Samsung Galaxy S6 Camera Details Emerge; 20MP Sensor With 5952x3348 Resolution, OIS Expected

A set of fresh details of the camera rumored to be featured in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S6 flagship smartphone emerged Wednesday, suggesting that the new handset could feature a 20-megapixel camera with a maximum resolution of 5952×3348 pixels.

According to SamMobile, an anonymous source has managed to examine a Galaxy S6 prototype, which was fitted with a 20-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) technology and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

The report also said that if Samsung decides to incorporate the same camera module in the Galaxy S6, the new smartphone will be able to take photos in 20MP (5952×3348), 15MP (4464×3348), 11MP (3344×3344), 8MP (3264×2448), 6MP (3264×1836) and 2.4MP (2048×1152) resolutions.

However, the report also said that it is unclear if the South Korean technology giant will use the same 20-megapixel camera module on the final version of the handset as it will depend on many factors, including the sensor’s price.

Both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge will likely use the same application program interfaces (API) that were introduced with the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop. The addition of the APIs are expected to offer a Pro mode in the Galaxy S6’s camera app, allowing users to choose between three focus modes, including a manual mode similar to the one found on some third-party apps, SamMobile reported.

In addition, the Galaxy S6 could also have the ability to save raw image files and allow users to control the shutter speed. The gallery app in the new phone is also expected to be more intuitive and easier to use.

Last week, Samsung sent out invites for its “Galaxy Unpacked 2015 event” scheduled for March 1 in Barcelona, Spain, where it is expected to unveil the new Galaxy S6 as well as a curved-screen version of the device. The invite included an image suggesting that Samsung might present the curved-screen technology -- found on the Galaxy Note Edge -- on its Galaxy S series smartphones.

According to previous reports, Samsung is rumored to have made significant changes to the phone, including a fingerprint sensor and a new version with a curved display. Rumors also suggest that the Galaxy S6 could sport a larger, 5.5-inch QHD display with a screen resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, and could be powered by a 64-bit octa-core Exynos 7420 processor.