As smartphone technology continues to advance, manufacturers are always seeking to improve the cameras on their devices. One of the critical components of a smartphone camera is the image sensor. Two of the most popular image sensors used in smartphones today are the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789. But which is better? In this article, we’ll compare the Sony IMX766 vs. Sony IMX789 and help you decide which one is the right choice for your smartphone.
What are Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789?
Sony is one of the best manufacturers of image sensors, and their sensors are used in many smartphones, including Huawei, OnePlus, Redmi, and Oppo. The Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 are two of the most popular image sensors used in smartphones today.
The Sony IMX766 is a 50-megapixel sensor with a 1/1.56-inch sensor size. It was first used in the Oppo Find X3 Pro smartphone, which was released in early 2021. The sensor uses a 4×4 pixel binning technique to improve low-light performance, and it also features Dual Pixel Pro autofocus technology.
The Sony IMX789, on the other hand, is a 48-megapixel sensor with a 1/1.43-inch sensor size. It was first used in the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, which was released in late 2020. The sensor uses a 2×2 on-chip lens (OCL) solution that combines four adjacent pixels to create one large pixel, which improves light sensitivity and reduces noise.
Sony IMX766 vs Sony IMX789 Image Quality Comparison
When it comes to image quality, both the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 perform exceptionally well. However, there are a few key differences between the two that are worth noting.
Low-Light Performance
The Sony IMX766 uses a 4×4 pixel binning technique that improves its low-light performance. This technique combines four adjacent pixels to create one large pixel, which allows more light to be captured and results in less noise in low-light situations. This makes the Sony IMX766 an excellent choice for those who frequently take photos in low-light environments.
The Sony IMX789, on the other hand, uses a 2×2 on-chip lens (OCL) solution to improve its low-light performance. This solution combines four adjacent pixels to create one large pixel, which allows more light to be captured and results in less noise in low-light situations.
Dynamic Range
The dynamic range of a camera sensor is the range of light that it can capture, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. Both the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 have excellent dynamic ranges, but the Sony IMX789 is slightly better in this regard. It can capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights of an image, resulting in a more balanced and natural-looking photo.
Color Accuracy
Color accuracy is an essential aspect of image quality, and both the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 perform well in this area. However, the Sony IMX789 has an advantage in this regard due to its improved white balance algorithm. This algorithm ensures that the colors in your photos are accurate and true to life.
Sony IMX766 vs Sony IMX789 Camera Comparison
Sensor Size
The Sony IMX766 has a 1/1.56-inch sensor size, while the Sony IMX789 has a 1/1.43-inch sensor size. The larger sensor size of the IMX766 allows it to capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance.
Pixel Size
Pixel size is another crucial factor that affects image quality. The Sony IMX766 has a pixel size of 1.0μm, while the Sony IMX789 has a slightly larger pixel size of 1.22μm. A larger pixel size allows more light to be captured, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light situations.
Megapixel Count
The Sony IMX766 has a megapixel count of 50, while the Sony IMX789 has a megapixel count of 48. While the difference in megapixel count may seem insignificant, the larger pixel size of the IMX789 allows it to capture more detail, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
Video Recording
Both sensors support 4K video recording at 60fps and 1080p slow-motion video recording at 240fps. The Sony IMX789 also supports 8K video recording at 30fps.
Image Processing
Both the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 use advanced image processing algorithms to enhance image quality. However, the specific algorithms used by each sensor can vary depending on the smartphone manufacturer’s implementation.
Autofocus
The Sony IMX766 features Dual Pixel Pro autofocus technology, which allows for faster and more accurate autofocus. The Sony IMX789, on the other hand, uses Sony’s traditional phase detection autofocus technology.
OIS
Optical image stabilization (OIS) is a feature that helps to reduce camera shake when taking photos or videos. Both the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 support OIS, which can result in smoother and more stable footage.
Price
The cost of the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 varies depending on the smartphone manufacturer’s implementation. Generally, smartphones that use the Sony IMX789 tend to be more expensive than those that use the Sony IMX766.
Read Also – SAMSUNG ISOCELL HM6 vs SONY IMX766
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison chart of the main differences between the Sony IMX766 vs Sony IMX789 sensors:
| Feature | Sony IMX766 | Sony IMX789 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 1/1.56-inch | 1/1.43-inch |
| Pixel Size | 1.0μm | 1.22μm |
| Megapixel Count | 50MP | 48MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps | 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps, 8K at 30fps |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel Pro autofocus | Phase Detection autofocus |
| OIS | Supported | Supported |
While both sensors have their strengths and weaknesses, the Sony IMX766 is better in low-light situations, while the Sony IMX789 has better dynamic range and color accuracy. It’s important to note that the specific implementation of these sensors varies depending on the smartphone manufacturer, therefore performance may vary slightly between devices.
Conclusion
Both the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 are excellent image sensors that produce high-quality photos. However, they do have some differences that are worth considering.
If you frequently take photos in low-light environments, the Sony IMX766’s 4×4 pixel binning technique makes it the better choice. It can capture more light and produce less noise in these situations.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a sensor with better dynamic range and color accuracy, the Sony IMX789 is the better choice. It also has the advantage of supporting 8K video recording, which is not available on the Sony IMX766.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 comes down to your personal preferences and the specific needs of your smartphone photography. Both sensors are excellent and will produce high-quality photos, but the Sony IMX766 is better for low-light situations while the Sony IMX789 excels in dynamic range and color accuracy.
When selecting a smartphone with either of these sensors, keep in mind other criteria such as the camera’s image processing software, autofocus capabilities, and OIS to ensure you get the best photographs and videos possible.
FAQs
Q: Which is better, the Sony IMX766 or Sony IMX789?
A: Both sensors have their strengths and weaknesses. The Sony IMX766 is better in low-light situations, while the Sony IMX789 has better dynamic range and color accuracy.
Q: Which smartphones use the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789 sensors?
A: The Sony IMX766 is currently used in the Oppo Find X3 Pro, while the Sony IMX789 is used in the Huawei Mate 40 Pro.
Q: Does the Sony IMX789 support 8K video recording?
A: Yes, the Sony IMX789 supports 8K video recording at 30fps.
Q: What is the price difference between smartphones that use the Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX789?
A: The price difference varies depending on the smartphone manufacturer’s implementation, but generally, smartphones that use the Sony IMX789 tend to be more expensive.