two frames from the snapshot process. This method, known as "adjust-then-shoot," sacrifices some speed but offers better image quality.

Compared to hardware competitions, snapshot and burst shooting are relatively simpler yet significantly enhance the shooting experience. Lei believes that in 2025, OPPO and other leading mobile phone manufacturers will introduce more new technologies in snapshot and burst shooting.

6. Livephoto: A Criterion of "Very Apple-like" Evaluation

Representative Model: OPPO Reno 13 Series

Apple probably never expected Livephoto to suddenly become popular in 2024.

Technically, Livephoto involves switching to recording a short video during the shoot and setting the first frame as the "video" cover. Users can make the photo come to life with sound by long-pressing it. Some consumers describe it as a "vibrant photo"—essentially a structured, high-definition, and photographic GIF.

The implementation is straightforward, but only iPhone has featured Livephoto as a core imaging function, which many users find less useful. Many Apple users are unaware of the difference between shooting Livephoto and still images. Previously, platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu supported Livephoto, but its influence was limited. In September 2024, the popular app WeChat suddenly supported sharing Livephoto on Moments, catapulting its popularity overnight. Since then, almost every mobile phone manufacturer has been promoting their Livephoto capabilities, even competing on image quality, supported platforms, and cross-device sharing.

(Image Source: OPPO Official)

In Lei's view, Android manufacturers' follow-up is not merely imitating but genuinely addressing user needs. Android manufacturers, represented by OPPO, have even introduced features like AI-enhanced Livephoto quality and dynamic watermarks, surpassing Apple's original concept.

Creating Livephoto is not difficult; the challenge lies in covering most social media scenarios like Apple does. Lei firmly believes that with the continuous efforts of Android manufacturers, more social platforms will support uploading Livephoto from Android devices, further narrowing Apple's ecological advantage.

7. Small Sensor: Making the "Area Theory" Obsolete

Representative Model: vivo X200 Pro

The one-inch large sensor is a milestone in mobile imaging history. Phones like the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and vivo X90 Pro+ equipped with a one-inch large sensor left a profound impression on Lei. They could "reproduce" shooting effects previously achievable only with professional cameras.

The emergence of the one-inch large sensor sparked a wave of competition among manufacturers to increase sensor size. However, in 2024, manufacturers gradually shifted their focus from size to capability, making the simple comparison of sensor sizes a thing of the past.

The sensor that impressed Lei this year is the LYT-818 on the vivo X200 Pro. While its specifications are not luxurious, with an area of only 1/1.28, smaller than the 1/1.12-inch GN2 on the Xiaomi 11 Ultra from three years ago, it surpasses one-inch sensors in practicality.

(Image Source: vivo Official)

Features like a 22nm process technology significantly reducing power consumption, the first support for Triple-Gain, support for constant HDR output, support for a single-frame 86dB dynamic range, and exceptional performance in high-contrast scenarios allow the LYT-818 to produce images with quality comparable to one-inch sensors, regardless of whether taken during the day, night, or in extreme conditions.

The emergence of this sensor has made the "area theory" obsolete, and imaging flagships now have more options. The only drawback is that it might not sound as impressive in promotions as a one-inch sensor.

8. AI Imaging: Sparking a New Wave of Computational Photography

Representative models: OPPO Find X8 Pro, Xiaomi 15 Pro

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mobile imaging is not a new topic. However, with the maturation of large model technology and significant advancements in AI, mobile phone manufacturers have gained a deeper and more specialized understanding of AI imaging this year.

(Image source: Xiaomi official)

Currently, AI imaging can be primarily categorized into three segments:

Firstly, enhancing image quality through algorithmic processing during capture;

Secondly, incorporating beautification or portrait enhancement algorithms during post-processing. This year, I am particularly intrigued by this aspect. Previously, when editing photos in an album, users could only apply filters, crop images, or add portrait beautification algorithms. Now, manufacturers have introduced various functions such as AI clutter removal, AI crowd removal, AI reflection removal, AI recomposition, and AI stylistic learning, further simplifying the learning curve. These advanced features have gained immense popularity among users and have even become a compelling reason for some to purchase or upgrade their phones;

Thirdly, providing professionals with expanded post-processing capabilities. For instance, the Xiaomi 15 Pro's AI-based super digital negative can extract more optical data, even surpassing many professional cameras, offering extensive post-processing options that are highly appealing to professionals.

(Image source: OPPO official)

The core value of AI in mobile imaging lies in "simplifying complexity." As AI capabilities continue to strengthen, many manufacturers have even introduced the concepts of AI phones and AI operating systems. As a pivotal area of AI application, AI imaging in 2025 is poised to become a key direction for advancing mobile imaging, and the trend towards computational photography will gain even more momentum.

IX. Cinematic Video Specifications: Who Said Apple's Video is Unbeatable?

Representative models: OPPO Find X8 Pro, vivo X200 Pro

The progress made by mobile phone manufacturers in video in 2024 is equally impressive as that in photography. The most apparent change is that this year's video specifications have become markedly more professional and detailed.

In the minds of many consumers, only the primary camera of a flagship phone supports 4K60fps video recording. However, this year, almost all imaging flagships support 4K Dolby Vision ultra-high-definition video recording, and the OPPO Find X8 series has achieved 4K60fps recording across all lenses for the first time.

Vivo has taken it a step further. The X200 Pro is the first Android phone to support 4K 60fps 10-bit Log recording, which meets cinematic standards.

(Image source: vivo official)

The notion that "Android phones excel at photos, while Apple phones are unbeatable at videos" may soon become a relic of the past in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, the development of mobile imaging in 2024 has surpassed our expectations. Whether it's Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, Honor, Huawei, or Apple, they have all showcased their strengths this year, pushing the boundaries of both hardware and software. Technologies like Huawei's Maple Leaf True Color Imaging, vivo's cinematic video specifications, and OPPO's AI algorithms have paved new paths for the future evolution of mobile imaging.

(Image source: Leitech production)

Mobile imaging is not merely about blindly incorporating hardware for a better experience. If the foundational experience is subpar, everything else crumbles. On the foundation of being a "good camera," mobile phone manufacturers continue to innovate through AI, interaction, video, and other aspects, constantly pushing mobile phones closer to or even surpassing the imaging standards of professional cameras, truly making professional imaging technology everyday, portable, and straightforward, showcasing the allure of inclusive technology.

Source: Leitech

Images in this article are from: 123RF Authentic Library Source: Leitech