Many users are surprised to notice a slight tapping sound when shaking their mobile phone, even if it has never been dropped or bumped. This phenomenon, far from indicating a factory defect, is related to one of the most advanced technologies incorporated into high-end phone cameras: the optical image stabilizer (OIS).
Understanding how this component works helps explain why the noise is completely normal and does not represent a failure in the device.
The key behind this sound, according to Xataka Movil, lies in the OIS, a mechanical stabilization system that improves the quality of photographs and videos, especially in conditions of movement or low light.TheOIS uses lenses and sensors suspended by magnets and small springs, allowing them to float and compensate for the user’s involuntary movements over an image.
When the phone’s camera is turned off, these elements remain loose inside the photo module.When you shake the device, the stabilization mechanism gently hits the internal walls of the module, producing the characteristic “cluck, clack.”This effect is usually more evident in high-end models and in phones that have mechanical stabilization in periscopic telephoto cameras, as occurs in some iPhone Pro and Pro Max.
The intensity and frequency of the sound depend on the specific design of the gyroscope, the size of the camera module and the technical characteristics of each model.In devices with OIS only in the main camera, the noise tends to be lower, while in those with more complex systems it can be perceived more clearly.
A common question is whether this knocking can affect the camera or reduce its useful life.The usual response from manufacturers is that there is no risk under normal use of the device.OIS modules are designed to withstand everyday movements and their construction takes into account the possibility of small internal impacts when the system is inactive.The sound you hear shaking your phone does not imply immediate damage or deterioration.
However, the manufacturers themselves warn that sudden movements, falls or exposure to constant vibrations can end up affecting the accuracy and durability of the OIS.Apple, for example, has noted that environments with a lot of vibrations, such as a motorcycle handlebar, can impair the operation of the optical stabilizer.Samsung and other brands recognize the phenomenon and ensure that their devices withstand regular use, although the warranty may not cover damage caused by extreme conditions or unintended use.
There is no definitive solution to eliminate this sound on phones with OIS, since the principle of operation of the stabilizer requires that the lenses remain mobile when the camera is off.Noise is a direct consequence of the internal design of the module and is present in any model that incorporates this technology.
The recommendation is not to worry: the sound is normal and does not affect the performance or safety of the device.Manufacturers have refined their designs to ensure long-term durability, although they recognize that the mechanism may be more sensitive under extreme vibration conditions.If in doubt about warranty coverage, it is advisable to review the specific conditions established by each brand.
In summary, the slight knocking that is perceived when shaking a high-end mobile phone is an expected result of the technological sophistication of its cameras and should not be interpreted as a defect or a symptom of damage.
