Microlens in a smartphone: What is it? Are they useful or just a hoax?

Microlenses are camera lenses with a small-diameter, that is, below 1 mm. They are used in cell phone cameras, photocopiers, and 3D displays. The first question which arises is where this term has actually come from? Whenever a photographer captures a subject from a very minimal distance, it is known as macro photography. But, if you try doing this photography with a normal camera, then there are high chances that the photo will become blurry when you move closer to the subject. Thus, it becomes important to have a suitable camera if you are into macro photography.

Many times you want to capture a subject that is very small or very close to you. For example, you want to take a photo of an insect or maybe a flower. Your aim is to collect the minute details of the object. This is where the microlens helps you. If it is not present, there are high chances that the photo will get blurred and all your excitement to save that memory will die. 

An issue with the macro lens is that it might come with a higher megapixel. For example, your rear primary camera might have a 108 MP facility but its macro lens only supports an 8 MP sensor. The quality of your macro photography won’t be as good as you would have hoped.

Also read: Xiaomi files two patents: Detachable rear camera module for a smartphone and a Smart glass

Is it really useful?

But in reality, many of us, who are not into a lot of macro photography does not require these macro lenses. Still, companies are including this in almost all of their upcoming smartphones. Why? One reason is that they want to give more features to the customers so that they are inclined towards buying their product. But these macro lenses are also their specifically to show that they have devices with triple rear setup or the quad rear setup. Have you fallen for this bait till now? Or are you really a lover of macro photography?