Apple tests 200MP camera: next generation iPhone gears up for megapixel race

Apple may follow the lead of Samsung and other manufacturers by testing a 200-megapixel camera for future iPhone models. This is reported by a reliable Chinese insider Digital Chat Station on the social networking site Weibo.

Apple may follow Samsung’s lead in testing a 200-megapixel camera for future iPhone models.

200MP for the main camera?”

A source says Apple is now testing a 200MP sensor that will likely be used as the main camera. This could be the most significant iPhone camera upgrade since the iPhone 14 Pro lineup went to 48MP.

Why do we need such a sensor?

• More detail and freedom in framing: Shooting at full resolution will give users more flexibility in framing and enlarging shots without loss of quality.
• Benefits when zooming: Sensors with more pixels allow for «lossless» digital zoom. For example, Samsung claims that its 200MP ISOCELL HP3 sensor provides 4x cropped zoom without loss of quality.
• Lineup Optimization: With high detailing, Apple can do away with a separate 2x or 3x camera in the lower-end models while maintaining good short-term zoom performance. In Pro models, such a camera could be an intermediate between the main camera and the 5x telephoto lens.

There are some cons

• Weak low-light behavior: 200MP sensors have tiny pixels, which reduces the ability to capture light. However, nona-binning technology (combining 9 pixels into one) partially solves this problem.
• Shutter lag: The Samsung Ultra with 200MP camera has «shutter lag», especially when shooting moving subjects. If Apple does opt for such a sensor, the company will likely focus on solving this problem.

The 200MP trend is already in motion

Apple may not be the only one going down the ultra-high resolution path. vivo, HONOR and Xiaomi are already adopting 200MP sensors for periscopic telephoto lenses. This allows for a better hybrid zoom than classic 12MP or 50MP cameras.

Whether Apple will use the 200MP sensor in the iPhone 16 or delay it until the next generation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: The megapixel race is on, and Apple seems to be getting serious about it.

The Apple tests 200MP camera: next-gen iPhone gears up for megapixel race was first published on ITZine.ru.