Nokia phone with penta-lens camera said to be in the making

Six years ago, Nokia grabbed eyeballs by launching the Nokia 808 PureView, world's first phone to feature a 41MP camera. The device's sensor was the largest (over 4 times larger than usual compact cameras) sensor ever to be used in a camera phone at the time of its launch. As justified, Nokia 808 PureView bagged the "Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet" award at the MWC 2012.

Now, a report has surfaced online claiming that HMD Global, which is currently the owner of Nokia Mobiles, is working on a device with a penta-lens camera. In other words, that's a camera that has five lenses. It is somewhat similar to the Nokia OZO camera that features eight lenses. However, the camera module will be slimmed down to fit in a smartphone's case.

As far as the authenticity of this news is concerned, the report cites a source familiar with the R&D division of Foxconn. For those who are unaware, HMD Global is working closely with Foxconn for the launch of new Nokia smartphones. So we won't be surprised if the information comes true in future, a part of it at least.

As per to this person with idea about Foxconn's plans, HMD Global has already made a prototype smartphone featuring a penta-lens camera so that it can be tested. However, it is still not ready for mass-production. On a positive note, Foxconn is trying its best to find a solution to mass produce the device. If that happens, we can see the unveiling of the Nokia smartphone with five lenses as soon as late 2018.

The report further reveals that the penta-lens camera will come in a circular form factor with seven holes in the middle to make a circle. Five of these holes will house the camera's lenses, whereas the remaining two will be for the LED flash. So it may sport a similar look as a shower head.

As of now, we don't really know what type would be these lenses and how will the camera work. Nonetheless, it would be a very powerful camera, something which we have never seen on a phone. Hopefully, more details will emerge in the following days.