For not-so-tech-savvy people, smartphones feature one of two types of vibration motors: rotary motor and linear motor. The former is cost-effective and also uses less space inside the device. But it cannot start and stop as quickly as the latter. As a result, the haptic feedback from such motors isn’t crisp and intense. To improve the haptic feedback on their devices, many smartphone makers are now switching to linear motors. Particularly in flagship models since these are costlier than rotary motors. They are thin but long in shape, taking up more space too. However, thanks to their nature, they offer much better haptic feedback and can make complex vibrations. In short, they are better alternatives to rotary motors. As far as the “axis” thing is concerned, an X-axis linear motor means the motor unit lies parallel to the width of the phone (horizontally). It vibrates left and right. Some devices feature a Z-axis linear motor that lies parallel to the length of the phone (vertically) and vibrates up and down. In practice, X-axis linear motors offer better vibration intensity than Z-axis counterparts. Apple was the first to use a horizontal linear motor in smartphones — in the iPhone 6s series back in 2015. Samsung also used X-axis linear motors in some of its flagship smartphones in the past. But usually only in Ultra models. So the entire Galaxy S22 lineup using the theoretically best vibration motor for smartphones is a welcome change.
The Galaxy S22 lineup will offer improved haptic feedback
Poor haptic feedback has been one of the major complaints with Samsung‘s flagships smartphones in recent years, at least on the base models. The company has been using rotary motors or Z-axis linear motors in those devices and that is likely the main culprit here. It is now looking to fix things by equipping all three Galaxy S22 models with an X-axis linear motor. Of course, a lot depends on software optimizations as well. Perhaps the positioning of the motor unit too. But a better hardware component will deliver better results with the same level of optimizations. We will find out the results in a few weeks now.
