Help What is this?

[flatspunout]

What is the function of the small LED-looking dot just to the left of the earpiece? I had assumed it was a flash for the front-facing camera, but just realized there is no flash option in the settings menu for it. It isn't mentioned in the manual and I can't find any setting or app that will turn it on if it is in fact an LED. Any help?

 

[Harry2]

I think, it is the ambient light sensor.

Harry

 

[woodsb123]

Harry2 is correct. It's the light sensor which is used for automatically turning off the screen while you are on a phone call so that you don't accidentally press something on the screen, being that most smartphones are touchscreen only phones nowadays. I'm not sure if this option is specific to HTC phones only or for all smartphones that are touchscreen only devices, because I've only owned HTC phones lately. You can test this feature by placing a call, use the speakerphone, and then hover your hand/finger over the left side of your phone near the light sensor, you will see that as you do this, the display goes blank every time.

 

[colnago]

Actually, its referred to as the "proximity sensor", not exclusive to "touch screen" phones.

 

[kevinf1990]

no the one left of the earpiece is not the proximity sensor. it is indeed a ambient light sensor. the proximity sensor is in the black part of the screen bezel, hidden.

 

[mygt8a4re]

its a mini spy cam installed by HTC to make sure you dont turn off thier "tell HTC" option....

 

[lucas.childers]

In high sun light and the right angle you can see the proximity sensor, right below the ambient light sensor, it is a small discolored area in the bevel.

 

[colnago]

no the one left of the earpiece is not the proximity sensor. it is indeed a ambient light sensor. the proximity sensor is in the black part of the screen bezel, hidden.

Ok, but fully covering the earpiece, during an active call, the screen is still displayed. Covering just the "sensor" to the left of the earpiece during an active call turns off the screen. Not that I care which does what, its just good to know that both sensors are part of the phone.