2022 iPhones said to include 48-megapixel camera, 8K video capture, and no "mini" model

nanoguy

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Rumor mill: The iPhone 13 is still months away, but we're already getting hints on what the generation coming after it is going to look like. The camera module will see a big upgrade, but if you're a fan of the "mini" size iPhone 12, that probably won't be part of the family by then.

A new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple may drop the 5.4-inch iPhone from its 2022 lineup, and instead will only offer two mainstream and two high-end "Pro" models in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes. The company will still offer the 5.4-inch model as part of the iPhone 13 lineup, but that’s possibly the end of the road for the "mini" size.

The 5.4-inch iPhone is currently represented by the iPhone 12 mini, which was meant to attract fans of smaller sized phones like the iPhone SE. Apple expected strong demand for it, but consumers overwhelmingly chose the larger models. This prompted the company to significantly reduce its production goals for both the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone SE.

It's not yet clear if this is due to the ongoing shortage of chips, but that may have played a role in the decision to cut the "mini" model from the 2022 iPhone lineup.

The iPhone 13 is expected to be an S-style upgrade which will keep the same design and offer slightly improved internals. The iPhone 14, on the other hand, will likely be a bolder release that could forgo the Lightning port for a truly wireless experience.

Kuo believes the camera module will also see a substantial upgrade, with a 48-megapixel main shooter that will feature a larger sensor than existing iPhones as well as all Android flagships.

The new sensor is expected to offer better image quality in Night Mode as well as support for 8K video capture, and could integrate the same sensor-shift image stabilization technology found in the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple may choose to output images at 12 megapixels despite the higher resolution, similar to the "four cell merge output mode" used by high-end Android phones. Kuo also speculates the upgraded camera will produce captures that are "more suitable for AR/MR devices."

Come 2023, Apple could introduce a periscope telephoto lens and drop the notch for under-display Touch ID and Face ID system. But that's a long way off, and the company would do well to fix things like MagSafe before then.

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Instead of multiple camera on the back, I'd rather see one LARGER closer to an APS-C sensor. EACH sensor inside could be larger, giving it better low light capability.
 
I see no reason to have 8K video capture.

4K60fps is more than enough, and right now they need 1TB of storage just to make 4K60fps a reasonable feature since the photos and videos take up so much space.

If they want 8K, then I demand 8K60fps with 2TB storage.
 
The demise of the mini is surprising, I thought those sold pretty well. More pixels for more instagram.
 
Instead of multiple camera on the back, I'd rather see one LARGER closer to an APS-C sensor. EACH sensor inside could be larger, giving it better low light capability.
An APSC sensor is HUGE compared to a iPhone sensor. Also the lenses would have to grow just as large as the sensor which is why this will NEVER happen. #Physics.
 
8K video capture is really for taking stills from your videos - I believe Samsung is already touting that as a feature for their phones...

Very few people have 8k displays of any kind - and I defy anyone to tell the difference between 4k and 8k video unless you're sitting a few inches away from a huge screen...

99% of people can't tell the difference between 4k and 1080p video unless they are sitting closer than 6 feet away from a screen larger than 60" (and even then, it's barely noticeable).
 
I see no reason to have 8K video capture.

4K60fps is more than enough, and right now they need 1TB of storage just to make 4K60fps a reasonable feature since the photos and videos take up so much space.

If they want 8K, then I demand 8K60fps with 2TB storage.
I've seen plenty of smart use of 8k video. It's useless as 8k but it allows for a ton of cropping and post processing margin.
 
We still using gaming monitors at 1440p and 1080p...

8K is important not to watch in 8K but it because allows supersampled 4K and allows cropping and panning. 4K from 8K is superior to native 4K.

We heard these exact same arguments when 4K was announced. Oh we only have 1080p monitors, what a waste of time.
 
Instead of multiple camera on the back, I'd rather see one LARGER closer to an APS-C sensor. EACH sensor inside could be larger, giving it better low light capability.
I am happy with a 1 inch sensor, which I think is more realistic. If you want an APS-C sensor, you should expect the phone to be as thick as a mirrorless camera. Physically, it is not possible to fully utilise the full sensor with the current slim profile, at least not in the foreseeable future.
 
Can't wait to see people complain about phones being huge while iPhone mini sits on the shelf.

It's not like iPhone 12 mini was a successful product overall, so it doesn't matter if they discontinue the mini model. A new one would be welcome, but not enticing without proper battery life etc. Also the price is attrocious as usual. I figured the current model has sold well though, so pretty dumb to not make more.
 
I am happy with a 1 inch sensor, which I think is more realistic. If you want an APS-C sensor, you should expect the phone to be as thick as a mirrorless camera. Physically, it is not possible to fully utilise the full sensor with the current slim profile, at least not in the foreseeable future.
Samsung had it close with the Galaxy Zoom, back in the day. But the stylish police today wouldn't like it.
 
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