The relentless advancement of mobile technology has put invisible under-screen cameras at the center of the conversation about the future of smartphones. This innovation promises to transform, once and for all, the visual and user experience, eliminating any interruptions on the screen and achieving that long-awaited "full-screen" effect that is so attractive to the most demanding users. Let's talk about Invisible under-screen cameras: pros, cons, and current mobile phones.
Manufacturers and users agree on the desire to see fully immersive phones, without a notch or visible camera holes, but the reality is that making the front camera go unnoticed involves facing several technical challenges. In this article, we'll break down all the details about this technology, its main advantages and disadvantages, the current market situation, and what the near future holds.
The obsession with uninterrupted screens
The desire to eliminate visual obstacles on smartphone screens is not new. For years, manufacturers have explored various solutions to hide the front camera, such as notches, motorized pop-up cameras, or minimally intrusive circular holes. While each of these alternatives has offered advancements, none has achieved the level of visual perfection of a truly invisible camera, completely hidden under the display.
For many users, being able to watch series, movies, or play games without visual distractions on the screen is a real plus. Although the size of the notches and holes has been significantly reduced, it remains a detail that detracts from immersion. This situation has led the industry to redouble its efforts in search of a truly invisible and effective solution.
The path taken: previous solutions and first prototypes
Before under-display cameras took center stage, manufacturers experimented with several ingenious alternatives. Some brands, such as Samsung, opted for motorized, rotating camera modules, as in the Galaxy A80, where the rear lens slid and rotated to become the front camera. Xiaomi also patented similar mechanisms, developing systems with rotating, magnetized cameras to save space and offer versatility. However, these systems added mechanical complexity, with a higher risk of failure and high repair costs.
The circular cutout or 'punch hole' soon became the standard solution, being cheaper, simpler and more reliable. But, while effective, it doesn't address the need for an uninterrupted display. Lovers of minimalist design and movie buffs, who want to take advantage of every last millimeter of screen, were still waiting for real innovation.
The birth of the under-screen camera: first tests and development
The real leap came from Chinese manufacturers such as ZTE, Vivo and OPPO. Since 2020, these tech giants have invested heavily in developing sensors capable of capturing light through OLED panels specially designed to allow light to pass through the camera area. Visionox, a Chinese display supplier, was among the first to announce OLED panels ready for hidden cameras, promising a balance between transparency and photographic performance.
ZTE pioneered the launch of the first commercial smartphone with an under-display camera: the Axon 20 5G. This model was followed by others such as the Axon 30 and Axon 40 Ultra, which have refined the technology with each generation, although they still fail to match the image quality of conventional cameras in all lighting scenarios.
How does an invisible under-screen camera work?
The key to this technology lies in the OLED panel's ability to let light through exactly where the front sensor is located. In more advanced models, such as those from Xiaomi and ZTE, the area of the screen above the camera uses a special pixel configuration and materials, allowing sufficient light to be transmitted to the sensor without the user noticing any difference from the rest of the panel.
This technical challenge involves two crucial elements: On the one hand, the arrangement of RGB subpixels, designed to maintain the continuity and density of the screen; on the other, advanced algorithms that compensate for the reduced amount of light, optimizing the processing and reconstruction of the captured image. The result: a "hidden" camera that only becomes apparent when it's in operation.
Advantages of under-screen cameras
The main attraction of this technology is the uninterrupted visual experience. Enjoying a phone without any notches, holes, or other obtrusive mechanisms represents a qualitative leap in design. The sensation of full panoramic viewing, especially when watching videos or playing games, is significantly improved.
In addition, freeing up space at the front creates new design opportunities and a larger usable surface area. Manufacturers can opt for even thinner bezels and more elegant designs, fulfilling the desires of those seeking maximum modernity and sophistication. For those who find notches or holes annoying, here's the ultimate solution.
It also improves sensor protection by being covered by the screen. The fact that the lens is not exposed to dust or possible scratches increases durability and keeps the device's aesthetics cleaner.
Main current limitations
However, achieving the perfect balance between "invisibility" and true image quality remains a challenge. Under-display cameras typically suffer from two main problems: reduced light intake and color and contrast disturbances. The display, no matter how transparent it is, filters some of the light, making it difficult to obtain images as sharp and accurate as those from a traditional, non-display camera.
Photos taken in low-light environments or under difficult lighting conditions may show a clear loss of detail and less natural tones. Although processing algorithms have advanced significantly, selfies taken with these cameras often fall short of the best conventional sensors, especially in the premium range.
Another point to consider is the price. Implementing OLED displays with specially designed zones to allow light to pass through is a costly operation, which increases the final price of the device, at least for the first generations. Therefore, these phones are usually aimed at the mid-high and high-end ranges, distancing themselves from the entry-level consumer.
Who's leading the race?: featured manufacturers and models
At this point, Chinese brands have taken the lead in truly integrating invisible cameras under the screen. ZTE pioneered the trend with its Axon 20 5G, followed by the Axon 30 and Axon 40 Ultra, where significant work has been done to improve the hidden sensor. These devices boast cutting-edge features such as 120Hz AMOLED displays, high-end processors, and advanced rear camera systems, but above all, they stand out for their all-screen design.
Xiaomi is also in the running, with its Mix range and the promise of implementing this technology in mass-produced models. The company is expected to soon launch commercial versions with the under-display camera as standard, based on its own pixel development and algorithm optimization.
Oppo, Vivo, and Huawei are also not far behind, with several prototypes and patents in progress. Samsung, for its part, has shown interest in bringing the technology to its future Z Fold range, albeit with an even more premium focus.
The next challenge: invisible cameras and 3D facial recognition
One of the most ambitious challenges is to merge the under-screen camera with advanced 3D facial recognition systems, similar to Apple's Face ID. This combination would involve hiding not only the camera, but also the sensors needed to map the face in three dimensions safely and accurately.
So far, most Android manufacturers have failed to match the quality, reliability, and security of Apple's Face ID, especially in 3D systems. Only Honor has dared to make serious proposals in advanced facial recognition with its Magic7 Pro. However, there are already rumors and leaks suggesting that several companies are working intensively to merge both technologies, and that the first models could arrive in the coming years, with 2026 marked in red on many product roadmap calendars.
When will we see mass adoption?
Although under-display camera technology is already a commercial reality, its widespread adoption is still subject to two key factors: cost and improved image quality. Currently, the largest manufacturers are reserving this innovation for their most exclusive models, while they work to refine photographic results and reduce the cost of producing transparent OLED panels.
If advances in hardware and software continue at the expected pace, we're likely to see invisible cameras spread first to the high-end segment and gradually make their way to more affordable models over the next two years. This will mark a crucial change from the "full-screen" experience that users have been waiting for years.
Which phones can you buy now with an under-screen camera?
If you're one of those who can't stand the notch or the holes, and prioritize clean design above all else, there are already options on the market. Among the most notable and affordable models are:
- ZTE Axon 30: It offers 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, a 120Hz OLED display and invisible camera, with 55W fast charging. It usually costs around 300 euros.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: It stands out for its 120Hz AMOLED panel, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and advanced triple rear camera. The front is completely clean, and its price is usually around €570.
- Nubia Z70S Ultra: Incorporates the latest hardware, a next-generation under-display camera, and a seamless viewing experience.
There's no need to wait to enjoy a phone without a cutout on the screen, although it's important to keep in mind that selfie quality and price are still evolving.
