The answer is a damaged camera module or its flex cable. This is the most likely hardware issue because the iPhone’s LED flashlight and rear camera share a common power source and data path on the same flex cable assembly; when that cable is torn, pinched, or the module itself fails, both functions stop working simultaneously while unrelated apps continue to run normally. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate a shared-component failure versus a software glitch—a common trap is to suspect a system-level bug, but the fact that other apps work and the device has been restarted eliminates that. Remember the memory tip: “Flash and camera share the same wire; if one’s dark, the other’s fire.”
220-1102 Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of mobile os and app troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user reports that their iPhone's flashlight is not working, and the camera app shows a black screen. Other apps function normally. The device is up-to-date and has been restarted. What is the most likely hardware-related issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The camera module or its flex cable is damaged.
The simultaneous failure of the flashlight and camera strongly points to a shared hardware component failure. Both the camera module and the LED flash are typically integrated on the same flex cable assembly or share a common power management IC. Since other apps function normally and the device has been restarted, a hardware fault in the camera module or its flex cable is the most likely cause.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The battery is failing and cannot provide enough power.
Why it's wrong here
A failing battery would cause more widespread issues, not just the flashlight and camera.
✗
The camera app is corrupted; reinstall it.
Why it's wrong here
The flashlight function is separate from the camera app; if both fail, it points to hardware, not a single app.
✓
The camera module or its flex cable is damaged.
Why this is correct
The LED flash is part of the camera module; damage to the module or its connection can disable both the camera and flashlight.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The iOS has a bug that affects the camera and flashlight.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, a bug affecting both would be rare and likely reported widely; hardware failure is more probable given the symptoms.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the concept of shared hardware dependencies, where candidates mistakenly attribute a dual-component failure to a software bug or battery issue instead of recognizing the common physical connection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In iPhone hardware design, the rear camera module and the True Tone flash share a common I²C bus and are often connected via a single flex cable to the logic board. A short or break in this cable can simultaneously disable both components. The flashlight is driven by a dedicated LED driver IC that receives commands from the camera subsystem, so any failure in the camera module's communication path will also break flashlight control.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The camera module or its flex cable is damaged. — The simultaneous failure of the flashlight and camera strongly points to a shared hardware component failure. Both the camera module and the LED flash are typically integrated on the same flex cable assembly or share a common power management IC. Since other apps function normally and the device has been restarted, a hardware fault in the camera module or its flex cable is the most likely cause.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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