The 1mm Camera Module of the Nut R2: A Thickness Paradox in Mobile Imaging Development

The 1mm Camera Module of the Nut R2: A Thickness Paradox in Mobile Imaging DevelopmentI recently acquired a Nut R2, the swan song of Smartisan Technology. This phone boasts impressive features like SmartisanOS, Flashback, Big Bang, and TNT Go

The 1mm Camera Module of the Nut R2: A Thickness Paradox in Mobile Imaging Development

I recently acquired a Nut R2, the swan song of Smartisan Technology. This phone boasts impressive features like SmartisanOS, Flashback, Big Bang, and TNT Go. However, what surprised me most wasn't the software, but the incredibly slim camera module approximately 1mm thick. This stands in stark contrast to flagship phones today, whose camera modules often reach 2-2.5mm or even thicker. For instance, my Xiaomi 15's camera module is around 2-2.5mm thick, while the recently hyped vivo X200 Ultra's camera module is nearly as thick as the phone itself, sparking widespread discussion. This growing trend of thicker camera modules begs the question: with rapidly advancing digital imaging technology, why are camera modules getting thicker?

This debate about camera module thickness didn't begin with the vivo X200 Ultra. Earlier this year, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, with its Leica Super 200MP telephoto lens, also generated considerable controversy due to its extremely thick camera bump. To accommodate this massive sensor and lens, Xiaomi compromised on camera arrangement and module thickness, resulting in a significantly thicker module than its predecessors and sparking a week-long argument among Xiaomi fans and fans of other brands.

However, the vivo X200 Ultra brought this argument to a head. Leaked images revealed that its camera bump constitutes almost 0.8-1 times the phone's thickness. Considering that flagship phones are typically around 9mm thick, this suggests a staggering 16-18mm thickness for the vivo X200 Ultra's camera module.

Even more surprising is Nubia's Z70 Ultra Photographer's Edition, which actually markets its thick camera module as a selling point, implying that "a non-protruding camera is not a good camera." This anomaly compels us to delve deeper into the reasons behind the ever-increasing thickness of phone camera modules.

The Reason Behind the "Camera Bump": Insufficient Internal Space

In my opinion, the "camera bump" is a symptom of insufficient internal space. Improvements in mobile imaging technology, particularly the increase in sensor size, directly lead to larger camera module volumes. Take the vivo X200 Ultra as an example: its three lenses occupy over 50% of the front half of the phone's internal space, with the 200MP telephoto lens being particularly prominent. With a fixed phone thickness, an increase in sensor size inevitably leads to a larger camera module. Furthermore, the vivo X200 Ultra's main camera uses a 35mm focal length, requiring a larger focusing module travel distance, further increasing the module's thickness.

The laws of physics dictate that high-quality images require large sensors, large apertures, sufficient light intake, and a sufficient optical path length. These factors combine to make camera modules increasingly larger and more prominent. While this design leads to better image specifications, it also compromises user experience.

Exploring Ways to Break the Thickness Barrier: External Lenses and Optical Innovation

However, improved image quality doesn't have to come at the cost of a protruding camera. Some manufacturers are actively exploring alternative solutions. For example, Xiaomi's modular optical system uses magnetic attachment to connect an M43 sensor and a 35mm full-frame equivalent lens, leveraging the AI ISP's computing power to enhance image quality, effectively separating the camera module from the phone.

Similarly, Realme showcased an external lens solution at MWC 25, using a purely optical approach combining a one-inch bare CMOS with an external lens. However, this solution requires manual focusing and lacks image stabilization. Both approaches attempt to separate the camera module from the phone to free up internal space.

OPPO has innovated in periscope lens optical path design, using triple prism reflection to fold the traditional horizontal optical path into a vertical direction, significantly saving space and reducing module thickness. The successful application in the OPPO Find X8 series demonstrates this technological innovation, and the Find X8 Ultra is expected to bring further surprises in terms of camera thickness.

Additionally, Xiaomi's previously attempted "liquid lens" technology is worth mentioning. This technology uses a servo motor to drive a transparent fluid to simulate a crystalline lens, changing optical parameters for focusing and thus reducing module thickness. Unfortunately, reliability issues prevented its widespread adoption.

Thickness and Image Quality Are Not Directly Correlated: Beware of False Advertising

Finally, we need to acknowledge the fact that a protruding camera doesn't necessarily equate to better photographic results. Many mid-range and even entry-level models are now mimicking flagship camera module designs, leading to a general increase in camera module thickness across the market, while the actual configurations remain at a five-year-old level (e.g., LYT-600/IMX586). This excessively flamboyant design not only fails to improve image quality, but also degrades user experience.

Therefore, we should rationally view the issue of camera module thickness and avoid being misled by manufacturers' marketing strategies. We hope to see more manufacturers produce phones with flat backs and excellent imaging capabilities, instead of blindly pursuing thicker camera modules. Perhaps only when leading manufacturers like Apple make changes will others actively follow suit, ultimately breaking this thickness paradox in imaging development. Instead of pursuing protruding camera modules, we should focus on genuine improvements in imaging technology to deliver a more comfortable user experience and superior photographic results.