XIAOMI(HK:01810) 3 6 Ke·2025-08-04 02:36Core Viewpoint - The evolution of smartphone camera technology is shifting from multi-camera setups to fewer cameras, with a focus on maintaining image quality, particularly in portrait photography. This trend is observed in flagship models from brands like Xiaomi and Samsung, which are moving from four-camera to three-camera designs while addressing the need for a dedicated portrait focal length [5][10][19]. Group 1: Impact of Xiaomi CC9 Pro - The Xiaomi CC9 Pro was a significant model as it was the first to feature a 100-megapixel camera and achieved the highest score on DXOMARK for photography [1]. - Subsequent models like Xiaomi 10 Ultra and Xiaomi 12S Ultra retained a dedicated "medium focal length" for portrait photography, influencing the design of flagship models from competitors like Samsung and OPPO [3]. Group 2: Shift from Four Cameras to Three - By mid-2025, multiple brands, including Xiaomi, are planning to transition from four-camera to three-camera designs, often eliminating the dedicated "medium focal length" camera [5][12]. - The removal of the independent macro camera in favor of using ultra-wide or telephoto lenses is seen as an improvement, but the necessity of the medium focal length for portrait photography remains a concern [5][19]. Group 3: Technical Considerations - The Xiaomi 15 Ultra utilizes a dedicated "medium focal length" based on the IMX858 sensor, which is crucial for portrait photography, as cropping from larger sensors can lead to reduced image quality [7][9]. - The effective light-sensitive area of sensors plays a critical role in image quality, and the design choices made by manufacturers will impact the performance of portrait photography [9][18]. Group 4: Alternative Solutions - Xiaomi's potential solution involves a "multi-group periscope" design that uses two periscope telephoto lenses sharing a high-resolution sensor, aiming to cover medium to long focal lengths while improving image quality [12][14]. - Samsung is expected to upgrade its camera system to include a 1-inch, 200-megapixel sensor for the main wide-angle camera, which may help address the shortcomings of its current medium focal length sensor [16][18]. Group 5: Market Implications - The transition to three-camera systems in flagship models is seen as a positive development for image quality, but non-flagship models adopting similar designs may be viewed as cost-cutting measures rather than genuine improvements [21][23]. - The industry is advised to differentiate between flagship and non-flagship models when implementing these design changes, as the latter may not benefit from the same technological advancements [21][23].