Under‑Display Selfie Cameras in 2025: Technology, Trade‑Offs & Top Performers

Why Under‑Display Selfie Cameras Are the Next Big Thing—and Why They’re Tricky

If you’ve ever wondered how to get a true edge‑to‑edge display without a notch or punch‑hole, you’re not alone. Under‑display selfie cameras promise that seamless look, but the technology involves a delicate balancing act between screen pixels and camera sensors. Today we’ll demystify how these clever lenses work, explore their biggest strengths and weaknesses, and recommend the standout 2025 models that do it best.

1. How Under‑Display Cameras Work (And Why It’s Hard)

At its core, an under‑display camera sits beneath a section of the OLED panel. When you’re not taking selfies, that area behaves like normal screen pixels. When you switch to the front camera, the display briefly lowers its pixel density—making room for light to pass through to the sensor underneath.

• Pixel Transparency: Engineers use special semi‑transparent OLED pixels in the camera zone to let more light through. According to industry analysts, this typically costs a 20–30 % drop in screen brightness in that region.
• Sensor Sensitivity: To compensate for less light, camera modules rely on larger pixel wells and advanced signal‑processing algorithms. But even so, early budget implementations struggled with noise and blur, as we’ve seen in community forums.
• Software Magic: Post‑processing steps—like dynamic contrast adjustment and AI‑based denoising—help salvage image quality. This is analogous to the on‑device AI enhancements you’ve read about in our AI Co‑Pilot Smartphones post.

2. Key Challenges & How Brands Tackle Them

2.1 Display vs. Sensor Trade‑Offs

General consensus from display‑industry experts is that more transparent pixels weaken display uniformity. As Display Daily explains, balancing pixel density around the camera area is critical to avoid visible “watermark” effects.

2.2 Image Quality Limitations

Budget phones often used minimal under‑display tech, resulting in soft, grainy selfies. In a recent shootout, Android Authority found that premium implementations deliver clearer images, thanks to higher‑quality sensor modules and better light‑gathering designs.

2.3 Heat and Power Management

Because under‑display areas require different driving voltages, manufacturers must ensure uniform heat dissipation to prevent burn‑in. High‑end models incorporate specialized cooling gels beneath the screen to maintain longevity.

3. Top Under‑Display Selfie Cameras of 2025

3.1 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Rumored)

While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed its under‑display selfie rollout, leaks suggest the S24 Ultra will use a refined pixel‑pattern hiding the 16 MP camera seamlessly. Early hands‑on previews hint at minimal color shift even at wide viewing angles.

3.2 ZTE Axon 20 5G & Axon 30 Ultra

ZTE pioneered the consumer under‑display camera with the Axon 20. Despite mixed reviews—DXOMark scored its selfies around 75 points—its successor, the Axon 30 Ultra, improves brightness and sharpness through a larger 32 MP sensor and AI denoising.

3.3 Oppo Find N2 Flip (2025 Edition)

In foldable form, Oppo uses a cover‑display selfie to avoid under‑display complexity altogether. Still, it’s worth noting in foldable vs flip durability discussions from our Foldable vs Flip 2025 breakdown.

4. Making Under‑Display Camera Work for You

If you’re considering a phone with an under‑display selfie, here’s what to look for:

• Higher Sensor Resolution: Look for 32 MP or higher to compensate for lower light throughput.
• AI‑Enhanced Processing: Phones with robust NPUs—like those in Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Tensor G5 devices—deliver sharper results. Learn more in our Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 vs Dimensity 9400 post.
• Software Updates: Manufacturers continue to refine under‑display drivers and processing pipelines post‑launch, so check the update history before purchase.

5. Q&A: Your Under‑Display Camera FAQs

Q: Are under‑display selfies as good as notch cameras?

A: Premium under‑display implementations come close in bright light, but notch or punch‑hole cameras still edge them out in low‑light sharpness.

Q: Does an under‑display camera burn in my screen?

A: Modern OLEDs use shifting pixel patterns and specialized drivers to prevent burn‑in, but it’s wise to use dark themes and avoid static content.

6. Final Thoughts

Under‑display selfie cameras are a bold step toward truly bezel‑free phones. While early models had noticeable compromises, 2025’s flagships are closing the gap—especially when paired with powerful on‑device AI, like the features we covered in our Metalens in iPhone 17 article. For a deeper dive into camera module trade‑offs, explore our UFS 4.0 vs 4.1 storage guide, which highlights how faster storage can accelerate on‑device photo processing.

AI Disclosure: Drafted with AI assistance and thoroughly verified by the author for accuracy and clarity.

By Sujan Chowdhury — With 15 years analyzing smartphone hardware and imaging tech, Sujan brings you clear, friendly insights into today’s most intriguing mobile innovations.