Huawei has recently submitted a patent to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) for a retractable periscope camera system. This innovative technology aims to integrate periscope cameras into smartphones while occupying significantly less internal space.

Additionally, users would have the ability to adjust the zoom gradually using a rotating ring. Over the years, Huawei has distinguished itself as a leader in smartphone photography, particularly through its collaboration with Leica to enhance the image quality of its cameras.

The company has since developed its own imaging brand, XMAGE, which focuses on continuous technological advancements. The introduction of a retractable periscope camera could represent a significant step forward in this area.

According to 91mobiles, this new patent reveals a retractable camera system that, while reminiscent of existing technologies, could be implemented in a unique sensor configuration. The periscope camera is noted for improving image quality and versatility in mobile photography, offering superior optical zoom compared to traditional telephoto sensors.

This technology operates by stacking multiple lenses and utilizing a prism and mirror to direct light effectively. However, existing systems often require more space than conventional telephoto lenses.

Huawei’s patented design addresses this challenge by incorporating a retractable mechanism. This means that when the periscope camera is activated, a motorized system extends the sensor for use.

Once the user is done, the sensor retracts automatically to save space. An added feature is the ability to control zoom manually using a rotating ring, providing a more precise way to adjust the viewfinder image.

Moreover, it’s noteworthy that the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra already employs retractable camera technology. While this demonstrates Huawei’s expertise, no other smartphone manufacturer has yet adopted a similar periscope camera system.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Huawei brings this technology to market in the near future.