Samsung to supply Xiaomi, LeEco with dual-camera modules?

A new report claims that Samsung‘s Electro Mechanics unit will be supplying several Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi and LeEco, with dual-camera modules.

“The South Korean firm will be begin supplying the modules to Xiaomi and LeEco beginning in July,” an “industry source” told the Korea Herald.

The publication noted that Samsung already sells single camera modules to Xiaomi, but said that the dual camera module would likely be fitted to the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 5S smartphone.

Little is known about the new Xiaomi handset, although some rumours claim it will feature a pressure-sensitive display (similar to Apple‘s Force Touch) and an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, Redmi 3 Pro heading to South Africa ‘soon’

Xiaomi and LeEco might not be the only recipients of Samsung’s dual-camera modules though.

“Samsung may also be supplying dual-camera modules to another Chinese manufacturer, Oppo Electronics,” the source explained.

Oppo is no stranger to offbeat mobile cameras, having produced the N-series of phones. These phones feature a single shooter mounted on a swivel, negating the need for two cameras.

Why do we need two rear cameras? On the one hand, manufacturers can theoretically sample more (double the) data improving image quality. Huawei’s P9 uses a black-and-white sensor coupled with a traditional colour sensor to achieve this. LG however uses its second camera as a wide-angle snapper, which is especially good for providing a different perspective. It works well for shots of tall buildings, or city streets.

Dual-camera smartphones have seen a bump in popularity with manufacturers this year, after the LG G5 (feature image) and Huawei P9 both launched with two different interpretations of the technology.