Samsung has revolutionized the concept of mobile zoom cameras with its latest creation – the dual folded camera module that's capable of optical 10x zoom. It debuted with the company's latest flagship phone series, specifically the Galaxy S21 Ultra model, but this impressive technology won't remain exclusive to Samsung. Or at least, this isn't what the company wants.
On the contrary, the optical 10x zoom camera that can be found only on the back of the Galaxy S21 Ultra could soon be employed by other OEMs. Samsung Electro-Mechanics confirmed today that it is already supplying the module to global smartphone companies. Samsung Electro-Mechanics hasn't named any clients so your guess as to what OEM will be using Samsung's optical 10x zoom camera next is as good as ours.
Samsung has once again hinted at the automotive market
Samsung's been showing a bigger interest in the automotive market lately. Last year the company expanded its MLCC (multilayer ceramic capacitor) manufacturing facility to be capable of supplying MLCC solutions to carmakers, and earlier this year there were reports about Samsung allegedly planning a new wave of mergers and acquisitions across the automotive supply sector.
Now, the company has reminded us of its automotive ambitions once again. Along with its recent announcement regarding the distribution of the Galaxy S21 Ultra zoom camera to other OEMs, Samsung Electro-Mechanics also claimed that it will utilize the technology and expertise it accumulated in the mobile area thus far to expand its business with global automotive companies.
This suggests that Samsung wants to become a bigger supplier of optical sensors for carmakers, though it's unclear if the existing dual folded zoom camera module could have any practical uses for this segment.