Front camera

Glossary

Business phone glossary

Our glossary explains basic terms and abbreviations relating to mobile working, the use of smartphones and tablets in the corporate environment (Enterprise Mobility) and security aspects in the use of mobile devices.

F

Front camera

User-facing camera on mobile devices

While the main camera is used for taking photos, videos and scans, the front camera is mostly used for “selfies” and/or facial recognition or for an iris scan to unlock the device (see biometric unlock).

Multiple front cameras

All current smartphones offer their users a camera, usually even several. A distinction has to be made between the main camera on the back (today usually multiple cameras) and the front camera on the user’s front.

Samsung’s Galaxy A80 is one of the few current models without a front-facing camera. The camera bar of the A80 can be extended and swiveled by 180 degrees, which allows users to also use the main camera for selfies.

Front cameras are now also offered as multiple cameras (dual camera), which is helpful for creating a bokeh effect as well as controlling the depth of field.

Selfie flash

For brightening up selfies, some models switch the display to very bright for a short time (Apple calls this feature “Retina Flash”). This eliminates the need for a dedicated flash for the front camera.