Dual Camera Smartphones Are Going Mainstream: Explosive Growth in 2018
Almost 42% of smartphones sold globally in July 2018 sported two or more rear camera (dual+) sensors and this dual+ camera sensors adoption in smartphones is estimated to grow to 60% of total smartphone sales by the end of 2018. While the megapixel war has almost peaked (see here), multiple sensors in phones is the new battleground.
Dual cameras are becoming a common fixture on modern day smartphones (see here) and this will drive many camera intensive features such as bokeh, telephoto zoom, portrait mode, wide angle photos, augmented reality and more. We are seeing companies racing to differentiate with their cameras using multiple sensors in their phones to create new experiences. The Huawei P20 Pro (see here), iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (see here) to name a few, are examples of phones leading the dual+ camera sensor implementation drive.
Key Highlights
- In just 12 months, penetration has gone from 15% to 42% and in 24 months from 3% to 42%.
- The new affordable premium "$300-$599" & high-tier "$200-$299" segments have grown the fastest adopting dual cameras.
- The mid-premium "$600-$700" has seen lower than expected adoption due to iPhone 8 but this adoption is way higher in Android smartphones.
- The super-premium "800+" segment is approaching ~100% penetration.
- OnePlus is leading the charge, closely followed by Huawei and with Apple at 49%.
- Google still has no dual cameras on its flagship Pixel phones and were relying on the stellar image quality thus far. However, with the premium segment heating up with dual camera sensors, Google will be under pressure to integrate this into their upcoming flagships.
- OEMs will also be keen to incorporate specialty cameras in order to stand out from the current crop of dual camera smartphones i.e. like Huawei has done with its P20 Pro by incorporating a stand alone black and white sensor.
Dual+ Camera Penetration by Brands:
Source: Monthly Market Pulse: July 2018
The latest Monthly Market Pulse report for mobile phones is published here
Author
Neil Shah
Neil is a sought-after frequently-quoted Industry Analyst with a wide spectrum of rich multifunctional experience. He is a knowledgeable, adept, and accomplished strategist. In the last 18 years he has offered expert strategic advice that has been highly regarded across different industries especially in telecom. Prior to Counterpoint, Neil worked at Strategy Analytics as a Senior Analyst (Telecom). Neil also had an opportunity to work with Philips Electronics in multiple roles. He is also an IEEE Certified Wireless Professional with a Master of Science (Telecommunications & Business) from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
