Haptic Feedback: Definition & explanation

Haptic feedback relies on small motors inside the smartphone, usually linear resonant actuators (LRAs), to generate precise, short vibration pulses. Unlike simple rotary vibration motors in older devices, LRAs respond faster and can be finely controlled, enabling distinct patterns for different actions. The system detects events such as keyboard input, screen unlock, notifications, or reaching thresholds within apps, then triggers a matching haptic pattern. Modern operating systems like iOS and Android provide developer APIs to embed custom haptic effects in apps, for instance when toggling a switch or confirming a successful action. Haptic feedback improves usability because users get confirmation of actions without needing to look at the screen. It also plays an important role in accessibility features, for example for visually impaired users, and in gesture control, where it provides tactile confirmation for virtual buttons or swipe gestures. The quality of haptics is often seen as an indicator of a smartphone's build quality and is frequently assessed in reviews.