Xiaomi Abandons Variable Aperture Technology: Thinness and Algorithm Optimization Take Center Stage

Xiaomi Abandons Variable Aperture Technology: Thinness and Algorithm Optimization Take Center StageXiaomi's flagship models, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, boldly incorporated variable aperture technology, a key highlight of their imaging systems. However, according to digital blogger @DigitalChatStation, Xiaomi will temporarily abandon this technology, at least for the next two generations of flagship phones

Xiaomi Abandons Variable Aperture Technology: Thinness and Algorithm Optimization Take Center Stage

Xiaomi's flagship models, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, boldly incorporated variable aperture technology, a key highlight of their imaging systems. However, according to digital blogger @DigitalChatStation, Xiaomi will temporarily abandon this technology, at least for the next two generations of flagship phones. This news is undoubtedly disappointing to users anticipating further breakthroughs in Xiaomi's mobile imaging technology.

@DigitalChatStation revealed that Xiaomi's internal decision to temporarily halt the use of variable aperture technology stems from two main reasons: the pursuit of a thinner and lighter phone design, and the optimization of depth-fusion algorithms, effectively resolving image quality degradation issues associated with large-sensor, large-aperture lenses. These two reasons offer different perspectives on Xiaomi's considerations in abandoning this technology.

Looking back at Xiaomi's journey with variable aperture technology, we see a trajectory marked by both progress and challenges. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the first model to feature a one-inch variable aperture, allowed the main camera's aperture to switch between f/1.9 and f/4.0, offering users flexible depth-of-field control. However, practical use revealed some issues, such as reports of wobble in the main camera's aperture mechanism. Xiaomi officially addressed these issues and implemented improvements.

Subsequently, the Xiaomi 14 Pro, launched in October 2023, further enhanced variable aperture specifications to a 1024-level variable aperture, enabling finer blur and exposure adjustment. This upgrade demonstrated Xiaomi's continued investment and exploration in this technology. By 2024, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra featured a second-generation stepless variable aperture, expanding the aperture range to f/1.63-f/4.0, further improving image quality and control.

Despite significant progress, Xiaomi ultimately chose to temporarily abandon variable aperture technology. This reflects a careful balancing act between technological advancement and market demands. Thinness is a significant trend in the current smartphone market, with increasing numbers of users prioritizing portability and comfort. To meet this demand, Xiaomi may have had to sacrifice some advanced imaging technology for a slimmer design.

Furthermore, advancements in depth-fusion algorithms provided technical support for abandoning variable aperture. While large-sensor, large-aperture lenses offer excellent light intake and shallow depth-of-field, they are prone to image quality degradation such as vignetting and distortion. Through optimized depth-fusion algorithms, Xiaomi can use software to compensate for hardware limitations, achieving similar or even superior imaging results while maintaining image quality.

Xiaomi's decision highlights the difficulty in balancing technological innovation and market demands. Variable aperture technology, while promising, faces challenges. For Xiaomi, temporarily abandoning it may be a more strategically sound decision at this stage.

While Xiaomi has temporarily abandoned variable aperture technology, this doesn't signal a retreat from pursuing advancements in mobile imaging. Instead, Xiaomi might shift its R&D focus to other areas, such as sensor technology and image processing algorithms, to continuously improve image quality. Perhaps in the future, with more mature technology, lower costs, and a better alignment with market demands, we will see Xiaomi reintroduce variable aperture technology in its flagship phones.

In conclusion, Xiaomi's decision is a comprehensive consideration of current technological capabilities and market demands, reflecting the delicate balance between technological innovation and market strategy in the smartphone industry. It offers valuable insights for other manufacturers in their technology roadmap choices and deserves industry-wide attention and consideration.