Why Don't Phone Manufacturers Include Lens Covers in Their Cameras?

The trend of phone manufacturers leaving out protective covering for the smartphone camera is a subject of curiosity. This practice, while seen in modern high-end smartphones, has its roots in the early days of mobile cameras. Despite the advantages, there are several reasons why lens covers aren't standard:

Historical Context and Inclusivity

Back in the early days, older high-end Nokia phones with Zeiss lenses [Note 1] featured sliding lens covers. These protective mechanisms aimed to shield the cameras from damage. However, with the advancement of iPhones and newer Android phones, the lens covers have been abandoned. This change makes using the camera more accessible to the average user, who may not notice a significant difference in picture quality from a scratched lens cover.

Lens Protection through Accessories

The absence of a built-in lens cover doesn't mean there isn't protection. Most people use smartphone cases, which often have a raised edge around the camera bump, offering some degree of protection against scratches. Furthermore, third-party accessories are available to provide additional protection to the camera lens by covering it with a hard, scratch-resistant material. Apple's use of sapphire glass in their camera lenses further contributes to this protection.

Engineering and Practicality

Despite the intentions behind camera covers, they bring several challenges. One of the main issues is durability. A moving part significantly reduces a device's lifespan. For instance, the Nokia N97, released in 2009, had a sliding lens cover. However, if sand or other hard particles managed to get under the slider, it could scratch the lens severely. This issue was so significant that the developers chose a beach volleyball game for their advertisement in anticipation of potential damage.

Camera Protection in Smartphones

Protective measures are already built into many smartphones. The camera lens is usually made of soft plastic, and even the finest scratches can degrade image quality. Therefore, manufacturers use soft plastic to prevent immediate damage. However, the real protection comes from a layer of hard glass or sapphire glass, which is not directly accessible to the user. These materials are designed to provide excellent resistance to scratches and damage, a feature offered by less expensive cases and third-party accessories.

Security and User Perception

For those concerned about camera security, it's important to note that mobile phones are generally far more secure than computers. The challenge of hacking a smartphone through the camera is minimal, given the layered security measures in place, including software and hardware-based protections.

Conclusion

While camera covers can be effective in protecting the lens, the practicality, engineering challenges, and user experience have led phone manufacturers to leave them out. However, it is comforting to know that the camera lens is already equipped with robust protection. Users can also take advantage of third-party accessories to further safeguard their devices.

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[Note 1]

Zeiss lenses provided superior optics and quality in the early days of camera phones, leading to the inclusion of protective covers.