The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for providing camera-based hover detection for touch-based mobile devices. One computer-implemented method includes receiving image data from at least one image capture device associated with a particular client device, comparing, by operation of a computer, the received image data to existing image data, wherein the existing image data partially includes extrapolated imaged data, determining that the received image data does not compare with existing image data and transmitting the received image data to a server for post-processing, processing, by operation of a computer, post-processed image data received from the server, wherein the processing includes updating a user configuration with the post-processed image data, and generating a hover event based upon the received image data.