As smartphone camera technology continues to evolve, the Sony IMX 989 sensor is poised to become one of the most sought-after features in mobile photography. With its impressive native resolution of 50.3 and 4-in-1 pixel binning technology, the Sony IMX 989 offers superior image quality and light sensitivity compared to other smartphone camera sensors. As a result, smartphone manufacturers around the world are incorporating the Sony IMX 989 sensor into their flagship devices.
If you’re a photography enthusiast looking for the best smartphone camera experience in India in 2023, this article is for you. We’ve compiled a list of the top smartphones that feature the Sony IMX 989 sensor, so you can capture stunning photos and videos on the go. From high-end models with cutting-edge features to more affordable options that still pack a punch, Still there are some misconceptions about the Sony IMX989 Camera sensor. Let me address those first before we move on to the list of best mobile phones with IMX989 Camera sensors in India.
Sony IMX989 Camera Sensor FAQ:
Q: What’s so special about the Sony IMX 989 Sensor?
A: The Sony IMX 989 is indeed a cutting-edge 1-inch type sensor that boasts an impressive native resolution of 50.3 and a pixel size of 1.6µm. While it offers improved light-gathering capability and superior image quality compared to typical smartphone sensors, it’s still smaller than the APS-C sensor found in many entry-level and mid-range DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Therefore, while the Sony IMX 989 is the largest camera sensor currently available in a smartphone, professional cameras with even larger sensors still have the edge when it comes to overall image quality. Nevertheless, the Sony IMX 989 represents a significant leap forward in smartphone camera technology and enables users to capture stunning photos and videos with improved light sensitivity.
Q: How does Sony IMX989 work?
A: The Sony IMX989 is a highly advanced image sensor that utilizes photodiodes and semiconductor devices to convert light into electrical signals. It boasts a 50.3 MP resolution and has 50 million photodiodes arranged in a grid pattern, each capturing light from a specific point in the image. To enhance light sensitivity and reduce noise in images, the IMX989 employs a Quad Bayer color filter array, which filters adjacent pixels to capture different colors. The image sensor’s integrated circuits then amplify and process the electrical signals to produce a digital image of outstanding quality.
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List of phones with Sony IMX 989 sensor:
1. Vivo X100 Pro 5G
Vivo X100 Pro comes with a triple camera setup at the back. The main camera is a Sony IMX989 sensor that outputs 12.5MP images after 4-to-1 binning. There is a stabilized lens with a 23mm focal length and an f/1.8 aperture. The ultrawide camera has a 15mm equivalent lens with f/2.0 aperture and autofocus. The third camera is the 50MP telephoto lens with ½.0” optical format. At the front is a 32MP selfie camera with a 20mm lens and f/2.0 aperture.
Vivo X100 Pro 5G is powered by Dimensity 9300 chipset with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. It runs Android 14 OS and features a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits brightness. Under the hood is a 5000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. Vivo X100 Pro is available for Rs. 89,999 via Jio Mart, Vivo Store, and other online channels.
2. Xiaomi 13 Pro
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is Xiaomi’s best camera phone in India and the credit for it goes to the Sony IMX989 sensor. The 1-inch type sensor is backed by Leica optical lenses resulting in vibrant and contrasty shots. However, the Xiaomi 13 Pro takes it too far from reality. All three cameras on 13 Pro back are 50MP out of which only IMX989 gets the optical stabilization. It is worth noting that the IMX989 used on this phone does not fully utilize the 1-inch sensor as the 12S Ultra does but crops in slightly. This brings the effective size down to 1/1.1-inch which is still pretty large.
In addition to its impressive camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is a high-end smartphone with top-of-the-line specifications. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of internal storage. The phone also boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. The Xiaomi 13 Pro comes with a 4,820mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging, enabling you to quickly recharge your phone when you need it the most.
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3. OPPO Find X6 Pro
The highly anticipated Oppo Find X6 Pro has yet to make its way to India, but it has already created a buzz with its exceptional camera features. All three cameras on the phone’s rear boast the largest sensors in the smartphone industry in their respective positions. The primary camera sensor, Sony IMX989, is a cutting-edge 1-inch 50.3MP sensor, which is identical to the one used in Xiaomi 13 Pro. Additionally, the ultrawide and periscope cameras use the 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor.
Moving on to the other hardware specifications, the Oppo Find X6 Pro is powered by a 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage and an impressive 16 GB of RAM. The phone’s 6.82-inch OLED screen features a 1440p LTPO3 panel with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, 10-bit color depth, and Dolby Vision support. The device also comes equipped with a large 5,000 mAh battery, which supports both fast wired (100W) and wireless (50W) charging.
4. Xperia Pro-I
The Xperia Pro-I’s primary camera is a triple-lens system that includes a 50-megapixel sensor with a large 1/1.3-inch size, a 16mm ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 105mm telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The camera system is co-engineered with ZEISS, which ensures outstanding image quality and true-to-life colors. The camera also supports 4K HDR video recording with 120fps slow-motion capture, making it an excellent choice for content creators and photography enthusiasts alike.
part from its impressive camera capabilities, the Xperia Pro-I also boasts some other highlights. It features a 6.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 4K, which offers excellent color accuracy and detail. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides plenty of processing power for demanding apps and multitasking. Sadly, this one also never managed to touch Indian shores.
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5. Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Xiaomi’s 12S Ultra is equipped with a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor and dual 48MP cameras, which result in impressive low-light photography even in extremely dark conditions. However, the phone was not launched outside of China, where it retailed for 5,999 yuan (approximately Rs 72,000), putting it in the same price range as the Xiaomi 13 Pro if it had been released in India. Nevertheless, users who are disappointed about the absence of the 12S Ultra in the Indian market can consider the Xiaomi 13 Pro as a comparable alternative.
The device has been criticized for limited dynamic range, especially highlighting control across all lighting situations. Sometimes contrast seems overdone but it has a much better software-based processing.
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