The current trend by Chinese phone makers to use the Sony IMX214 in their newest phones is putting huge pressure on Sony who are reporting demand is outstripping supply.
Last year the IMX214 was the camera sensor to have on any flagship Android phone. The sensor boasts 13 mega-pixel imaging and the ability to shoot 4K video. The sensor found its’ way in to the OPO, Oppo Find 7 and many other flagship devices last year.
The IMX214 is still an excellent sensor, but as it is last gen tech the price has dropped meaning Chinese phone makers are able to spec the unit on their low-cost flagships for 2015. Elephone, Ulefone, to name just a few, are all using the sensor on their new devices, but demand is so high Sony are reporting shortages.
The issue is so serious that Sony have taken to their official Weibo account in China to explain the situation. Apparently Sony say that only %50 of current orders of the IMX214 will be able to be filled!
So what does that mean for us? Well it means that a lot of the phones we have seen with IMX214 in the specs are either going to have to be delayed or the manufacturer is going to have to choose a suitable replacement for the sensor. It will also means that rivals such as Omnivision might use the issue to court manufacturers and tempt them to use their Chinese made sensors.
Which camera would you like to see make its way on to phones due to the IMX214 shortage?
[ Source ]
Would have to be Samsung (as in Blackview S1) or the OV unit used in Iuni U2 & Gionee E7.
Didn’t know the IMX214 was considered last gen already, has it been directly superceeded?
I believe the Sony IMX234 is the current gen sensor. It is used in the Nubia z9 series (at least the z9 mini), it’s a 16MP f2.0 camera unit. According to some articles found on google (incl. gsmarena), the LG G4 also uses a variant of the Sony IMX234, however this sensor has apparently been modified to have a 1.8 maximum aperture.
Good to know, will have to look out for that one in ‘lesser’ models.
Sensors doesn’t have aperture.
Camera modules has.
LG can make his own camera module with IMX234 sensor.
If some Chinese manufacturer uses a relatively good sensor, this doesn’t mean that the pictures will be the same quality as on a higher end phone with the same sensor.
They can use a cheaper optics which can highly affect image quality.
One of the best replies on here and a fact many either don’t know or always forget. The sensor is important but it is only one factor in great pictures, kind of like mp’s (higher doesn’t mean better quality).
The LG G4 uses a sensor they designed themselves. Sony had nothing to do with it.
I believe its in Gionee E7 (a 16M version OmmiVision16825). I have this phone, the Oppo 5 and One+. The Gionee E7 camera is better than the Oppo 5 and One+
They can post me out the sensor when they get it from Sony!!