|
Sensor | Description | Common uses |
|
Accelerometer | Measures the acceleration force in m/s2 that is applied to each of the three physical axes (, , and ) of a device (including gravity) | Detects motion and senses the changes in smartphones’ orientation |
|
Ambient temperature sensor | Measures the ambient room temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) | Monitors air temperatures |
|
Gyroscope | Measures a device’s rate of rotation in rad/s around each of the three physical axes (, , and ) | Detects rotation (spin, turn, etc.) |
|
Light sensor | Measures the ambient light level (illumination) in lx | Controls screen brightness |
|
Magnetometer | Measures the ambient geomagnetic field for all three physical axes (, , and ) in μT | Creates a compass |
|
Barometer | Measures the ambient air pressure in hPa or mbar | Monitors air pressure changes |
|
Proximity sensor | Measures the proximity of an object in cm relative to the view screen of a device | Detects if the phone is held up to a person’s ear during a call |
|
Humidity sensor | Measures the humidity of ambient environment in percent (%) | Monitors dewpoint and absolute and relative humidity |
|
Global Positioning System | Measures the latitude and longitude of the current location of the device | Uses a user’s location to show the nearby information |
|
Image sensor (camera) | Records images and videos | Captures still picture or video |
|
Audio sensor (microphone) | Measures sound in air into an electrical signal | Records voices |
|
Fingerprint identity sensor | Reads a user’s fingerprint | Identifies a user through touching |
|
Moisture sensor | Identifies whether the device has been submerged in water | Detects if a device has internal water damage |
|