Phone manufacturers fear to innovate, and this tiny sensor proves it.
There is a small sensor capable of improving colors and white balance in smartphone cameras, although its use has not yet become mainstream.
During a recent Google Meet call at CES 2025, Henrik Andersen, marketing director of Spectricity, discussed the challenge of integrating new camera technologies into smartphones, emphasizing that for the average consumer, the photos taken with their devices are often good enough. This situation is complicated by the conservative approach of larger manufacturers, which often do not prioritize innovations that may seem insignificant to everyday users.
Spectricity has developed a sensor called a multispectral imager (MSI), capable of delving into visible light and offering more natural colors and a significantly improved white balance in photos taken with phones. Although the S1 model was presented at CES 2023 with the expectation of being integrated into phones in 2024, the progress has not gone as expected. Andersen admitted there are challenges with manufacturers, a problem that many mobile technology enthusiasts have noticed.
The conservative strategy of brands like Apple and Samsung in introducing new technologies has generated some frustration among consumers. However, the question arises as to why smaller brands, which seek to differentiate themselves, do not adopt multispectral sensors. According to Andersen, the challenges are diverse: “Cost is a significant factor, as we are basically adding another camera,” he commented. Additionally, there is the need to consider the space it occupies in the device and the energy requirements. Although the sensor does not consume much energy, manufacturers aim to maximize battery life.
Another aspect complicating integration is that many smaller companies depend on Qualcomm's automatic white balance system (AWB). If Qualcomm does not provide integration for an MSI, they must do so independently. Spectricity is collaborating with Qualcomm to overcome this hurdle, although it faces the challenge that companies will not allocate resources unless there is clear demand from consumers.
At CES 2025, the company presented the S1-A, a combined camera module that magnetically attaches to the back of a tablet and captures 15 channels of visible light, far exceeding the three channels typical of a conventional RGB camera. This device is not meant for the general consumer but serves as a reference model for partners and developers. Before the arrival of the S1-A, Spectricity had showcased the potential of its sensor in laboratory settings, making it difficult for companies to test it in the field.
One use case for the sensor is its application in skin analysis with the Korean brand Lululab, which allows for the evaluation of various aspects such as blood volume and pigmentation. Based on this information, Lululab uses artificial intelligence models to recommend suitable treatments. Andersen mentioned other applications being explored with the S1-A, including wound care and food safety.
The S1-A is currently compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S9 tablet and connects via USB-C. Spectricity is working to expand compatibility with more Android devices and considers introducing support for iOS if there is enough interest.
Despite the slow progress in adopting multispectral imaging sensors in phones, Andersen pointed out that such a sensor is set to debut in a device in 2024, although it is not a product from Spectricity. The Huawei Mate 70 Pro, which has yet to be launched outside of China, is expected to incorporate this technology. Andersen highlighted that they have observed significant improvements in photo quality thanks to the AWB in conducted tests.
The possibility of a manufacturer demonstrating the benefits of such a sensor could motivate others to follow suit. As the Mate 70 Pro prepares to launch, interest in multispectral sensors is growing, which could accelerate adoption in the mobile industry.