The report looks into the rising
popularity of telephoto lens-equipped smartphones and the reasons behind it
OPPO leads the trends and continues to
bring the technology from flagship to mass-market models
A new report
by market research firm Counterpoint sheds light on the evolving landscape of
smartphone photography. According to Counterpoint Research’s most recent
report, over 200 million telephoto lens-equipped smartphones were sold globally
in 2022, with that figure expected to rise even further by 2024. The reason for
this growing trend is because of consumers’ growing desire for telephoto
photography, something that was once exclusively found in professional cameras.
This emphasises the lens’s critical significance in current mobile photography
as well as its widespread appeal.
Rising
popularity of telephoto lenses in smartphones
Camera-related
innovations have been a major factor guiding the direction of smartphone
evolution over the past decade. Among them, the telephoto lens has become an
important factor that determines how far the camera system can go. The
penetration rate has increased over the years to more than 19 per cent in H1
2023, nearly 3 per cent higher than in H1 2022. This growth indicates a larger
trend in consumer behaviour, showing a preference for smartphones with enhanced
photographic capabilities.
The
telephoto lens feature was initially available exclusively on premium
smartphones. However, the study has also found that mass-market adoption of
telephoto lens is increasing, particularly among sub-$400 segments. The
increasing popularity of telephoto lenses in affordable smartphones mirrors
consumers' inclination for advanced features without the accompanying high
cost. In acknowledgment of this demand, smartphone manufacturers have promptly
responded by enhancing their mid-tier line-ups with telephoto capabilities,
enabling a broader audience to partake in upgraded photography experiences that
were traditionally exclusive to high-end models.
The significance of telephoto lens in
mobile photography
The telephoto
lens has become a staple of mobile photography, allowing users to capture
images that stand out for their precision and elegance. Beside capturing a
distant landscape, telephoto lens also stands out in shooting portrait as it
can compress the subject and background and create dramatic bokeh effect, and
the 50mm or 85mm equivalent focal length provides a field of view similar to
human eyes with minimal distortions.
According to Counterpoint’s analysis, these lenses are becoming increasingly integrated into smartphones around the globe. The ability to zoom without sacrificing image quality, combined with the unique visual effects a telephoto lens can produce, has made it a popular choice among smartphone users. The proportion of smartphones equipped with a telephoto camera has increased both internationally and in China, reaching 19.3% and 24.4%, respectively, demonstrating the importance of telephoto lenses in today’s mobile photography environment.
OPPO’s
pioneering role
The
report also looks at OPPO’s role in popularizing telephoto lens technology. OPPO
has been instrumental in making high-quality mobile photography accessible to
the masses. The newly launched
Reno11 series, positioned as
“The Portrait Expert”, has been instrumental in bringing high-end telephoto
lens features to more affordable smartphone models with the innovative
“Telephoto Portrait” feature. This strategic move by OPPO has not only
democratized access to professional-grade photography features but also
underscored the brand's position as a leader in mobile photography innovation.
The
Reno11 series boasts features such as a 32MP 2x optical zoom camera powered by
Sony IMX709 flagship sensor,
enabling users to capture sharp, detailed images from a distance. The series
also integrates advanced AI algorithms to enhance image quality, especially in
portrait photography, providing users with the tools to capture life's moments
with unparalleled clarity and creativity.
Future
outlook
Counterpoint's
analysis anticipates a positive outlook for telephoto lenses, affirming their
pivotal contribution to the progression of mobile photography. The integration
of telephoto lenses is just the beginning of a larger trend. The future of
mobile photography is expected to see continual advancements, with telephoto
lenses playing a significant role in how consumers capture and engage with the
world around them. This trend is poised to redefine the standards of mobile
photography, pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can achieve.
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