Three lenses on a smartphone? How about nine instead?

Credit: Light
(Image credit: Light)

How many lenses is too many for a smartphone? Huawei is offering the most on the market with three rear sensors on the Huawei P20 Pro... but how about nine?

That's what's coming from camera-maker Light later this year, according to The Washington Post. The brand, which has huge smartphone maker Foxconn as an investor, is apparently set to launch a phone with the multi-sensor array later this year.

That's quite a lofty goal for a brand that only has working prototypes right now - with lenses numbering between five and nine - so it's a long way from ready with only six months left to go.

There's also the big question of...why? Light is reportedly claiming that the massive sensor line-up will offer 64MP photos, great depth effects and improved low light performance.

A lot to be done

It's possible - but would require a lot of work from Light. Its L16 camera, with a 16 sensor array, has had mixed reviews and question marks over low light performance, while costing a hefty amount.

To overcome those issues while creating a great smartphone and one that takes Pixel-and-Galaxy-beating photos is a tall order for a new brand, especially one that will probably need to charge a lot for the experience.

Still, it's an interesting idea, and if any of the results are market leading (some of the L16's capabilities are apparently incredible, for things like zoom capabilities) then the bigger players will be scratching around looking to replicate the same thing.

Via CNET

Main image credit: Light

Gareth Beavis
Formerly Global Editor in Chief

Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grown with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.