As smartphones become more mature, it gets harder to truly innovate. Lenovo is at least trying something new with the new VIBE S1. It has not one but two front-facing cameras. Why would you want this? I don't know, but it exists anyway.

The VIBE S1 packs standard mid-range specs for a Lenovo phone including a 64-bit MediaTek octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and LTE. It has a 5-inch 1080p screen and a 13MP rear camera as well. On the front you've got the dual selfie cameras. The 8MP front-facing sensor is the one that actually captures images, then there's a 2MP camera that's used to analyze depth information.

  • Processor: 64-bit MediaTek™ MT6752 1.7GHz Octa-Core
  • Operating: System Android™ 5.0 (Lollipop)
  • Display/Resolution: 5.0-inch FHD (1920X1080) IPS
  • Color: Pearl White, Midnight Blue
  • Memory: 3GB RAM
  • Storage: 32GB internal storage, up to 128GB microSD
  • Sound: 1x speaker, 3.5mm audio jack
  • Connectivity: 4G (LTE), 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
  • Camera: 13MP phase-detection auto-focus rear camera with dual-color flash, BSI sensor; 8MP
  • primary front camera with BSI sensor, 2MP secondary front camera
  • Battery: Typical – 2500mAh | Minimum – 2420mAh; embedded
  • Materials: Aluminum frame, front and rear Gorilla Glass 3
  • Weight: 132g (4.65 ounces)
  • Dimensions: 143.3*70.8*7.8 mm(5.65 x 2.78 x 0.3 in.)
  • SIM Support: Dual Nano SIM

The photos taken with the dual camera array can be edited in various ways using the depth information. For example, you can adjust the focus (up to three different focal planes) or apply a bokeh effect to the background after taking the image. Whether or not any of this is desirable will depend entirely on how well it works. Past devices that have done this with rear-facing cameras haven't been great at it.

The Lenovo VIBE S1 will be on sale for $299 this November in all markets where Lenovo sells phones. Availability and pricing will vary by country, though.

Source: BusinessWire