Both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge feature 16-megapixel rear cameras, but apparently not all of the units feature the same camera.
Several Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge owners have discovered that the units that are shipping to consumers have two different cameras: some include a Samsung-made ISOCELL sensor, while others have a Sony IMX240 sensor. Samsung confirmed the news to The Verge with the following statement:
"The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge utilize camera sensors from several different vendors. Like all of the technology used in our products, they meet our strict global quality and performance standards."
The folks at SamMobile managed to get a hold on devices using both sensors and put them head-to-head in a photo comparison. The photos were shot in auto mode, and for the most part, the two sensors appear to perform pretty similarly, with the ISOCELL beating out the IMX240 in some areas but the IMX240 besting the ISOCELL in others. You can check out all of the images for yourself over at SamMobile.
Samsung hasn’t said exactly why it’s using its own sensors in some GS6 units and a Sony sensor in others, but it seems likely that it just couldn’t get enough Sony sensors for all of its supply. And while this may be an issue to some hardcore photographers and other passionate folks, most consumers probably won’t ever notice or care about which camera sensor their GS6 has so long as it takes quality photos.
