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Last updated: August 14th, 2020 at 14:55 UTC+02:00
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Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), together with ToF technology were supposed to become killer features in the wake of 5G. However, not much has happened with ToF technology in conjunction with AR and VR over the past year and it might take a while longer before ToF sensors will be used to their full potential in these areas.
More importantly, the ‘indirect ToF' technology that a few of Samsung's phones have is not as powerful as ‘direct ToF,' the latter of which has been exclusively reserved by Apple from Sony. Given these technical limitations, Samsung decided to abandon the ToF game, at least for the time being.
Although the Galaxy S21 might not have a ToF sensor, industry insiders claim that Samsung hasn't entirely given up on the concept. The company's System LSI Division is reportedly developing an image sensor that could greatly improve the capabilities of indirect ToF technology, but whether or not it will be used in a consumer product depends on a few factors.
Firstly, whether or not the Korean giant will rejoin the ToF game will depend on the technological advancements that will or won't be made by Samsung in this area. Secondly, Samsung has reportedly decided to watch the evolution of ToF sensors and their applications from the sidelines. Because Apple has an exclusivity deal with Sony on direct ToF sensors, Samsung will wait for Apple to implement this technology in an iPhone and decide whether or not it will reveal its own solution based on the market's response towards Apple's product.
But even if Apple's implementation becomes popular, Samsung's improved ToF sensor might not be ready by the time the Galaxy S21 hits the market. At the earliest, the company might reintroduce ToF sensors along with the Galaxy Note 21 a year from now.
Mihai is a blogger and column writer at SamMobile. His first Samsung phone was an A800 which took a lot of beating, and a part of him still misses the novelty of the clamshell design. In his free time, he enjoys watching shows, documentaries, and stand-up comedy; listening to music, taking walks, and occasionally playing old(er) video games.
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