Leaked images showcase Xperia PRO-I and its gigantic one-inch camera sensor
In February, it was reported that Sony was developing a one-inch smartphone sensor called IMX800 and per the latest intel from @nokishita_c and a Weibo account, we will first see it on the Xperia PRO-I.
The accompanying renders showcase a phone with seemingly a triple camera array on the back, the highlight of which is the one-inch sensor. This unit is reminiscent of Japanese company Sharp's Aquos R6, which was announced in May, and is the first phone with a purpose-built one-inch camera sensor.
That phone reportedly also features the IMX800, but this has not been confirmed officially.
Back to the Xperia PRO-I, the one-inch sensor unsurprisingly takes up a lot of space and consequently, the lens protrudes quite a lot. Photography enthusiasts may not mind that, as long as the overall weight of the device remains within a reasonable limit and given the sensor size, which will theoretically allow for better photos, the device may trump the Google Pixel 6 and Apple iPhone 13 to become the best camera smartphone of the year.
Sony is quite confident of that, but only time will tell if the phone will live up to the claim.
The sensor is a 24mm wide-angle unit. It features the dual aperture feature with F2.0 and F4.0 modes and this should theoretically allow it to adapt to different kinds of lights. To deal with shaky images and videos, the phone features "enhanced optical image stabilization" and Sony has also thrown in some vide-centric features such as "Videography Pro."
The Zeiss branding is visible, which means Sony collaborated with the German optics company. Supposed leaked images suggest Sony will target this phone at professionals, specifically content creators, and vloggers.
As for the rest of the phone, it looks like a classic Sony device with a tall aspect ratio and dedicated camera and Google Assistant buttons.
Xperia PRO-I will be announced tomorrow
The handset will likely be unveiled tomorrow, alongside a VR headset. It remains to be seen if the phone will go on sale this year, as a tipster had negated that possibility.
Other details are not known, but assuming that it's an Xperia Pro successor, it will carry a hefty price tag and flagship-level specs.
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