Sony, never one to slouch when it comes to camera development, has just revealed an eye-watering 48-megapixel sensor that it says is ready to be crammed into a smartphone – let's say the Xperia XZ3, for the sake of argument. If the thought of storing such massive photos makes your hard drive droop, fret not: 5G is here just in time to literally back Sony up.
Just when you thought the triple lens camera of the Huawei P20 Pro was the best thing out there, Sony has said it's new 48–megapixel sensor will put all others to shame. Yes, it made the Huawei P20 Pro sensor too – but it even wants to top itself.
Until now there was a trade off that meant you had to pick between high resolution and better light sensitivity. This new Sony IMX586 stacked CMOS sensor apparently manages to give you both.
At the same time Qualcomm has taken the wraps of its new 5G modems that will mean the latest generation of smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S10, should come with Wi-Fi-like speeds over networks. This should mean backing up those huge photo files, fast, won't be an issue.
So how has Sony managed to achieve its super snapper? The new sensor can capture 48 megapixels at a phone-sized 0.8 μm, all crammed onto an 8.0 mm diagonal unit – which should mean poor low-light shots. But Sony has creatively come up with the idea it calls a Quad Bayer colour filter array.
This Quad thingymabob basically crams four pixels into one so while the end result is a 12-megapixel shot, it'll be far better lit with an effective pixel pitch of 1.6 micrometres.
To get an idea of what all that means, the Google Pixel 2 XL, which has exceptional low light shots, tops out at 1.4 microns. Which smartphone this sensor arrives in isn't clear but expect it to be paired with a 5G connection, ready for the networks switching on proper 5G support in 2019. Being Sony, this will likely get licensed out so it could appear in the next Samsung Galaxy S10 or perhaps the Huawei P30 Pro.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Luke is a former freelance writer for T3 with over two decades of experience covering tech, science and health. Among many others Luke wrote about health tech, software and apps, VPNs, TV, audio, smart home, antivirus, broadband, smartphones, cars and plenty more. In his free time, Luke used to climb mountains, swim outside and contort his body into silly positions while breathing as calmly as possible.
-
This full-body workout for beginners builds functional strength and boosts longevity
And all you need is a single dumbbell
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Apple Vision Pro could learn a thing or two from PSVR2 when it comes to gaming
Craving proper gaming on the Apple Vision Pro? That could happen
By Chris Hall Published
-
Microsoft's 5-star Surface with keyboard is Best Buy's killer deal
Best buy it at Best Buy!
By David Nield Published
-
Sonos' premium soundbar just hit its lowest-ever price in 5-star deal
Top-tier sound doesn't have to cost top dollar
By David Nield Published
-
Huge 75in Sony TV is now cheaper than ever in Amazon's Black Friday sale
You can now get a top-quality TV for less, with 100s of dollars off this set
By David Nield Published
-
Improve your Wi-Fi with 5-star Netgear kit – now cheaper than ever
This is one of the most powerful home Wi-Fi setups you can have – and it has hit a new low price on Amazon
By David Nield Published
-
Samsung's fan-favorite earbuds are cheaper than ever on Amazon right now
The Galaxy Buds FE bring with them a superb listening experience at a low price – and that price just got even lower
By David Nield Published
-
Insta360 Link 2 review: a dream webcam for power users
A long list of features, a neat design, and crystal clear audio and video
By David Nield Published
-
Creative Sound Blaster GS3 review: a fantastic value speaker for gamers
An audio boost for your gaming – and for your music and movies
By David Nield Published
-
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: all four models compared – should you pre-order today?
How do the 2024 iPhone upgrades compare to what was launched last year's iPhone 15 models?
By David Nield Published