Concentrated laser beams, even “eye-safe” ones, can permanently “fry” the tiny pixels on your phone’s camera sensor. This risk extends to modern car LiDAR sensors, which are laser-based.

A car’s lidar sensor can permanently damage your phone camera if you point it directly at it. A Galaxy S24 Ultra owner reported similar damage after attending a laser-heavy light show.

The laser light emitted by the lidar can potentially damage the camera's sensor or affect its performance." The automaker noted that cameras are most vulnerable when close up and pointed right at ...