Samsung patent shows camera with hexa-prism zoom

Samsung has filed a patent for a camera system with hexa-prism zoom. Such a technology could allow Samsung to offer ultra-high zoom capabilities from miniaturized imaging hardware, presumably in smartphones.

Samsung eyes advanced periscopic hexa-prism zoom with the latest patent

Apple is about to launch its iPhone 16 series. These iOS smartphones have advanced zoom capabilities. However, several reviews suggest the zoom capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones are better.

Samsung seems to be preparing for next-gen optical hardware with a new patent. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd has filed patent No. US20240288669, according to the WIPO database.

Samsung’s new camera patent hints at a revolutionary hexa prism zoom for future Galaxy phones, potentially challenging Apple’s Tetraprism zoom! 📸🔍 #SamsungGalaxy #HexaPrismZoom #TechInnovation #Freefast pic.twitter.com/E8PeBREwNH

— FreeFast (@freefast_media) September 4, 2024

The patent discusses an advanced optical hardware setup comprising six lenses. The “folded optics” setup has three concave and three convex lenses arranged alternatively.

The concave lenses ensure light bulges outward, while the convex lenses focus light inward. The arrangement tries to move light in a zig-zag manner. Moreover, manipulation of these lenses can also ensure the optical sensor receives a lot more light than a standard single-lens setup.

Such a six-layered optical setup significantly widens the distance light has to travel. According to 91Mobiles, these lenses would effectively have a longer focal length with OIS range of 180mm to 7000mm. This would increase the zoom capabilities of a camera.

When will Samsung release a smartphone with such advanced optical hardware?

According to the patent filing, the hexa-prism lens setup is intended to, “develop an optical imaging system capable of realizing both high resolution and thinning of the camera module”.

Simply put, Samsung has suggested the hexa-prism system is designed with compactness as a priority. This strongly implies Samsung’s patent could translate to a new camera setup for its Android smartphones.

Samsung has patented a Hexaprism Periscope Telephoto lens

Future Galaxy phones are expected to adapt this next gen periscope layout pic.twitter.com/KYQhswAKnH

— Anthony (@TheGalox_) September 4, 2024

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5x periscope zoom camera with a 50MP, 111mm sensor. This is one of the largest sensors, and it allows for some exceptional zoom photography and even video recordings.

The next-gen Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to pack a 50MP 5x super-telephoto zoom camera. It is important to note that companies regularly file patents. However, some of the designs are never actually implemented. Still, the seemingly practical design of Samsung’s hexa-prism lens could be deployed in the company’s upcoming flagship smartphone.