7 sensors that make your smartphone so smart

Accelerometer

The accelerometer measures acceleration and allows the smartphone to determine the characteristics of movement and position in space. It is this sensor that works when the vertical orientation changes to horizontal when the device is rotated. He is also responsible for counting steps and measuring the speed of movement in all kinds of map applications. The accelerometer provides information about which direction the smartphone is facing, which becomes an important function in various augmented reality applications.

This sensor itself consists of small sensors: microscopic crystalline structures, under the influence of acceleration forces turning into a stressed state. The voltage is transmitted to the accelerometer, which interprets it into data on the speed and direction of travel.

Gyroscope

This sensor helps the accelerometer to navigate in space. For example, it allows you to take panoramic photos on your smartphone. In racing games, where control occurs by moving the device, it is just the gyroscope that works. It is sensitive to the rotation of the device about its axis.

Smartphones use microelectromechanical systems, and the first such devices that keep the axis when cornering appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.

Magnetometer

The last in the trio of sensors for orientation in space is a magnetometer. It measures magnetic fields and, accordingly, can determine where north is. The compass function in various map applications and individual compass programs work with the magnetometer.

There are similar sensors in metal detectors, so you can find special applications that turn a smartphone into such a device.

The magnetometer works in tandem with an accelerometer and GPS for geolocation and navigation.

Gps

Where would we be without GPS (Global Positioning System) technology? The smartphone connects to multiple satellites and calculates its position based on the intersection angles. It happens that satellites are unavailable: for example, in case of large clouds or indoors.

GPS does not use data from the mobile network, so geolocation works outside the cellular coverage area: even if the map itself cannot be downloaded, the geolocation point will still be there.

At the same time, the GPS function consumes a lot of battery power, so it is better to turn it off when not needed.

Another way of geolocation, although not very accurate, is to determine the distance from cell towers. The smartphone adds other information to the GPS data, such as the strength of the mobile signal, to determine the location.

Barometer

Many smartphones, including iPhones, have this sensor that measures atmospheric pressure. It is needed to register weather changes and determine the height above sea level.

Proximity switch

This sensor is usually located near the speaker at the top of the smartphone and consists of an infrared diode and a light sensor. It uses a beam invisible to humans to determine if the device is near the ear. This is how the smartphone “understands” that the display should be turned off while talking on the phone.

Light sensor

As the name suggests, this sensor measures the ambient light level, which automatically adjusts the display brightness to a comfortable brightness.

Sensors with each new generation of smartphones are becoming more efficient, smaller and less energy-consuming. Therefore, you should not think that, for example, the GPS function in a device that is already several years old will work as well as in a new one. And even if the information about new smartphones does not indicate the characteristics of all these sensors, rest assured that they are the ones that allow you to enjoy many of the impressive functions of modern gadgets.