14 DAY TRIAL // Probably back from another trip to China where he met with Apple’s suppliers, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research note with details about the camera modules being prepared for the iPhone 6.
Iterating his stance that Apple has two distinct models planned for launch this year, Kuo reveals that the bigger handset – the 5.5-inch model – will actually have a much better rear-facing camera sporting optical image stabilization. The 4.7-inch model will not.
“Rather, we predict it will use a middle-mount type of open-loop VCM updated from the one used in the existing iPhone 5S. The 5.5” iPhone 6 is more likely to be equipped with OIS VCM due to lower estimated shipments and the need for more product features to differentiate itself from the 4.7” iPhone 6.”
However, that’s not to say the smaller iPhone 6 will be left in a trail of dust. Far from it, says Kuo. According to his research, the 4.7-inch version is also getting an improved iSight module with more accurate and faster focus. Even with a camera inferior to that of the bigger model, the small iPhone 6 will command the market, says Kuo.
“Compared with conventional open-loop VCM, closed-loop VCM keeps records of focus points, enabling it to produce better quality pictures, focus faster and save power. Nonetheless, there are many factors that affect picture quality, and VCM specification is just one of them. Therefore, we believe overall picture quality of the 4.7” iPhone 6 will lead its peers.’”
Unlike its competitors, Apple prefers to enhance the optics in its cameras, rather than increase the pixel count on the imaging sensor. Whether or not this has to do with the manufacturing costs, the resulting pictures speak for themselves.
Apple’s decisions in the camera department seem to be the right ones, as iPhones continue to churn out some of the best mobile photos out there.
According to various leaks, the iPhone 6 camera will actually bulk out of the chassis and will have a metal ring around it, much like the camera on the fifth-generation iPod touch.
iPhone 6 is not expected to drop until fall. The handset is redesigned from top to bottom and features a much thinner enclosure than the current-generation iPhone 5s. The 5.5-inch model is said to be even taller than the Galaxy Note 3, but rumor has it that Chinese customers are waiting on the edge of their seats to grab the phablet.