Huawei’s Bold Move: The End of One-Lens Periscope Telephoto Technology
Summary:
- Huawei will discontinue the one-lens and binocular periscope telephoto technology in future models.
- The company is testing innovative continuous light change technology for improved photography.
- The upcoming Huawei Pura 80 Ultra may mark a significant transition in mobile camera design.
In a recent announcement, it has become clear that Huawei is set to eliminate its one-lens and binocular periscope telephoto technology in upcoming smartphone models. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to innovate in mobile photography while addressing the challenges associated with current designs, including significant size and costs.
Transition to Continuous Light Change Technology
Huawei is reportedly shifting towards a revolutionary continuous light change technology that aims to enhance user experience significantly. The company’s testing indicates that this new approach may offer superior performance compared to its existing telephoto lens options, which have been heavily scrutinized for their limitations.
The Pura 80 Ultra: A Game Changer
The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, which recently debuted as the first dual-lens smartphone, may also be the last to feature this one-lens binocular telephoto design. This telephoto lens garnered positive attention, even making it onto Time Magazine’s list of the best inventions of 2025, highlighting its innovation.
Huawei has ingeniously re-engineered the optical structure by integrating the optical focal lengths of both medium and ultra-telephoto lenses. This pioneering design combines a 3.7x medium telephoto lens with a 9.4x ultra-telephoto lens, all within a compact framework. By collaborating these technologies with a 1/1.28-inch ultra-large sensor, Huawei aims to deliver an unparalleled amount of light to the telephoto lens, ultimately advancing image quality.
Innovative Dual Telephoto Design
What makes this development unique is the unprecedented integration of two optical zoom lenses within a single periscope structure. This innovative design maximizes space utilization, setting new benchmarks for smartphone camera capabilities while retaining a sleek form factor.
The notable Bruce Lee, a prominent figure behind the Huawei Mate series, has emphasized that the telephoto module in the Pura 80 Ultra represents a monumental hardware development, albeit at a steep price point. The high costs associated with this technology have not gone unnoticed, with the telephoto module priced at approximately 2,899 yuan, making it the most expensive component of the device.
Cost vs. Value Debate
The prohibitive cost of the lens module raises questions about its value. To put this into perspective, the price of the telephoto module alone is comparable to that of an entire mid-range flagship smartphone, such as the recently launched Realme GT8 or the REDMI K90, both priced at 2,899 yuan.
Despite the technological advancements, the one-lens binocular approach has not been without controversy. Some experts argue that it does not significantly save space compared to traditional dual-periscope modules, while resulting in a higher cost. This has led to skepticism about its overall value proposition.
Prominent voices in the tech industry, including Luo Wei, Honor’s chief imaging engineer, have critiqued the trend of piling on hardware without real innovation, emphasizing the need for practical designs that enhance user experience rather than gimmicky features.
Conclusion
Huawei’s decision to discontinue its one-lens and binocular periscope telephoto technology represents a pivotal shift in smartphone camera design. The move towards true continuous light change technology in the Pura 80 Ultra could redefine mobile photography and elevate the standards for future devices. However, as technology evolves, users and industry experts alike will be closely monitoring whether these advancements deliver value that justifies their price tags.
As the market continues to leverage innovations driven by user needs, Huawei’s next steps will undoubtedly influence the broader landscape of mobile photography and set the tone for competitors. Time will tell if this strategic pivot proves effective in capturing the hearts of consumers and reinforcing Huawei’s standing in the smartphone market.
This article provides insights into Huawei’s innovative direction in mobile photography, examining the implications of transitioning away from one-lens technology while highlighting the anticipated capabilities of the Pura 80 Ultra.
