The Samsung Galaxy S7 could feature a 12-megapixel camera, which sensor would be 1/2 inch in size. That was what we had already said, but now new data arrives that almost confirm this possibility, including the Sony Xperia Z5 cameraSamsung has registered the trademark for its new camera sensor, which will be called BRITECELL. The Samsung Galaxy S7 camera will therefore have a lower resolution than the Galaxy S6.
BRITECEL
The fact that Samsung has registered the brand name for the new camera sensor, and that it is called BRITECEL, almost confirms what has been said until now, that the new camera sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S7 will be 1/2 inch in size, and that the resolution of the same will be 12 megapixelsThe fact that it's called BRITECELL means that it will be a brighter sensor, or one that will capture more light, and therefore higher quality photos, thanks to the fact that it will have larger pixels, and with a larger sensor size of 1/2 inch as well. Although there were rumors of a 20 megapixel camera.
Best photos
The big problem with mobile photos is that they are captured with smaller sensors than those of professional cameras. Light is the key to get a good photo, and phones with smaller sensors capture less light, as they have smaller pixels. The new Nexus phones have already stood out for having new, larger sensors. And this will be the case with the Samsung Galaxy S7. With a 1/2-inch sensor, it will be larger than the camera of the Galaxy S6, 1/2,6 inch. Remember that the actual value is dividing 1 by the divisor. Actually, the sensor is 0,5 inches for the Galaxy S7, and 0,38 inches for the Galaxy S6. With a larger sensor, and fewer pixels, the pixels will also be larger, more light will be captured, and the quality of the photos will be higher.
That will be one of the most relevant new features of the Samsung Galaxy S7. A new camera that, despite having less resolution, 12 megapixels, will be a camera of more quality than the Galaxy S6.
Aperture, pixel size and sensor
Beyond the BRITECELL register, the camera is characterized by a aperture f / 1.7 and pixels of 1,4 microns (56% larger than 1,12µm sensors). That combo lets in up to 25% more light than an f/1.9 and, according to Samsung, the sensor + lens set receives up to 95% more light compared to the previous generation. In many units the sensor has been identified as Sony IMX260 approximately in size 1 / 2,5 ", coexisting with variants ISOCELL from Samsung with BRITECELL philosophy for isolate pixels and reduce crosstalk. Technical note: The 1/x notation on sensors does not represent an exact physical inch, but rather a video format standard used as a reference.
Dual Pixel: focus and optics
The chamber debuts the system Dual Pixel, with two photodiodes for each of the 12 million pixels, so that all pixels participate in phase detection. The result is a focus up to three times faster that in the Galaxy S6, especially visible with moving objects and in low light. It is accompanied by optical stabilization and a lens equivalent to 26 mm. The module is more compact and the boss rear is reduced to ~0,46 mm, helped by a slightly thicker chassis and a flash LED well integrated.
Video, formats and modes
In recording, it maintains 4K is 30 fps, offers 1080p is 60 fps or with a 720p is 240 fps for slow motion. The sensor captures in 4:3, so the photos are more “square” than the 16:9 of the S6, making better use of the sensor area. Among the camera modes, the most notable are Panoramas with movement, Motion Photo (small animations that accompany a photo) and Hyperlapse with stabilization.
Front camera and accessories
The front camera is 5 megapixels with opening f / 1.7 and an angle equivalent to 22 mm. It incorporates functions such as Self Flash (illumination with the AMOLED screen), WideSelfie up to 120 degrees and face enhancement (Spotlight). In addition, Samsung offers lens accessories mounted in housing for expanded options: Ph y wide angle.
Independent evaluations and context
In laboratory tests such as DxOMark, the Galaxy S7 camera has received a score of 88/100, with pros like ultra-fast autofocus and precise, good flash performance y low noise in photo and video. Among the points to be monitored, a warm white balance low tungsten, possible HDR brightness and certain artifacts in very dark scenes. While other manufacturers explore dual camera configurations, Samsung opted for a single, very bright sensor with state-of-the-art AF.
With a large sensor, f/1.7 aperture, 1,4µm pixels and Dual Pixel focus, the Samsung Galaxy S7 camera is not about accumulating megapixels, but rather real quality in every shot: more light, instant focus, solid video, and useful creative modes—a clear leap forward from the Galaxy S6 that prioritizes the everyday photography experience.
