by Smartphone innovation has stagnated recently, every phone, regardless of OS, looks and functions like every other phone, so what’s the next step forward?
Both Huawei and LG seem to think that camera technology is where the next evolution will take place, so much so that both companies have debuted phones with dual rear-facing cameras.
LG G5
LG’s G5 has a standard 16MP OIS (optical image stabilising) camera situated alongside an 8MP wide-angle lens on the back of the device. The Korean company believes that taking photos in a cramped space is something that many people struggle with and they’re hoping that the addition of the wide angle lens will solve this.
Each lens can be used independently of each other or they can be used in conjunction with each other.
Keeping one of the most loved features from 2015’s G4, the G5 has a manual mode which allows you to capture images in RAW format as well as adjust the ISO, Aperture and White Balance.
Huawei P9
Huawei, on the other hand, has decided to partner with renowned camera brand, Leica, to improve the quality of photos taken with their smartphones. Both of the rear-facing lenses are 12MP, however, one lens is monochrome while other is an RGB lens.
Both lenses work in tandem, combining the increased amount of light let in by the monochrome lens with the full-colour images captured by the RGB lens. This allows more light to be captured which allows for better contrast and better image quality in lowlight conditions.
Huawei have also opted to include a manual mode on the P9 and P9 Plus. When compared to traditional single lens smartphones, the benefit of a dual-camera setup is debatable.
Whats the catch?
The two devices which are currently available, have both opted to utilise the setup differently and that’s where the problem lies.
With no consistency or standard in place, dual-cameras are currently the wild west of the smartphone world with each handset manufacturer deciding what they deem the most important use for the additional camera.
This could all change later in 2016 if Apple opts to include a dual-camera setup on the iPhone 7. This could help stabilise and standardise the new technology and bring a clear benefit to the inclusion of a secondary camera on the rear of the device.
