Samsung is reportedly developing an advanced 108-megapixel camera for the Galaxy S20 series. But, if new information is to be believed, the sensor may only be present in one of the company’s flagship models.

Moreover, the increasingly popular 48-megapixel and 64-megapixel sensors that have been seen across the mid-range segment in recent times have only managed to achieve a 1.6μm pixel size. Samsung’s new flagship camera will, therefore, be noticeably larger.

Size constraints could be the reason for the change

It’s unconfirmed at the moment why Samsung has opted for the improved 12-megapixel camera inside its smaller flagships over the even more powerful 108-megapixel sensor it has in the works, but space constraints are likely the culprit.

Although the 12-megapixel camera is noticeably larger than anything Samsung has used before, its upcoming 108-megapixel alternative is simply massive – a pixel size of 1/1.3″. This is further visualized by the sheer size of the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s camera module.

Adding the same camera to the smaller Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+ is technically possible, but it likely would have resulted in several compromises elsewhere. After all, Samsung has a long list of upgrades planned for its entire lineup.

The obvious one is the addition of extra cameras alongside larger displays that feature smaller bezels, therefore resulting in a minimal size increase over the devices introduced last year. Another big change involves the batteries, which have reportedly been increased to 4,000mAh and 4,500mAh inside the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+ respectively.

These should ensure long battery life on both flagships, despite the presence of 5G modems which are both larger and more power-hungry than their 4G LTE counterparts.

Samsung Galaxy S20 series announcement, release date, availability  

The Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+ will make their official debut on Tuesday, February 11, alongside the premium Galaxy S20 Ultra, the foldable Galaxy Bloom, and an updated pair of wireless earphones dubbed the Galaxy Buds.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S20 series should commence by the end of the week and precede a release on Friday, March 21. The phones are expected to be made available worldwide, although certain variants will only be available in select markets.

For example, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is expected to arrive alongside the 5G-ready Galaxy S20 and S20+ in the United States. In several Asian markets, however, the Galaxy S20 and S20+ will instead be sold in 4G LTE variants due to the lack pf next-gen networks.