Samsung tried to copy iPhone X’s Animoji feature with AR Emoji on the Galaxy S9. While Apple made use of its advanced TrueDepth camera system for Animoji, Samsung’s implementation relied solely on the 8MP autofocus camera at the front. No wonder then that the final results are not up to the mark. Not deterred by the poor reviews of AR Emoji, Samsung is reportedly working with its suppliers on a 3D sensing camera module for the Galaxy S10.

The Korean company is reportedly working with Israeli startup Mantis Vision and camera module firm Namuga to develop a 3D sensing camera solution for the Galaxy S10. Namuga already supplies Intel with 3D sensing camera modules for its RealSense AR cameras, while Mantis Vision supplies Samsung with camera modules for its lower-end devices.

The 3D sensing TrueDepth camera used by Apple on the iPhone X makes it possible to offer features like Animoji. Samsung tried copying the same thing with AR Emoji on the Galaxy S9, but the hardware behind it was simply not good enough for the purpose.

Reputed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had already stated in one of his investor’s note that Apple’s Face ID technology is at least 2-3 years ahead of other OEMs and gives it a huge advantage over them. While Samsung’s suppliers are currently working on a 3D sensing tech for the Galaxy S10, it is still very early to tell if the tech will be ready in time for the Galaxy S10 and work as expected.

Our Take

Apple is unlikely to make any improvements to its TrueDepth camera system for 2018 except for perhaps improving its reliability. Even then, Apple’s technology is far ahead of what anyone else in the market offers. And despite Samsung working with its suppliers on a Face ID competitor, the chances of the technology being ready in time for the Galaxy S10 or it working as well as Face ID on the iPhone X are slim.