For years, smartphone manufacturers have relied on stacking multiple cameras to cover a wide zoom range. The most common zoom ranges include 1x (main), 3x telephoto, 5x periscope, and 10x periscope—with some brand-dependent variations. This array results in the clunky “focal jumps” and inconsistent image quality we often see when a mobile device switches from one sensor to the next. However, Samsung ‘s latest continuous zoom lens tech for camera phones could definitely help solve this, and the Chinese smartphone brand Tecno will be among those who will use it.
Tecno recently showcased its next-generation imaging innovations. The firm highlighted a new continuous optical zoom technology that notably simplifies the camera array. The core breakthrough is the Freeform Continuum Telephoto module. While we have already seen continuous optical zoom in smartphones before, this new periscope module covers an impressive optical range from 1x all the way up to 9x zoom. Thid wide range of zoom eliminates the need for separate telephoto lenses entirely.
Samsung and Tecno partner on 1x-9x phone camera lens: Freeform Continuum Telephoto
Samsung started production of continuous zoom lens in September . Since then, brands like Tecno have been managing to integrate this technology into their devices. The single-module approach for mobile zoom offers several advantages. The list includes getting sharper details at any focal length and eliminating the jarring “zoom jump” that happens when the handset attempts to transition between different sensors. Furthermore, since the module can integrate larger sensors typically reserved for primary cameras, image quality could potentially improve across the entire zoom range.
Tecno is engineering their imaging module with the help of Samsung and the Taiwanese firm Largan to handle the manufacturing. Because of its complexity, this design will require at least a year before it is ready for commercial use. So, we may see the technology in upcoming devices like Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Vivo X300 Ultra and OPPO Find X9 Ultra.
Tecno also announces Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto module
In addition to the continuous zoom module, Tecno announced the Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto module . Fortunately, this tech is ready to go into phones much sooner. This design focuses on slimness, utilizing two mirrors in a coaxial optical design to fold the light path. The approach makes the module an impressive 50% smaller than traditional zoom lenses. It will effectively help manufacturers create thinner phones without sacrificing essential zoom capability.
Tecno’s Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto module mirror design also creates a unique, donut-shaped bokeh effect. However, there’s a trade-off: the mirror system reportedly loses one stop of light, effectively halving the amount of light reaching the sensor. So, it is best to use it outdoors during the day or in very well-lit interiors.
As we can see, these new technologies from Tecno offer great advantages, as well as some trade-offs. If the Chinese company and Samsung solve the remaining technical hurdles, we may soon see flagship phones that replace complicated multi-camera arrays with one powerful, uninterrupted zoom lens. Perhaps camera-focused giants like OPPO and Xiaomi will also find the answer even sooner.
