Xiaomi developed its own pixel grid arrangement that allows light to pass through the gap area of sub-pixels. At the same time, each single pixel has a complete RGB subpixel layout with no sacrifice in pixel density. All of that means that the display pixel density above the camera is the same as elsewhere on the screen, showing the “same brightness, color gamut and color accuracy.” Xiaomi also optimized the camera algorithm, claiming it performs the same as conventional front cameras.

So far, we haven’t seen great performance on prototype under-display selfie cameras, so we’ll have to see Xiaomi’s system to believe it. In any case, we should get a taste of the technology on a mass-production camera soon, as ZTE’s Axon 20 5G with the first mass-produced under-display camera will arrive on September 1st. Xiaomi’s tech won’t arrive until 2021, but it could have the edge in technology if the claims are accurate.

ZTE has announced that it will release the first “mass-produced” smartphone with an under-display selfie camera, with the launch set for September 1st. The Axon 20 5G is expected to have a 6.92-inch OLED display, but there’ll be no notches, punch holes or other blemishes where a front camera would normally go.

So far, the most all-screen phones have used cameras that pop out of the top or side. ZTE notes that “all the major industry players” have been working on under-display cameras, but it’s apparently the first to bring one to market. We just hope that under-display tech has improved since we last saw it on an Oppo prototype, because that model showed a fair amount of hazing. The challenge is shooting through the display, which obviously isn’t completely transparent.

In his weibo post earlier today, Oppo VP Brian Shen shared a short video clip of what appears to be a notch-free prototype smartphone lying on a desk. The camera app was launched, and despite the lack of a visible front-facing camera, the screen still seemingly showed a live view of the room’s ceiling. Just to add credibility to the video, the demonstrator also hovered a finger over where the camera is supposedly hidden.

Having a non-mechanical front camera solution means there’s no physical wear and tear, plus that’s one less piece of fragile part to worry about. That said, in a follow-up post, Shen admitted that this under-screen camera technology is still in its early days. “At this stage, it’s difficult for under-display cameras to match the same results as normal cameras, there’s bound to be some loss in optical quality,” Shen said. “But, no new technology jumps to perfection right away.”

There’s no word on when we may see this technology on a mass-produced smartphone, but our guess is that Vivo, Oppo’s main rival in China and also a sister company, may also be working on a similar implementation — as hinted by the APEX 2019 concept phone’s product manager back in March. Either way, hopefully we’ll be hearing from Shen again about this in the near future.

For those seeking the perfect, notchless smartphone screen experience – prepare to be amazed.

You are taking a very first look at our under-display selfie camera technology. RT! pic.twitter.com/FrqB6RiJaY

— OPPO (@oppo) June 3, 2019