Smartphone Sensor‐Based Physiological Parameter Monitoring: Advances, Apps, and Discussions

ABSTRACT With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and advancements in sensors, smartphone‐based solutions for physiological parameter monitoring appear to offer notable advantages over traditional methods, potentially enhancing safety, convenience and efficiency. This paper aims to present a systematic survey of smartphone sensor‐based physiological parameter monitoring apps, with particular discussions of gaps between their current functional capabilities and recent advances. We conducted a systematic analysis of relevant apps available on the App Store and Google Play, mainly focusing on four vital signs: heart rate (HR), blood pressure(BP), body temperature (BT) and respiratory rate (RR), as well as oxygen saturation (S p O 2 $$ {S}_p{O}_2 $$ ), blood glucose (BG) and haemoglobin (Hb). The analysis revealed that HR measurement apps were the most prevalent, while BP,S p O 2 $$ {S}_p{O}_2 $$ , BT and RR measurement apps were comparatively fewer, and no smartphone sensor‐based BG measurement apps were identified. The contact photoplethysmography method is widely adopted by current apps, while non‐contact approach holds potential. Novel techniques require further investigation beyond laboratory settings to enhance robustness. Smartphone‐based measurement of physiological parameters shows promise, though further research and development are needed to bridge the gap between current capabilities and the demands of accurate, real‐world health monitoring.