iPhone 7 Plus Second Camera Sensor Is Apparently Smaller Than The Main

A rumor from several days ago suggested that the dual camera setup on the iPhone 7 Plus could remain an exclusive to Apple’s “Plus” iPhone lineup in 2017, meaning that by the time we do see the dual camera arrive on the smaller iPhone, it might only be in 2018. It is possible that this was a business decision to keep both iPhones distinctive from each other, but there could also be technical reasons why.

In a post on Reddit (via 9to5Mac), user ImKuya has posited that based on the EXIF data from the sample photos uploaded online that the dual camera setup on the iPhone 7 Plus is using sensors of different sizes. With the main camera, ImKuya has calculated that it could be using a 1/3-inch sensor, whereas the secondary camera, it has been calculated to use a 1/3.6-inch sensor.

So what does this mean? According to ImKuya, “For context, a larger sensor size allows for shallower depth of field, or the use of bigger and/or more pixels. Generally, the smaller the sensor, the worse it performs; however, we all know Apple pushes out some quality components so this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. Example: The 6S cramming 4million more pixels, and its pixel size being reduced from 1.5microns to 1.22microns to retain the same 1/3in sensor size, yet, they kept image noise performance still similar to the 6, basically having more detail at almost no cost.”

In addition, 9to5Mac speculates that the reason for different sensor sizes could also be due to constraints in space which is why Apple had to opt for a smaller secondary sensor, and could also be one of the reasons why the iPhone 7 did not feature the dual camera setup. That being said, at the end of the day if you’re uploading photos to social media where they tend to be compressed and resized, it probably won’t make a huge difference.

However we should also point out that this is just speculation so until we see the teardown, we can’t say for sure that the iPhone 7 Plus’ secondary camera really does sport a smaller sensor.

Filed in Apple >Cellphones >Photo-Video. Read more about iPhone and Iphone 7 Plus.