Inspired by professional camera tech, Samsung’s upcoming zoom lens module promises smooth, high-quality zoom without lens switching.
Samsung Expands Its Lens Technology With True Continuous Zoom
Samsung is venturing deeper into advanced camera hardware by developing a continuous optical zoom lens for smartphones. Unlike current multi-lens setups, this innovation enables seamless zooming from 1x to 9x, similar to traditional DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
- Most smartphone zooming today involves jumping between fixed focal lengths.
- Samsung’s continuous zoom lens will allow for fluid zoom transitions, maintaining consistent image quality throughout.
Tech Collaboration: Samsung Supplies Zoom Modules to Tecno
Samsung, along with Taiwan’s Largan, is partnering with Tecno, a Chinese smartphone brand, to produce two telephoto modules:
- Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto
- Freeform Continuum Telephoto
Samsung’s role involves manufacturing components of these modules, indicating its deep involvement in next-gen smartphone camera innovation.
Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto: Compact, Creative, But with Limitations
The Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto uses a mirror-based optical system:
- 50% smaller than traditional telephoto lenses.
- Capable of producing donut-shaped bokeh, similar to DSLR mirror lenses.
- However, it loses one stop of light, reducing the amount of light that reaches the sensor by half—potentially impacting low-light performance.
Freeform Continuum Telephoto: The True Game-Changer
The Freeform Continuum Telephoto module is where Samsung’s real breakthrough lies. Unlike fixed telephoto lenses:
- It provides true continuous optical zoom from 1x to 9x.
- Uses a single periscope-style lens instead of multiple lenses.
- Offers sharper details at every focal length and eliminates zoom jumps.
Advantages include:
- No need for separate telephoto cameras.
- Improved image quality thanks to larger primary camera sensors.
- Seamless user experience, especially during video recording or photography at variable distances.
Existing Challenges and Samsung’s Possible Advantage
Sony’s Xperia 1 VII uses similar technology but was criticized for reduced sharpness compared to fixed lenses. The real test will be whether Tecno and Samsung can overcome this limitation.
- If Samsung refines the optics for better sharpness and light intake, it could lead the market.
- Samsung’s in-house design, ALoP (All Lenses on Prism), already improves light capture, although it doesn’t yet support continuous zoom.
What’s Next for Galaxy Devices?
If testing and partnerships go well, Samsung may introduce its own version of continuous zoom modules in future Galaxy smartphones.
- Potential for debut in flagship models like the Galaxy S26 Ultra or Galaxy Z series.
- Could reshape the mobile photography landscape by removing the need for multiple rear cameras.
Samsung is developing a 1x–9x continuous optical zoom lens for smartphones, inspired by traditional camera technology. In partnership with Tecno and Largan, this innovation could replace fixed telephoto lenses, offering smoother zoom and better image quality. A successful rollout may set a new standard for Galaxy devices.
