Innovative technology brand TECNO will debut its first AI-enhanced robotic dog, TECNO Dynamic 1, at MWC Barcelona 2024. The advanced robot embodies TECNO’s “Stop At Nothing” approach to innovating the technologies of tomorrow, with capabilities that can enhance everyday experiences. From smart home entertainment to assistance, education, and training, its intelligent, user-friendly functionalities make Dynamic 1 the perfect pet-like companion of the future.

Innovative Biomorphic Engineering Enriches Human-Machine Interaction

Dynamic 1 is TECNO's latest exploration of the diverse possibilities of human-machine interaction. Merging cutting-edge artificial intelligence with a lifelike design inspired by the German Shepherd, Dynamic 1 achieves both high aesthetic appeal and functional precision. Powerful torque output (45 N.m/kg) and a sophisticated cooling system in the knee joints enable the robot to mirror a dog's natural movements, such as climbing stairs, bowing and handshaking.

Dynamic 1 is equipped with an innovative headlight system that both illuminates its path and serves as an indicator for interaction. Furthermore, four microphones and advanced AI-driven voice recognition algorithms ensure outstanding voice control responsiveness and even more intuitive interaction.

AI HyperSense Technology Allows Dynamic Mobility

Dynamic 1 features an AI HyperSense Fusion System, ensuring that each movement is as stable as it is spirited. The robot integrates an Intel® RealSense™ D430 depth camera, dual optical sensors, and infrared sensors for comprehensive obstacle detection and safe navigation. At the core of its agility and resilience is an 8-core high-performance ARM CPU, enabling dynamic stability, rapid post-fall recovery, and speeds of up to 3.7m/s. Meanwhile, 64GB onboard storage and the latest WI-FI 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 further facilitate seamless and robust performance.

Varied Control Interfaces and Outstanding Endurance

Dynamic 1 offers users flexibility with a variety of options for controlling its functions, including via smartphone app, remote control, and voice command. With a 15000mAh battery, the robot is capable of up to 90 minutes of use, while its modular design allows for quick battery exchanges and simultaneous charging, minimizing downtime. A range of safety features give users peace of mind, protecting against common electrical issues.



In unveiling Dynamic 1, TECNO is showcasing its strength and imagination in the field of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. TECNO is committed to pursuing the development of cutting-edge technology for consumers.

TECNO welcomes all visitors to experience Dynamic 1 firsthand at MWC Barcelona 2024. The innovative device, along with the industry's first combined AR glasses and Windows gaming handheld set, innovative concept materials, leading smartphones and AloT devices, will be on show at TECNO’s show stand, located at 6B11, Hall 6, Fira Gran Via.

For any related media queries, please contact pr.tecno@tecno-mobile.com

TECNO is bringing to the Philippines GenZ’s highly anticipated ultimate smartphone – the SPARK 10 5G. Delivering an unmatched selfie and vlogging experience in the early bird PhP8,000 to PhP10,000 price range, the SPARK 10 5G has souped up features and trendy design Gen Zs will love. It delivers high performance at a fraction of the price.

Ultimate performance

SPARK 10 5G has a Mediatek Dimensity 6020 5G powerful processor and 16GB(8+8)+128GB memory that further boosts superior performance. 

Using the advanced chip processor, the single-core benchmark runs over most 4G processors, allowing users to play all kinds of games smoothly. With high performance memory, power consumption is reduced by up to 54%. The UFS 2.2 high-speed dual-channel memory supports up to 1Gb/s transmission.

SPARK 10 5G also has a 90Hz high screen refresh rate for an improved overall visual fluency.

The high-performing smartphone can run smoothly on the 5G network. More 5G frequency bands are supported, the APP network experience is faster, and power consumption is lower. With multi-link aggregation, users will have smoother network experience. Using wifi and data network at the same time, the network delay can be reduced by up to 60%. SPARK10 5G also has Android 13-based HiOS 12. It supports dual 5G SIM+SD card expansion up to 1TB.

Next level photos and videos for vloggers

SPARK 10 5G has a 50MP super clear rear high resolution camera and full scene imaging system. With this feature, users can take clearer night shots, have a wider field of view and a larger aperture, and focus faster. SPARK 10 5G has an 8MP front camera with 4P lens and dual flash.

Vloggers and video enthusiasts can elevate their videos with SPARK 10 5G’s dual scene video feature. With dual scene video, vloggers can use the front camera and rear camera to record at the same time. The two cameras can be combined to shoot video content without post-production special effects. It is positioned to give users a new vision for vlog creation and increase the interesting and interactive gameplay of videos.

Users on-the-go will likewise appreciate the smartphone’s 5000mAh large battery and 18W fast USB-C charging features. Vibrant and trendy design

Like its SPARK 10 Series cousins, the SPARK 10 5G has a vibrant and trendy design that appeals the most to Gen Z.

It has a post-moon unique rear camera design. sparkle texture stitching, and high-brightness lens splicing transfer glitter sand, glittering under liquid crystal coating.

SPARK 10 5G is comfortable to hold and feels thin. The whole machine is as thin as 8.4mm, and the continuous high-grade curved surface creates a comfortable grip at the corners of straight edges.

The new flat and middle frame body design further enhances the sense of squareness and unity of the whole machine.

TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets worldwide. Its bold SPARK 10 series, TECNO continues to innovate aims to close the gap between what the Gen Z cohort needs and wants in a smartphone – groundbreaking selfie features, high performing, good aesthetic.

TECNO understands Gen Z’s need for self expression and drive to stop at nothing to pursue their dreams and passions.

Early Bird Offer & Availability

The TECNO SPARK 10 5G is officially priced at Php 9,499. But for early birds who purchase from May 22, 2023 to May 27, 2023 will get an early bird price of Php8,699 only. The early bird rate will be exclusively available at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee.

For more information, please visit TECNO at https://www.tecno-mobile.com/ph/home/

TECNO Mobile, an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 global markets, today launched the brand-new SPARK 10 series in the Philippines, marking a new era in selfie phones in its segment by combining superior performance with sleek and trendy design. This series features adjustable dual soft lights on the 32MP ultra-clear front camera available for the SPARK 10 Pro, allowing the young generation to showcase the best in them and glow as they are. Powered by MediaTek Helio G88 gaming processor, the SPARK 10 Pro comes with a massive 16GB(8GB+8GB extended RAM) and 256GB ROM, geared up to elevate the performance in all aspects. It also features a hard-wearing starry glass back panel, resulting in a premium look and a comfortable feel. All these new additions make the SPARK 10 series the ultimate high-performance selfie phone in its PhP7,000 price range.

32MP glowing selfie, capturing your best self regardless of where you are

Engineered for selfie fanatics, the SPARK 10 Pro has a 32MP Ultra-Clear Front Camera with 4-in-1 HW Remosaic technology. By synthesizing the small pixel size of 0.8um into a bigger pixel size of 1.6um, the sensitivity of the pixel's area is increased by 400%, which allows the camera to capture great details with even greater clarity.

In addition, the entire SPARK 10 series is equipped with dual soft lights on both the front and rear cameras.The built-in 10 Lux soft light provides just the right amount of flash that does not glare, and the intensity of the soft light is adjustable in three levels for different lighting conditions.To ensure users will always get the perfect selfie, any overexposure is immediately corrected by the Super Flashlight Algorithm to achieve a balance of brightness between the background and the subject, while concealing user’s blemishes and accentuating their beauty. All of this makes the SPARK 10 Series the lighting pro in your pocket.

G88 gaming processor, ultra upgrading for performance freaks

For creators and gamers, the desire to push boundaries requires top-notch technology that surpasses expectations. SPARK 10 Pro optimized the performance with MediaTek Helio G88, which is an octa-core processor that features two Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs operating up to 2GHz, enabling quick responsive reactions. Equipped with MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 and supercharged by the GameTurbo Algorithm from TECNO, the SPARK 10 Pro estimates lags and intelligently improves operational smoothness, providing an unmatched gaming and entertainment experience.

With the Memory Fusion technology, the RAM capacity of the whole SPARK 10 series is increased up to 16G, and the SPARK 10 Pro even boasts up to 256GB ROM and 16GB RAM (8GB extended RAM). Such huge memory ensures more apps run at a much faster rate, bringing the smoothest user experience in the history of SPARK. 50MP high-resolution photography system, delivering more detailed shots

The SPARK 10 series offers an advanced 50MP AI camera supported by ASD mode and 3D LUT technology, bringing natural shots that are fully adapted to skin tones. Together with the Intelligent Beauty Mode, SPARK 10 Series delivers flawless and simply stunning portrait photos. Furthermore, with smart Super Night Filters and the Super Night Algorithm, as well as the dual flashlight, SPARK 10 Pro improves the performance of night photography, making every frame and picture clearer.

Vlogging is made even more fun with the SPARK 10 series. The Beauty Mode, AR stickers, HDR, and Bokeh effect as well as the unique cinematography mode, all apply to videos, which empowers users when filming their daily life in all kinds of scenarios. The SPARK 10 Pro and the SPARK 10 5G are also supported by smart focus, so users will never miss a wonderful moment, even if it comes unexpectedly.

Hard-wearing starry glass panel, sleek and youthful design for trendsetters

These standard setting innovations are housed within a striking, unprecedented design featuring a starry glass back panel that is glossy, smooth, comfortable to hold, and natural to the skin. Dual cameras and a smart flashlight form a flagship triple ring, while the edges of the phone are flat, showing a premium and minimalist look. Users will be proud to show off their devices that come in an array of colors: Starry Black and Pearl White for the SPARK 10 Pro, and Meta Black, Meta Blue, Meta White, and Meta Green for the other models.

Ultra-high resolution display, elevating your visual experience to new heights

Additionally, the 6.8" FHD optimally-sized large screen expands the user experience, and combined with the ultra-high resolution display and DCI-P3 color, these gamuts together build an immersive theatrical visual experience on the phone. Most of the models in the SPARK 10 series are supported by a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast-charging capability, promising a long-lasting battery life that keeps the device powered up even under heavy use. Last but not least, TECNO SPARK 10 Series (except for SPARK 10C) uplifts user experience in software with the impeccable Android 13 HiOS 12.6.

Availability

The SPARK 10 series comprise four models - SPARK 10 Pro, SPARK 10, SPARK 10 C and SPARK 10 5G supported 5G network.

Get your TECNO Spark 10 Pro 256GB +16GB for PhP7,499 at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee, TECNO Mobile PH Flagship Store in Lazada, TECNO Concept Experience Kiosks and TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide. Also available is Spark 10 Pro with 128GB ROM for a discounted price Php 6,899 until first sale period only.

For more information, please visit TECNO Mobile at www.tecno-mobile.com

TECNO Mobile, knows exactly how to make payday weekend even more spectacular, with huge, hotter-than-summer deals on its best-selling mobile phones and accessories at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada and the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. Staying true to its commitment to deliver innovative, high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, these offerings meet both the needs and budgets of TECNO Mobile’s consumers. The brand strives to enable every Filipino to experience advanced mobile technologies that enable them to stop at nothing in their pursuit of excellence, truly making TECNO Mobile the premium smartphone brand for all.

Epic Lazada Payday Deals

You’ve never seen anything like these massive deals coming to TECNO Mobile’s Lazada store on payday weekend. Get Php 1,000 off on the POVA 5G smartphone, which you can buy for only Php 11,990 during the sale. A CAMON 18 price drop is also happening on April 28, from Php 9,499 to Php 8,599. Also on April 28, get a Spark 8C at just Php 5,499, from its original price of Php 5,999.

From April 28 to 30, 2022, enjoy special CAMON 18 bundles, also in Lazada. CAMON 18 plus TECNO Buds 1 will be sold at Php 10,279, discounted from its regular price of Php 10,599. You can also buy CAMON 18 bundled with TECNO Buds 2 for just Php 9,099 , from its retail price of Php 10,498. TECNO Buds 1 will be offered at a special Buy 1 Take 1 deal as well, for only Php 2,129, on these dates. Buy 1 Take 1 on TECNO Buds 2 will also be available for just Php 1,739.

Stellar Shopee Offers

Visit the TECNO Mobile Shopee store from April 29 to May 1, 2022, and save up to Php 2,000 on select smartphones. Shoppers will also get a free DITO Family Sim Pack (Trio) with each purchase.

Accessories Hot Summer Sale

TECNO Mobile’s AIoT devices are the perfect match to any of its smartphones, adding functionality that elevates your lifestyle. Get your TECNO Watches, Buds, and more at up to 10% off until May 31, 2022 at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada.

Scan To Win With POVA Neo - Extended until May 15! Win big with TECNO Mobile’s Scan To Win With POVA Neo Promo, which now runs until May 15, 2022. Every purchase of participating TECNO Mobile smartphones entitles a customer to join, for the chance to win fantastic prizes, including Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, the latest smartphones and AIoT devices from TECNO Mobile, and cash rewards. For more details, visit (link).

Don’t miss any of the sizzling deals at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada and the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

Staying true to its commitment to bring innovative and high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, and providing support to Filipinos, one community at a time, premium smartphone and AIoT brand, TECNO Mobile, recently concluded its first couple of CSR activities in the Philippines for 2022. These events are part of TECNO’s ongoing CSR program, which kicked off in 2021 with the City of Manila, the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, and the scholars of Project Malasakit as its beneficiaries.

The project is in line with the launch campaign of POVA Neo, TECNO Mobile’s latest smartphone offering, which celebrates everyday heroes who power on with their day-to-day tasks in order to serve the community. For this year’s CSR activities, TECNO Mobile partnered with Grab PH, plus a few of the country’s up and coming content creators, to reach out to local communities once again, and inspire people and make a difference. Through this initiative the brand also hoped to motivate more people to participate in community outreach programs, and make them see that it isn’t about the size of the donation, but the sincerity to help others.

TECNO Mobile Gives Back to Grab PH Riders and Drivers

Grab PH riders and drivers have been lauded as true heroes of the pandemic over the last two years, helping make day-to-day life easier for thousands of Filipinos by making things accessible, even from home. These drivers face various challenges each day they spend on the road, but they never stop moving, and continue to provide their much-needed services to the community.

Recognizing their efforts, TECNO Mobile celebrates the everyday contributions of Grab PH by giving back to the company’s hardworking drivers and delivery riders. The meaningful collaboration between TECNO Mobile and Grab PH is reflective of the positive message that the POVA Neo campaign aims to impart.

Grab PH’s Papugay Awardees received a brand new TECNO Pova Neo smartphone that will help them navigate the busy streets of Metro Manila and power them all day long.

TECNO Mobile PH executives with Grab PH’s Papugay Awardees

TECNO Mobile PH and Grab PH’s Executives recognize the hard work, dedication, and heroic deeds of Grab PH’s Papugay Awardees

A donation handover took place at the Grab PH Headquarters in Metro Manila on April 9, 2022 during Grab PH’s Papugay event, which the company mounts each quarter to show appreciation to, and recognize their outstanding drivers. As a beneficiary, Grab PH received 65 units of POVA Neo smartphones. This smartphone’s large battery capacity is perfect for the riders and drivers of Grab PH, and will be a big help as they navigate through the city, and provide excellent on-time service. The donation was received by Grab PH’s Papugay awardees, Grabfood rider Richard Aguilar, Grab driver Ricky Dalansay, Grab rider Arc Cabuello, and Grabfood rider Michael Sales.

Influencers for the Greater Good

Earlier in April, TECNO Mobile and online influencers Vishnu Isles, Matt Nicolai, Benette Ballester, Xai Smith, Acy De Castro, Edlyn Mea, Banessa Raya, Carol Reyes, Cedrix Eligio, Aldrich Ching, Von Razo, Sharleen Jonson, Blair Madamba, Karen Aquino , banded together to celebrate and recognize the everyday heroes of Malolos, Bulacan. These are individuals who unfailingly provide their services for the betterment of the community, in spite of adversities faced.

At the handover event held on April 5, 2022 at the Malolos City Hall Auditorium, 50 POVA Neo units were donated by TECNO Mobile, to be shared with its beneficiaries from City Health Office and the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Force Multiplier, Social Services, Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and local students. The donation was received by the Chief of Staff from the Office of Mayor Gilbert “Bebong” Gatchalian of Malolos City, Bulacan, Atty. Belle Castro.

TECNO Mobile PH Marketing Manager, Mitze Abrio (center-right) and Malolos City Chief of Staff, Atty Belle Castro (center-left), together with content creators Matt Nicolai, Xai Smith, Aldrich Ching, Carol Reyes, Sharleen Jonson, Cedrix Eligio, and Blair Madamba.

TECNO Mobile together with #TeamMatt content creators and Malolos City’s everyday heroes!

Content creators #TeamMatt and Malolos City’s everyday heroes taking a selfie with TECNO’s latest smartphone, the Pova Neo.

POVA Neo: The 6000mAh Battery Beast

POVA Neo is loaded with amazing features that give users the power to conquer everyday tasks – An ultimate power supply, large screen, smooth performance, a smart camera, and more. With its 6,000mAh battery and Battery Lab 2.1, POVA Neo has more than enough power to last the entire day. Plus, with 18 watts fast charging, it only takes POVA Neo 35 minutes to store enough power for up to 5 hours of gaming.

Other awesome features of POVA Neo include:

●Big screen display for an immersive and smooth full-frame visual experience

●HiOS 7.6 with a fresh, easy to use UI interface

●ET Engine enhancements that deliver outstanding performance

●An extremely fast touch-driven response that’s perfect for gaming

●Game Space that provides players with a cool interface and fast play

●A Smart Camera with 13MP HD quality image system; advanced AI lens capable of 120FPS Slow Motion capture, 1080P Time Lapse, and HDR Photography that fully preserves details in both light and dark areas; Beauty, Body, and Bokeh Beauty modes; AR Animojis and Stickers; and front and rear Panorama Shooting

POVA Neo is available in three colors – Obsidian, Geek Blue, and Powehi Black, and is priced at Php 5,999 for the POVA Neo 4GB+64GB, and Php 6,999 for the 6GB+128GB model.

Join the Scan To Win with POVA Neo Promo, and get the chance to take home exciting prizes! Every purchase of participating TECNO Mobile smartphones from April 1 to 30, 2022 at the TECNO Mobile Concept Store in SM North Edsa, TECNO Mobile kiosks, and partner retail stores nationwide, entitles a customer to play the Spin to Win game. Almost 1 Million Pesos worth of fantastic prizes will be given away to more than 300 winners, including Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, the latest smartphones , cash and AIoT devices from TECNO Mobile, and cash rewards! For more details, visit http://bit.ly/POVAScanToWin.

#KeepthePowerandCarryOn with TECNO Mobile’s #POVANeoPowerAllDay! Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

Premium smartphone and AIoT brand, TECNO Mobile, introduces its latest offering to the Philippine market, the full-power POVA Neo. With its 6,000mAh large battery and 18W fast charger, POVA Neo is a battery beast, promising to give users more than enough energy to power through the day.

TECNO Mobile remains committed to bringing innovative and high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, as the premium smartphone brand for all. With this latest release, the brand continues its mission to inspire progressive individuals, particularly the passionate and ambitious youth, to be fearless towards challenges, and stop at nothing to fulfill their dreams.

The launch of POVA Neo hinges on a campaign that celebrates everyday heroes who power on with their day-to-day tasks in order to serve the community. POVA Neo is set to be a smartphone that equips these community heroes with the power that enables them to carry on.

POVA Neo Energy Beast

POVA Neo is loaded with key features that are highly sought-after by today’s consumers – An ultimate power supply, large screen, smooth performance, a smart camera, and much more.

Fitted with a huge 6,000mAh battery, POVA Neo provides you with power to last the entire day. It is also equipped with Battery Lab 2.1 that gives you super power saving features that are easy to control. And, with 18 watts fast charging, it only takes POVA Neo 35 minutes to store enough power for up to 5 hours of gaming.

Users get to enjoy an immersive and smooth full-frame visual experience with POVA Neo’s big screen display. This smartphone’s ET Engine enhancements deliver outstanding performance, with an extremely fast touch-driven response that’s perfect for gaming, while Game Space provides players with a cool interface and fast play.

The Smart Camera of the POVA Neo, with its 13MP HD quality image system, allows for more vivid details in your photos and videos. Its advanced AI lens is capable of 120FPS Slow Motion capture, 1080P Time Lapse, and HDR Photography that fully preserves details in both light and dark areas. Modes like Beauty, Body, and Bokeh Beauty shots add depth, while AR Animojis and Stickers make your captured images more fun. POVA Neo is capable of panorama shooting as well, on both its rear and front-facing cameras.

POVA Neo runs on HiOS 7.6, with a fresh UI interface that is easy to use, and offers various features including Peek Proof that provides your screen with privacy against prying eyes, Film Album for transforming your photos into eye-catching movies, and Kids Mode. This stylishly-designed smartphone is available in three colors – Obsidian, Geek Blue, and Powehi Black.

#KeepthePowerandCarryOn with TECNO Mobile’s #POVANeoPowerAllDay, which you can now check out at the TECNO Mobile Flagship Store in Lazada and the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee. The POVA Neo 4GB+64GB retails for Php 5,999, while the 6GB+128GB model sells for Php 6,999.

Enjoy big brand deals at the Lazada 10th Birthday Sale from March 27 to 29, 2022! Shop at the at the TECNO Global Flagship Store in Lazada, and save as much as Php 1,000 when you buy a POVA Neo. POVA Neo 4GB+64GB can be yours for just Php 5,055, from its original price of Php 5,999, while POVA Neo 6GB+128GB will be available for only Php 5,970, from its retail price of Php 6,999. TECNO Mobile’s Spark 8T 4GB+64GB will also be sold at the special price of Php 5,515 during the sale.

Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

TECNO, a premium smartphone brand focused on emerging markets, recently partnered with BBC StoryWorks to create a short film The Future Lens: Looking Ahead With TECNO to explore how mobile camera lens provides inclusive mobile camera technologies to local consumers

  “Cameras have evolved over the years, but unfortunately, it feels like the technology isn't created with everyone in mind. As a photographer, I think one of the most intimate things you can do is take a portrait of someone that accurately portrays who they are.” according to photographer, Justin Amoafo. 

This is where TECNO comes into the picture. TECNO envisions a world where inclusive phone design can help form communities, connect people with one another and ensure no one is left behind. In the film, TECNO illustrates why portrait imaging is its most ground-breaking technology and how it has empowered users of dark skin tones to realize all possibilities of expression.

Based on innovations that can significantly increase light intake, and an enormous database that covers 7 skin types across 76 skin categories, TECNO has made a significant impact in resolving the technical challenges regarding exposure, colors, and hues in portrait photography. Meanwhile, in TECNO TAIVOS Camera Lab, more than 3,000 local samples with approximately 6,120 evaluation scenarios spanning 115 countries enable the camera lab team possible to focus on the localized ethnic research, social aesthetic ideology and aesthetic preference research, so as to make the experience of product image effect direction conform to the localized trends. All these innovations bring users technology that they do not have to adapt to, but that instead accommodates for them.

“The future Lens is the world without limit. Technology should include everyone and let us to be our true selves, instead of being depicted through a subjective lens . I believe that it should be the mission of humans to create the technology that is more understanding and inclusive of all of us.” said Li Jiangtao, Senior Director of TECNO Imaging Product and head of TECNO TAIVOS™ Camera Lab.

As a rising innovator in mobile camera technology, TECNO devotes itself through an inclusive and emerging market-specific approach to bringing its “Future Lens” camera concept to consumers. The brand’s continuous innovations, its initiatives to develop cameras that function at a professional level, and the impact of these efforts on progressive young consumers have encapsulated its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing” and the inclusive future they want to create.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH TECNO

Sensor shift stabilisation, new RGBW sensors, personalised AI algorithms, and more – here’s why your selfies and holiday photos are going to level up next year

Smartphone cameras are no longer just the most convenient option – they are quickly becoming the best one, beating traditional digital cameras with computational power and innovation.

In 2021, smartphones with multiple lens systems became mainstream. Improved sensor size and resolution mean users can capture more details and render images accurately in complex lighting conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms enhanced many facets of image processing. And they’re not done. A slew of changes are coming in 2022, as smartphone manufacturers push the envelope.

What are the trends that will drive this change? At a recent webinar, Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022, organised by Counterpoint Research, experts from TECNO, Samsung, and DXOMARK Image Labs, discussed some of the key trends we are likely to see in the coming year – and what we will soon be holding in our hands.

Dual OIS: Staying steady

Not getting the sharp images you wanted of your vacation views? Blurry and shaky photos are a common experience with most smartphone users, and are especially pronounced in low-light conditions as the shutter stays open longer to capture more light.

Smartphone manufacturers counter this issue through Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) technology, where the lens "floats" inside the camera assembly. The OIS system stabilises the image or video by "shifting" the lens to counter the shakes.

OIS technology is improving every year, with larger degrees of movement being taken on by the camera stabiliser. According to Jimmy Hsu, senior product manager, image technology, TECNO, pre-2019 the trend was for OIS to be about one degree of stabilisation. According to Hsu, in 2021, standard stabilisation has increased to three degrees thanks to pan-tilt OIS.

In 2022, the company aims to introduce the first Android phone with sensor shift. “Compared to conventional Optical Imaging Stabilisation, TECNO’s sensor shift technology can achieve a response frequency of 5,000 adjustments per second,” Hsu said at the webinar. By combining lens shifting seen in conventional OIS systems and the newer sensor shift technology, TECNO is setting its sights on stabilisation up to five degrees.

High-resolution sensors with pixel binning: Balancing resolution and light sensitivity

Presenting trends in camera resolution, Tarun Pathak, director of research, smartphone, Counterpoint Research, said about 40% of all smartphones in Q2 of 2021 had 48-64 megapixel (MP) sensors, and 3% of all smartphones had 108 MP sensors. According to Pathak, smartphones with 200 MP sensors are likely to launch in 2022.

Sensors with a high pixel count tend to capture more details from the scene. However, the size of pixels on such sensors is usually smaller. “The smaller the pixel, the less light you can capture in each pixel, and the harder it is to get a good image quality in darker environments,” said Pan Xuebao, VP and head of R&D, Samsung Electronics.

However, sensor manufacturers such as Samsung are deploying an algorithm-driven technique called pixel binning that enables high-resolution sensors (with a small pixel size) to perform better in low-light conditions. “Just like our human eye will dilate when we are in a darker environment to let in more light, similarly, in low light conditions, our algorithm will automatically put the sensor in high sensitivity mode,” Xuebao said. In this mode, the smaller individual pixels ‘combine’ and act like bigger pixels. This mode is turned off in brighter conditions.

Continuous optical zoom: Closer to the action

Phones are getting sleeker, but these aesthetics can be a technological challenge. This trend is presenting more of a challenge for manufacturers as they try to incorporate bulky telephoto lenses. Such technologies, such as periscope lenses which use innovative positioning to allow for 5x or 10x optical zoom, started appearing in smartphones during 2021.

The next step is to offer continuous optical zoom, which will allow users to shift between different focal lengths smoothly. This requires precise movement of lenses within small spaces without affecting image quality.

At the webinar, Hsu predicted the market could see continuous optical zoom in the second half of 2022, allowing users to shift between 3x to 5x optical zoom. Driven by advances such as long-stroke motor development and Active Optical Alignment, we could even see 3x to 10x zoom in 2023, he said.

RGBW Sensors: Let there be (more) light

Cat photos not up to the mark? It could be down to the lighting. Indoor environments have less than ideal light conditions. Yet, that’s where people usually take most of their photographs.

“[A solution to] low light is the holy grail of mobile photography,” said Hervé Macudzinski, image science director and product owner of DXOMARK Image Labs, which tests camera, audio, display and battery quality. “This is one [aspect] that can lead to disappointing quality. In low light, users capture portrait photos, pictures of family, pets and so on. So there is a lot of challenge in this use case.”

While smartphone manufacturers use different techniques to enhance low-light performance, RGBW technology addresses the issue at the sensor level.

The camera sensor captures colour information through a mechanism called the Colour Filter Array (CFA). Traditional camera sensors use CFAs arranged in the Bayer format, which comprises a pattern of Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B) filters. RGBW sensors add White (W) filters to the mix.

According to Hsu, adding white pixels increases light sensitivity by 60%, which means the sensor should be able to absorb more light. Smartphone manufacturers are also developing Glass+Plastic lens technology - many smartphone lenses are constructed out of plastic, but introducing glass elements into the lens construction improves transmission of light. “With the combination of both, the result is an overall 200% increase of light-intake,” Hsu said.

The low-light performance of smartphones looks set to improve as these two technologies appear on smartphones in 2022.

Localised algorithms: Using AI to personalise portraits

As cameras improve, we can see ourselves more clearly. New technologies allow our portraits to be more accurate, especially for people of colour.

While hardware enhancements are essential, smartphone software is playing a more significant role in determining the final image or video quality of these portraits. “We need to have very good processing – that is, to understand what the user’s intention was and modify the image adequately,” Macudzinski said.

That’s why some smartphone manufacturers use big data and deep neural networks to drive personalised and localised image processing. For instance, TECNO’s TAIVOS signal processing technology recognises and accurately reproduces dark skin elements. According to Hsu, the company uses a large dark skin database to “produce more than 6,120 Evaluation Scenarios spanning 115 countries”.

For portrait photography, the AI engine recognises and classifies different elements such as faces and hair colour to determine the subject's age, gender, and skin tone. The photo is then optimised for better clarity, colour, and light, which helps with more accurate reproduction of darker skin tones – even in low-light environments.

Scene, light, and colour enhancement: Behind every subject is a background

It’s not just the subject of a photo that matters – it's what’s behind them. Whether it’s the sun or a beautiful view, smartphone cameras are adapting to capturing these details better.

With traditional photography, professional photographers use their experience and training to make adjustments that highlight not just the subject but also background scene elements. They also typically spend significant time in post-production that brings images to life.

“Smartphone cameras need to provide all these capabilities in the default mode,” Macudzinski said. “That means the final smartphone user does not have to think through everything. They just have to press the button.”

That’s where AI-driven image processing comes in. According to Counterpoint Research’s whitepaper, AI is becoming advanced enough to recognise dynamic scene elements such as trees or sky in the background. Once identified, the image-processing system optimises their colour, contrast, and exposure.

AI will also help interpret light information. For instance, if a user is shooting against the sun, the algorithm works to underexpose the sun and brighten the subject. Smartphone manufacturers are also working on software-based solutions to correct distortions caused by wide-angle lenses.

Time of flight and dynamic vision sensors: Getting a sense of depth

Photos with sharply rendered foreground and blurred background can make for a pleasing effect – especially while shooting portraits. However, to do this, the smartphone must recognise depth and subject edges.

With Time of Flight (ToF) and Dynamic Vision Sensors (DVS) improving, smartphones will get better at generating 3D models of the scene and detecting edges. This will allow for more precise measurements and offer users features such as. enhanced and gradual blurring of backgrounds.

“ToF and DVS could be the opportunities where mobile phone cameras start to outperform (DSLR) cameras,” Hsu said.

A brighter, more intelligent 2022

These trends point to technology growing more intricate and catering to diverse use cases – whether that’s through personalised portrait rendition, stable imaging or allowing users to zoom in to the action.

However, the advancements will not be defined just by cutting-edge features on pricey smartphones. It’s a win across budget tiers - the developments result not just in technological advancement, but also trickle-down premium features to smartphones in the low and medium price bands. With the way smartphone cameras are levelling up, the best moments of your life will be remembered more clearly than ever. Looking ahead with TECNO

Hosted by Counterpoint Research, Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022 Innovation Talk discussed new trends in imaging technology. TECNO aims to provide an excellent photography and videography experience through constant innovation and a deep understanding of consumer needs.