Why is the iPhone 13 camera placed diagonally?

Numerous information and images of the iPhone 13 have been revealed in recent times. We all know that Apple will continue to launch 4 iPhone 13 models, two of which will have a changed rear camera cluster design. Those are iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, with the two rear cameras placed diagonally instead of in a straight line like the iPhone 12.

So why did Apple make such a change? Is it because I want the iPhone 13 to stand out more, to avoid being confused with the iPhone 12? In fact, although the iPhone 13 has not been officially released yet, we can still dissect a few reasons why Apple has to make such a change that is not for color.

The first reason may be because of a new technology, which Apple will equip with the iPhone 13. It is Sensor Shift Stabilization technology (sensor stabilization), different from Optical Image Stabilization (optical stabilization). we often see on smartphones these days.

Traditional OIS technology uses a magnetic anti-shake module to adjust the camera’s lens, reducing shake when taking photos or recording videos. And Sensor Shift Stabilization technology will adjust the camera sensor, in theory, providing better anti-shake ability. The side effect is that the camera module will be larger.

Let’s take a look at the inside image of the iPhone 12. We can see that the components are placed closely together and there is very little free space. That’s why just a small increase in size is a big problem for the manufacturer.

Apple had to place the iPhone 13’s two cameras diagonally, instead of in a straight line as before, to make room for larger camera modules. But why is the camera cluster of iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max unchanged?

Because iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have already been equipped with this Sensor Shift Stabilization technology by Apple. Meanwhile, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are not yet equipped with this new technology. This year, Apple has just expanded the sensor anti-shake technology to two versions of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. That’s why the camera cluster of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini changed to diagonal.

There are also rumors that Apple will increase the battery capacity of the iPhone 13. To do that, Apple is forced to change the design of the camera cluster to make more space for a larger battery. But whatever the reason, a side effect is that it will make the iPhone 13 more recognizable than the iPhone 12, which is also a good thing for those who want to own the latest iPhones.

Reference: phonearena