If the notch is the most recognizable feature on Apple’s iPhones in recent years, the triangular rear camera cluster is also a distinctive feature of Apple.
However, Apple does not only design the rear camera cluster for identification or for aesthetics. Behind the design of Apple’s triangular camera cluster, there is a more important function, towards the user experience.
The truth behind Apple’s triangular camera cluster design
The iPhone 13 Pro is equipped with a larger camera sensor, but that’s not why Apple designed the rear camera cluster in a triangle shape. Apple has used this design since the iPhone 11 Pro launched in 2019. At that time, Apple could completely place the sensors vertically like the Huawei P30 Pro, or horizontally like the Samsung Galaxy S10.
Technically, the remaining space inside the chassis remains the same, just the arrangement of components will be different. But Apple decided to arrange its sensors in a triangle, which turns out to be not because of aesthetics or to be different.
If you have experienced the photography feature on iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro, you will realize one thing. It’s the ability to switch very smoothly between normal camera lenses, super wide-angle camera and telephoto camera.
Switch between lenses on iPhone 13 Pro.
This would not be possible if Apple designed its sensors vertically or horizontally. It is a fact that is easy to see, that the distance between the sensors in the triangle will be the same and the shortest, compared to the vertical or horizontal arrangement.
With the triangular design, when you switch to any lens, the change in composition will be minimal. The distance between the lenses is minimal and all the same, the transition between lenses also becomes the smoothest.
Proof that the difference can be seen on the Google Pixel 6
Google’s newly launched Pixel 6 Pro also uses 3 rear cameras, with a main sensor, an ultra-wide-angle camera and a 4x telephoto camera. However, Google designed its camera cluster horizontally and has a very impressive appearance. But maybe Google didn’t pay attention to the user experience when taking photos and switching between lenses.
Switch between lenses on the Google Pixel 6 Pro.
The Pixel 6 Pro’s main camera is on the far left, while the 4x telephoto camera is on the far right. Therefore, when switching between the regular 1x camera and the 4x zoom mode, you will notice a slight change in the composition of the frame. Not only that, the transition between the two lenses is also not smooth and slows down a bit.
Samsung also has a very smart rear camera design
Galaxy S21 Ultra has up to 4 rear cameras, but the arrangement is very clever to help enhance the user experience, and there is something like Apple’s design.
With up to 4 rear cameras, if arranged together in a vertical or horizontal line, the change will be huge when switching between lenses. With 4 cameras, Samsung also cannot design into a triangle like Apple.
However, Samsung has found a middle ground. That is to put the main camera cluster, 3x telephoto camera and 10x telephoto camera into a triangle, and the super wide-angle camera is placed at the top. It is like two triangles joined together.
Switch between lenses on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Thus, when switching between 0.5x to 1x and 3x and 10x cameras, it will be the same as switching between 0.5x to 3x or 1x to 10x cameras. The biggest change is probably just from the super wide-angle camera to the 10x telephoto camera. Otherwise, the transition will still be very smooth and not change the image composition much.
Reference: phonearena