What does an accelerometer do on the phone? Is responsible for more things than you think

A smartphone accelerometer works like a labyrinth in our ear – it constantly monitors the location and detects the smallest changes in traffic. It is thanks to him that the phone reacts to our gestures and adapts to the way we hold it.

Not only automatic screen rotation

The most obvious function of the accelerometer is the change of screen orientation. When we watch the movie or view photos, just turn the phone to make the image adapt to the new position. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg of this sensor.

Few people know that the accelerometer also helps in taking photos. By working with the camera, he informs us if the phone is perfectly leveled. Thanks to this, our landscape photos will not be skewed, and the panoramas will come perfectly simple. Many camera applications use these data to display the leveling or virtual level of levels, helping the user to accurately set the frame.

Counting steps

Today, the smartphone precisely count our steps, analyzing the characteristic shocks when walking. What’s more, can distinguish a peaceful walk from fast runningand even recognize when we ride a bicycle.

Data from the accelerometer are also used for more accurate calculation of calories burned. The phone not only knows how many steps we took, but also with what intensity we moved. This is why fitness applications show different values ​​for a regular walk and intensive training.

Support for maps and navigation

GPS is great at determining our position, but it The accelerometer provides information about which way we are moving. This is particularly important in places where the satellite signal is weak – in tunnels, underground parking lots or between high buildings. It is then that the motion sensor helps navigation to determine our direction and speed.

New opportunities in games

In mobile games, the accelerometer has opened new control options. In racing games we tilt the phone like a steering wheel, in the flight simulators we control the plane with the movement of the device, and in some logic games we solve puzzles by manipulating the phone in space.

Safety and detection of falls

Newer smartphones can detect when the phone accelerates rapidly, and then suddenly stops. This can help in danger situationse.g. when falling or even a car accident. If the device detects a disturbing motion pattern, it can display an alert, and if the user does not react – he will automatically notify loved ones or emergency services. Unfortunately, this function is not available on all smartphones. Detection of falls have, among others iPhones from the XS Model and selected Google Pixel and Samsung smartphones. However, detection of car accidents is a function present only in iPhones 14 and newer and in some models of Android phone calls.

Intelligent energy management

The accelerometer also cares for our battery. It detects when the phone lies still on the desk and can damp the screen. When we lift it, he immediately wakes up the display – without pressing any buttons. This is one of those amenities that we don’t even notice on a daily basis.