Android OEMs might start using glass lenses in their cameras

In a recent research note, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sheds light on a transformative trend in smartphone camera technology, specifically focusing on the adoption of glass-plastic hybrid lenses from traditional plastic lenses. The iPhone 15 Pro Max from Apple and Huawei’s upcoming P70 Art flagship model are at the forefront of this innovation, utilizing a hybrid lens named 1G3P. This hybrid lens consists of one part glass and three parts plastic.

Kuo anticipates (via PhoneArena) that this shift to a glass-plastic hybrid lens will bring about significant changes in the industry. Notably, he foresees a transition to the use of molding/spherical glass in these lenses, surpassing the quality of traditional wafer-level glass. Largan positions its 1G3P lenses to compete with the existing 8P lenses.

The advantages of the 1G3P lens, which is used in the iPhone 15 Pro Max‘s 5x tetraprism camera, include its comparatively lower height profile and increasing competitiveness in pricing compared to the traditional 8P ones. Notably, this lower height profile of the hybrid lens can reduce the protrusion of the camera assembly.

Increased yields and reduced cost of the hybrid lens might make it appealing to more Android OEMs

Pricing dynamics play a crucial role in this evolution. The 1G3P hybrid lens implemented by Huawei starts at $12 during the prototype stage. However, Kuo predicts a drop to the $6-$7 range during mass production as yield rates improve. Higher yields at Largan, a leading manufacturer of these hybrid lenses, could enable Apple to integrate the tetraprism lens into the iPhone 16 Pro aside from the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 2024.

Beyond cost efficiency, Kuo highlights another significant advantage of glass-plastic hybrid lenses – their ability to rectify lens deformation resulting from the design of compact camera modules (CCM).

Looking ahead, Kuo predicts a wider adoption of glass-plastic hybrid lenses in high-end smartphones, with more manufacturers following Apple and Huawei. Currently, Largan and Sunny Optical lead the production of these lenses, with Largan enjoying a competitive edge due to its experience in the market and expertise in plastic lenses, says Kuo.