Google is switching from Samsung's ISOCELL GN1 to the GN2 sensor for the Pixel 8 series. But Google is not merely limiting itself to sensors from Samsung. Those from Sony are also being used.
Thanks to a post on Android Authority, we learn more about the cameras on both the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Both phones are expected in the fall, at the same time as the official launch of Android 14.
Samsung ISOCELL GN2
Pixel phones derive their excellent camera qualities mainly from Computational Photography. That's a fancy way of applying brute processing power. But a suitable camera sensor can also go a long way. And so, it is good to learn that Google is swapping the Samsung ISOCELL GN1 for the ISOCELL GN2. This sensor is larger and captures 35% more light, even in poorly lit scenarios.
Difference between Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro gets a 64MP Sony IMX787 ultra-wide-angle and a 48MP Samsung GM5 telephoto for 5x zoom in addition to the 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 primary camera. You will also find a ToF sensor and an FIR thermometer on the Pixel 8 Pro.
On the back of the Pixel 8, we find the same 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 primary camera, but here the ultra-wide-angle camera is using the 12MP Sony IMX386. Still, no telephoto camera with optical zoom is present, and the thermometer is missing.
Google Tensor 3
Google uses the same selfie camera from last year. The Samsung ISOCELL 3J1 has a somewhat unusual resolution of 10.87MP. The observant reader will have further noticed that the telephoto camera sensor has remained the same. So don't expect a more extensive zoom range than the current 5x of the Pixel 7 Pro.
As mentioned, a camera sensor only tells one part of the story; the software does the rest. And that will be handled by Google Tensor 3. What that chip is capable of will be seen when Google officially unveils both phones. That will be sometime in the fall.
