The new Android 12 Beta 4 release brought an intriguing new Google Camera app update to version 8.3.252. We say intriguing not because some major new feature was added but because someone discovered a hint to the Google Pixel 6 camera sensor in the underlying code strings.
Well, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro specs do include a new 50MP camera sensor indeed, but it won't be the Sony affair, rather a Samsung ISOCELL one from the GN series, judging from the leaked code string you see here, unearthed by GCam modder cstark27.
Google Camera string hints at 50MP Samsung sensor for Pixel 6
The Pixel 6 will be a Samsung phone indeed
The P21 codename is none other than the Pixel 6 series, while the GN1 and wide references are hinting at Samsung's first-gen ISOCELL sensor for the main Pixel 6 camera. We sincerely hope that this is a general reference to Samsung's new 50MP sensors, as this year's GN2 is where it's at with the following breathtaking features:
Huge 1/1.12" sensor size with large 1.4 micron physical pixels
50MP/100MP shots
Default 12.5MP mode with binned 2.8 micron pixel giants
New Dual Pixel Pro autofocus with both left/right and top/bottom focusing phases
Efficient Staggered-HDR and Smart ISO Pro for greatly improved dynamic range
120fps 4K slow-motion video
In any case, Google is able to do with 12MP sensors what others can't with 108MP ones thanks to its unsurpassed computational photography algorithms, so we wouldn't spend much time worrying whether the main Pixel 6 camera sensor is Samsung GN1 or GN2.
The important thing is that Google is entering the phone camera heavyweight category with the triple set on the Pixel 6 Pro that includes periscope zoom, so coupling the camera hardware with the new in-house Tensor chipset that will take computational photography to next levels, will be a sight to behold.
That same Tensor chipset that is reportedly developed in Samsung's foundries, will also tack on another Samsung-made component, according to the same source - an Exynos 5123 modem version with sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G support. So, camera, chipset, perhaps the 120Hz display... the Pixel 6 does seem to be assembled by Samsung components mainly now, doesn't it?
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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.
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