The recent launch of Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, has sparked significant discussion, particularly around its use of under-display camera technology. However, Ni Fei, President of ZTE Terminal Business Unit and Nubia Technology Co., Ltd., has weighed in, suggesting that Apple is likely still in its early stages of this technology, while Nubia has already iterated through seven generations.
Apple Enters the Under-Display Arena
Apple’s foray into foldable phones with the iPhone Duo marks its entry into a market segment that has been explored by various manufacturers. A key feature drawing attention is the under-display camera, a technology that Chinese brand Nubia has been actively developing and refining for several years.
“After waiting for a few years, it’s quite moving to finally see Apple also start using under-display cameras. Nubia began on this path back in 2020 with the Axon 20 and has since iterated up to the seventh generation,” stated Ni Fei.
Nubia’s Under-Display Camera Evolution
Ni Fei highlighted the crucial aspect of under-display camera performance: its ability to display color images without compromising the screen’s appearance. He explained the evolution from early iterations where the camera area was noticeable when viewing color videos, to Nubia’s current seventh-generation technology. According to Ni Fei, the latest iteration achieves pixel density consistency across the entire display, making the camera invisible even when full-color content is shown.
“The key question for under-display cameras is whether the screen panel over the camera shows any flaws when displaying color images. In the early days of under-display tech, watching color videos felt like looking through a veil. By the seventh generation, the screen area above the camera has the exact same pixel density as the rest of the screen when displaying color, making the camera completely invisible to the naked eye,” Ni Fei elaborated.
A Welcome Challenger
While acknowledging Apple’s entry into the foldable market, Ni Fei expressed confidence in Nubia’s technological lead in the under-display camera space. “Currently, it appears Apple is likely still on its second generation of under-display technology, whereas we have already reached the seventh generation. We welcome Apple to join the under-display race,” he commented.
Ni Fei extended an invitation to consumers interested in experiencing more mature under-display technology at a more accessible price point, suggesting Nubia’s Z80U and RedMagic 11 series as options. This positions Nubia as a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of this specific technology, offering advanced solutions ahead of major competitors.
iPhone Duo’s Camera Specifications
According to information from Apple’s official website, the iPhone Duo features a 48-megapixel fused dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP ultra-wide and a 48MP main camera. It also includes a 12MP Center Stage front-facing camera. Notably, the device boasts an under-display FaceTime camera supporting 1080p video, enabling dual-screen calls. While Apple is now integrating this technology, Nubia’s long-standing development suggests a significant technological gap, at least from Nubia’s perspective.
