In a recent report by TrendForce, anticipation builds for a significant rebound in the smartphone camera lens market throughout 2024.

The forecast suggests that there will be a 3.8 percent growth in smartphone camera lens market, attributed primarily to the burgeoning trends in AI-driven smartphone technologies. Projections indicate that the market is set to swell to approximately 4.22 billion units.

Leading the charge in this revitalized market is Samsung, with its highly-anticipated S24 series. Packed with cutting-edge AI capabilities, particularly its advanced Generative AI applications, the flagship smartphones are poised to capture a substantial market share. Notably, the incorporation of the innovative ProVisual Engine algorithm promises a revolutionary leap in photo quality. This algorithm optimizes objects within images individually, enhancing clarity, and significantly stabilizing images by mitigating noise and shake.

According to TrendForce’s analysis, there is a discernible shift towards a standardized configuration within the market. Primary lenses ranging from 49MP to 64MP are becoming the norm, with rear setups commonly stabilizing at three lenses. The industry is witnessing remarkable hardware innovations, including periscopic lens modules, hybrid glass-plastic lenses, and APO (Apochromatic) lenses. These advancements are pushing the boundaries of color fidelity and imaging capabilities.

Consumer behavior continues to be shaped by upgrades in camera specifications, particularly among high-end models. However, there is a nuanced trend emerging where entry-level models receive selective upgrades. Rather than focusing solely on the number of rear lenses, there’s a heightened emphasis on enhancing the resolution of the main lens. For instance, Vivo’s Y200 smartphone boasts a remarkable 64MP main camera, signaling a departure from the conventional approach adopted by most brands for their entry-level models.

The recent success of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, featuring its exclusive Tetraprism telephoto zoom lens, has set the stage for further innovations. Periscopic lens modules are expected to gain increased adoption across the industry, with Apple planning to integrate this advanced hardware into its upcoming iPhone 16 Pro, broadening its accessibility within the Pro series.

Despite these advancements, cost considerations remain a significant factor for Android smartphone brands. TrendForce predicts a segmentation of offerings based on price segments, with mid-range models likely opting for cost-effective fixed-focus or single-fold periscope module solutions. In contrast, high-end models may gravitate towards more sophisticated configurations, exemplified by Oppo’s Find X7 Ultra, which boasts a dual periscope lens module.