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What Size Sensor is the iPhone 15 Pro Camera?

Published in iPhone Camera Sensor 3 mins read

The main camera of the iPhone 15 Pro features a Type 1/1.28-inch sensor, which translates to physical dimensions of approximately 9.8mm x 7.3mm. This sensor is equipped with 1.22µm pixels, which effectively combine to form larger 2.44µm "quad pixels" when operating in the 12MP mode, significantly enhancing its light-gathering capabilities.

Understanding the iPhone 15 Pro's Main Camera Sensor

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro (and 15 Pro Max) utilizes a substantial sensor for its primary wide-angle camera, a crucial component for capturing high-quality photos and videos. The "Type 1/1.28-inch" designation refers to the optical format, a common way to describe sensor size, with larger numbers (e.g., 1/1.28 being larger than 1/1.5) indicating physically bigger sensors.

This sensor's generous physical dimensions of 9.8mm by 7.3mm are complemented by its pixel technology. Each individual pixel measures 1.22 micrometers (µm). Through a process known as pixel binning (or quad-pixel technology), four adjacent pixels combine their light data to act as one larger effective pixel, achieving an equivalent size of 2.44µm. This intelligent design allows the camera to capture more light, resulting in cleaner, more detailed images, especially in challenging low-light conditions.

Key Sensor Specifications

To provide a clear overview, here are the core specifications of the iPhone 15 Pro's main camera sensor:

Specification Detail
Sensor Type Type 1/1.28 inch
Physical Size Approximately 9.8mm x 7.3mm
Native Pixel Size 1.22µm
Effective Pixel Size 2.44µm (in 12MP binned mode)
Resolution 48 Megapixels (MP)

(Source for general specifications: GSMArena - iPhone 15 Pro)

Why Sensor Size Matters for Photography

The size of a camera sensor is a fundamental factor that directly impacts image quality in several ways:

  • Superior Light Gathering: A larger sensor can physically collect more light than a smaller one, given the same aperture. This leads to brighter images, especially in dim environments.
  • Enhanced Low-Light Performance: More light collection reduces the need to increase ISO sensitivity, which in turn minimizes digital noise, resulting in cleaner, more detailed photos even in challenging lighting.
  • Improved Dynamic Range: Larger sensors can capture a wider range of tones from the brightest highlights to the deepest shadows, preserving more detail across the entire scene.
  • Greater Depth of Field Control: Larger sensors inherently produce a shallower depth of field at the same equivalent aperture, allowing for more pronounced background blur (bokeh) that helps subjects stand out.

Enhancing Image Quality: Beyond Sensor Size

While the sensor is a critical component, the iPhone 15 Pro's impressive image quality is also a result of Apple's holistic approach to camera technology. This includes:

  • Advanced Image Signal Processing (ISP): Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the ISP processes raw sensor data rapidly, applying optimizations for color, noise reduction, and dynamic range.
  • Computational Photography: Features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR leverage machine learning to combine multiple exposures and analyze pixels for optimal results.
  • High-Quality Optics: The accompanying lens system is designed to complement the large sensor, ensuring sharpness and minimizing distortions across the frame.

Practical Benefits for Users

For everyday users, the combination of a large sensor and advanced computational photography in the iPhone 15 Pro translates to:

  • Sharper and more vibrant photos in a wider range of lighting conditions.
  • Significantly improved low-light photography, with less noise and better detail.
  • More professional-looking portraits with natural-looking background blur.
  • Greater flexibility in challenging scenes, where both bright and dark areas need to be well-exposed.