While Android manufacturers have often borrowed design cues from Apple when it comes to adding or even removing hardware, one feature that hasn’t yet gained similar traction is the camera control button. Inspired by traditional digital cameras, this tactile, pressure-sensitive button offers precise control over focus, shutter speed, or zoom, adding to user convenience.
SurveyUnlike generic action buttons (which are programmable for shortcuts), a dedicated camera control button is designed explicitly for photography, often supporting multi-step presses or capacitive gestures. For Android users, a handful of brands have experimented with similar hardware. We will list some of the options available.
What is a Camera Control Button?
A camera control button is a dedicated physical or capacitive button optimised for photography. Unlike a generic action button, which can be customized to launch apps, toggle settings, or trigger shortcuts, this button is specifically engineered to enhance camera functionality. For instance, it might allow half-press focusing, full-press shutter release, or swipe-based zoom adjustments.
Android Phones with Camera Control Button
Here is a list of Android phones with a camera control button.
Oppo Find X8 Pro
The Oppo Find X8 Pro (review) stands out as one of the few flagship Android devices embracing a dedicated camera control button. Positioned ergonomically along the frame, this tactile button supports a two-step press: a light tap locks focus, while a deeper press captures the shot. Oppo has integrated this feature with its Hasselblad-tuned camera system, allowing users to adjust exposure compensation or switch between lenses using swipe gestures on the button.
Beyond the button, the Find X8 Pro offers a quad-camera setup, including a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 primary sensor, a periscope telephoto lens with 6x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide shooter with macro capabilities. The phone’s 6.82-inch ProXDR OLED display ensures vibrant previews, while its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset handles computational photography effortlessly. Though priced at a premium, the Find X8 Pro is a great option for photography.
Nothing Phone 3a (Upcoming)
Nothing’s upcoming Phone 3a was spotted with a camera control button in a teaser. Leaked renders suggest a sleek, minimalist button on the right frame, likely offering haptic feedback for a responsive shooting experience. While details remain scarce, Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface could integrate with the button, imagine LED lights flashing to indicate focus lock or recording status.
The Phone 3a is expected to pack a 50MP dual-camera system, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip and a 6.7-inch AMOLED display. It is expected to target mid-range buyers seeking style and substance.
Also read: Best Phones under ₹25,000: Best options for performance, camera, and display
Nubia Z70 Ultra
The Nubia Z70 Ultra powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite is another notable Android device featuring a dedicated camera control button. This two-stage physical shutter button allows users to half-press to lock focus and fully press to capture the shot. In addition to the shutter button, the Z70 Ultra includes a customizable slider on the left side, which can be configured to launch the camera, toggle the flashlight, switch to silent mode, or access other frequently used functions.
The camera system of the Nubia Z70 Ultra is noteworthy, featuring a 50MP main camera with a 35 mm-equivalent lens and an adjustable physical aperture ranging from f/1.6 to f/4.0. The device also boasts a 64MP telephoto camera with a 70mm focal length and a 50MP ultra-wide camera, catering to diverse photography needs.
Lava Agni 3
Lava’s Agni 3 (review) does not have a camera control button but its power button doubles as a multi-function button and you may also set it to launch the camera app. The Agni 3 features a 64MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP selfie shooter. Its MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset delivers decent performance, though low-light photography struggles with noise. The 6.78-inch 120Hz display and 5,000mAh battery are other highlights to look forward to.
Also read: Best 5G Phone Under 15,000: Top Picks for Budget Buyers
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