Samsung Galaxy S9+ was introduced a month ago. His camera instantly established new record in mobile photography, namely, the smartphone received the brightest lens on the market - f/1.5. However, that's not all. The aperture in the new Korean flagship can be changed: either f/1.5 or f/2.4. But what does it mean? What does this look like in practice? It's simple.

Let's start with the main thing.

The lower the F-score, the better. An f/2.0 lens allows less light to pass through than an f/1.7 lens. And the more light passes through the glass, the more of it hits the matrix, which means the picture quality increases. And in this regard, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and its older brother S9+ are still unique smartphones on the market.

How do the cameras of 99.99% of smartphones on the market work? Their lenses have a fixed value (for example, this one has f/1.6) and, regardless of lighting conditions, the aperture is always the same. Automation increases or decreases shutter speed, changes ISO value, and so on. However, the aperture remains unused - always f/1.6.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 has a different operating principle. Depending on the ambient lighting, the automation itself selects best value diaphragm. Need more light? Opens the “hole” to a maximum of f/1.5. Is there too much light? Then close the aperture to f/2.4. In a smartphone it works only this way and not any other way.

f/1.5, shutter speed 1/350

f/2.4, shutter speed 1/350

Unfortunately, Samsung hasn't explained how this change works. Is this a purely programmatic moment, or is the lens built into a diaphragm with 6 or 8 blades, which either narrow, creating a narrow “hole” (f/2.4), or open, letting maximum amount light (f/2.4). Personally, I very much doubt that any mechanism is used here. Most likely, purely software processing works.

Aperture - its value is often indicated in the parameters of smartphone cameras. Let's look at why a good aperture is important and which aperture is better - f 2.2 or f 1.8.

Camera aperture – what is it anyway? And why is this value indicated after the number of pixels in the smartphone’s photo matrix? Do not know? Let's figure it out, and at the same time find out which aperture is better.

What is aperture?

Simply put, the aperture is the pupil. Light passes through the cornea (lens), passes through the pupil (aperture/diaphragm), and hits the optic nerve (image sensor). Why is there an aperture in this chain? Yes then, to dose light radiation. The larger it is (the pupil dilates), the more light will hit the matrix (optic nerve).

Aperture f 2.0 - what does it mean? How is aperture measured?

From the characteristics of smartphones it is clear that the aperture is measured in special units - f-numbers. Or as they say professional photographers, in f-stops. Moreover, the aperture size range consists of fractional numbers - f/1.4, f/2.0 and so on. Sometimes a simplified version of the designation is written in the characteristics - aperture 1.8. However, the accurate display of this value requires the following writing - f/1.8.

According to the laws of mathematics, the maximum aperture value is achieved at the minimum value of the divisor - the numerical coefficient located on the right. That is, aperture 2.0 (f/2.0) implies a greater degree of “expansion” of the pupil-diaphragm than aperture 2.2 (f/2.2). And what larger number on the right, the smaller the degree of opening of the aperture.

How does aperture size affect the quality of a photo?

The large aperture allows the lens shutters to open to their maximum, allowing very large portion Sveta. A small aperture means that the lens shutters are not fully opened, allowing minimal light to enter the sensor.

How does this affect the quality of the photo? Yes, in the most direct way! A large aperture in bright light will most likely ruin (light up) the frame. Try taking a photo with the sun behind you and you'll see all the consequences of using too large an aperture. However, another situation is also possible, when too small value The aperture does not allow the matrix to capture a sufficient portion of light and the picture turns out dark.

That is, a good aperture can be neither large nor small. It must match specific conditions shooting. However, in low light conditions, you need the largest possible aperture to capture the maximum amount of light. And you shouldn’t forget about this.

Is a small aperture a bad thing?

Not really. At small apertures - from f 4.0 - f 8.0 and below - it is observed interesting opportunity increase the depth of field of the matrix. The smaller the aperture, the more objects are in focus of the camera. That's why all fans love small apertures. landscape photography and portrait photographers who want to get clear photos without blurred contours and other noise.

Ultimately, choosing between aperture f 2.0 and f 2.2 It’s impossible to say better. The first value guarantees the ability to improve photo quality in a dark room. Secondly, it promises to increase the sharpness of the image.

Selecting a smartphone by camera aperture

The problem with any camera on any smartphone is the very small physical size of the photo matrix (the optic nerve of the mobile device). Therefore, the standard aperture of the main camera is f 2.0 or f 2.2. Not a single smartphone manufacturer that respects its customers will dare to set a smaller aperture value. In this case, photos in the premises will be completely unreadable.

Too much great importance A smartphone doesn’t need f-numbers either. It’s easy to saturate a small sensor with light, ruining the balance of the image. However, recently devices with dual cameras and an aperture of f/1.7 have appeared, which is very good for a smartphone with a larger photo matrix. The quality of indoor images from such smartphones is unattainable.

What is the aperture of the flagships?

On this moment The champions in f-number values ​​are the following smartphones:

The rest, including the vaunted one, have an aperture that does not exceed f/2.2.

13 Mar 2018

Phone camera aperture. What is this?

The characteristics of modern smartphones often indicate such a parameter as the “aperture” of the camera. And if previously buyers paid attention mainly to the number of megapixels of the matrix, today the selection process is influenced by a set of parameters, including the shutter speed range and sensitivity (ISO).

What is aperture

Aperture is the physical size of the hole through which light enters the objective lens. That is, the aperture determines how much light will fall on the matrix at the time of shooting, which directly affects the clarity of the image. The wider the aperture, the more light there is, so this parameter is very important when shooting in poorly lit areas.

The aperture is measured in f-stops; the value is indicated in the camera specifications as a fractional number, for example, f/1.4 or f/2.8. The lower the number, the more degree expanding the aperture (increasing the aperture), which has a positive effect on the quality of photographs. For example, the iPhone 6S smartphone has an aperture of f/2.2, and the Samsung Galaxy S7 has an aperture of f/1.7 ( wide angle lens). Therefore, when equal conditions shooting, the Samsung camera will let more light into the matrix.

How aperture affects photo quality

During the shooting process, it is necessary to take into account all the main parameters digital camera smartphone. If your camera has a wide aperture, you can adjust the settings to increase the shutter speed and decrease the ISO for shooting in bright conditions.

If the smartphone has an aperture value of f/2.2 (the standard for models in the mid-price segment), then when shooting in poorly lit places, ISO setting needs to be increased.

Large aperture cameras are the best choice For those who often shoot indoors, manufacturers' flagship models are usually equipped with cameras with an f/1.8 or f/2.0 aperture, which allows you to get high quality pictures. And in lately Smartphones with two cameras are gaining popularity. So, the iPhone 7s has one camera with an f/1.8 aperture, and the second one with f/2.8. This combination allows automatic mode Get great photos regardless of light levels and other factors.

Nowadays, when choosing a new smartphone, users often turn their attention to the camera first. After all, it has long become one of the most necessary components in the device. It is with the help of a camera that you can capture a certain moment in life. But if the quality of the pictures or the shutter speed fails (and more than once), then neither the smartphone itself nor the photographs will bring any joy. That is why we present to your attention a selection of the best camera phones in the high-price segment at the beginning of 2016, which, we hope, will help you dot all the i’s and decide on the choice of a new device.

Samsung Galaxy S7 (S7 Edge)

Undoubtedly Samsung devices have always been famous for their ability to take beautiful and high-quality photographs. This year, the South Korean corporation has already presented its flagships of the Galaxy S line - Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. As always, their camera is top notch. Each of the new products received a 12-megapixel Sony IMX260 sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, 1.4 micron pixel size, optical image stabilization and Dual Pixel technology for faster phase focusing (also used in some DSLR cameras). All this, in theory, should allow the Galaxy S7 to shoot better than its predecessor. In practice, the pictures actually turn out almost perfect. Even specialists from the DxOMark resource highly appreciated the camera capabilities of the device and gave it 88 points out of 100 possible. Today this is the highest figure among mobile devices. Video shooting also did not disappoint - it is 4K and Slow Mo with a frequency of 240 frames per second. Front-camera the same as the Galaxy S6 - 5 megapixels. It differs only in its aperture increased to f/1.7.

If speak about technical specifications smartphone, then everything is on here too top level. To avoid focusing on them Special attention, let's just list them:

• Screen: Super AMOLED; 5.1” (S7) and 5.5” (S7 Edge); 2560x1440 pixels (Quad HD)
• CPU: Exynos 8890/Snapdragon 820
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880 MP12/Adreno 530
• RAM : 4 GB (LPDDR4)
• Built-in memory: 32 GB
• microSD slot: There is; up to 200 GB
• Battery: 3000 mAh (S7) and 3600 mAh (S7 Edge); technology fast charging; wireless charger
• Additionally: fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor, waterproof (IP68)
• operating system : Android 6.0 Marshmallow

The only thing that can put you off buying the Galaxy S7 (S7 Edge) is the price, since these devices have just entered the market. Of course, you can wait for it to decrease over time, or look at competing devices (fortunately there are many of them) or last year’s flagships.

Samsung Galaxy S6 (S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5)

Even in this year Samsung has noticeably upgraded the cameras in its flagships, this does not mean that in last year’s devices they suddenly became noticeably worse. Until now, the cameras in the Galaxy S6 (as well as in the S6 Edge, S6 Edge+ or Note 5) occupy a leading position in mobile photography. All thanks to the Sony IMX240 sensor with a 16-megapixel matrix, f/1.9 aperture and optical image stabilization. On the DxOMark resource, these smartphones received 87 and 86 points, which is not much different from the “fresh” Galaxy S7. The device records video in 4K format, and the front camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels with an f/1.9 aperture.

Technical Samsung specifications Although the Galaxy S6 (S6 Edge, S6 Edge+ and Note 5) are behind those of the Galaxy S7, in reality you may not be able to notice this.

• Screen: Super AMOLED; 5.1” (S6 and S6 Edge), 5.7” (S6 Edge+ and Note 5); 2560x1440 pixels (Quad HD)
• CPU: Exynos 7420
• Video accelerator: Mali-T760 MP8
• RAM: 4 GB (LPDDR4)
• Built-in memory: 32 GB/64 GB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: 2550 mAh (S6), 2600 mAh (S6 Edge), 3000 mAh (S6 Edge+, Note5); fast charging technology; wireless charger
• Additional o: fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor
• operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Today, the Samsung Galaxy S6 is sold noticeably cheaper than it cost at the start of sales. The same goes for the edged S6 Edge and S6 Edge+. Has lost a lot in value and Galaxy Note 5, but something tells me that it will fall in price even more after the announcement of the sixth “note”. Only a personal dislike for the brand and/or design can put you off buying these devices.

Sony Xperia Z5 (Z5 Compact, Z5 Premium)

Next on the list is last year's flagship Sony Xperia Z5 and its “brothers” in the line - Z5 Compact and Z5 Premium. They differ in diagonal and display resolution, battery capacity, and RAM capacity, so everyone can find the right size for themselves. The camera modules in all three smartphones are the same. This is a proprietary Exmor RS sensor with a resolution of 23 megapixels and an f/2.0 aperture. Also available hybrid autofocus(a combination of phase and contrast focusing), which, according to the manufacturer, will allow you to focus in just 0.03 s. In addition, the size of the sensor itself has been increased to 1/2.3”. The device can also record video in 4K, but only for a few minutes due to overheating. The front camera has a resolution of 5.1 megapixels with an f/2.4 aperture, which, of course, is not a record, but is still quite suitable for taking selfies.

The hardware of the Xperia Z5 family is all right and the performance of the devices will last for several more years.

• Screen: IPS LCD; 5.2" Full HD (Xperia Z5), 4.6" HD (Z5 Compact), 5.5" 4K (Z5 Premium)
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
• Video accelerator: Adreno 430
• RAM: 2GB/3GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 32 GB
• microSD slot: There is; up to 200 GB
• Battery: 2900 mAh (Z5), 2700 mAh (Z5 Compact), 3430 mAh (Z5 Premium); fast charging technology
• Additionally: fingerprint scanner, waterproof (IP65/68)
• operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Sony Xperia Z5 is good decision for their money. Of course, you can find cheaper options, but, accordingly, the quality of the pictures will also decrease. By the way, a new generation of smartphones from the Japanese manufacturer - Xperia X - will soon go on sale, so the price of older models should decrease somewhat.

Google Nexus 6P (Nexus 5X)

Google has been producing smartphones under the Nexus brand for quite some time now, together with other manufacturers. As planned, they should stand out due to their high-quality build, more or less powerful hardware and, of course, a clean Android OS with stable updates, and all this for relatively little money. Previously, Google phones were equipped with, frankly speaking, weak cameras. However, in the past year the situation has changed for the better. Google, together with Huawei and LG, equipped the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X with 12.3-megapixel Sony IMX377 sensors with a maximum aperture of f/2.0, laser autofocus and dual (dual-tone) LED flash. In addition, the pixel size has been increased to 1.55 microns. This module made it possible to shoot equally well both during the day and in dark time days. On the already mentioned DxOMark site, the Nexus 6P scored 84 points out of 100 possible. Unfortunately, there was a fly in the ointment: the devices “did without” optical stabilization images, so the video will turn out jerky. Speaking of video shooting. The Nexus 6P supports 4K and Slow Mo recording at up to 240fps at 720p resolution. Also present here electronic system image stabilization, but in reality it doesn’t really help. Due to a weaker processor, the Nexus 5X does not have such a system, and the maximum frame rate in Slow Mo mode reaches 120 fps. The front cameras also differ: the Nexus 6P has an 8 MP module with an f/2.4 aperture, and the Nexus 5X has a 5 MP module with an f/2.0 aperture.

Smartphones also have good technical characteristics, so you can safely forget about an upgrade for several years.

• Screen: AMOLED, 5.7” Quad HD (Nexus 6P); IPS LCD, 5.2” Full HD (Nexus 5X)
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810/ Snapdragon 808
• Video accelerator: Adreno 430/Adreno 418
• RAM: 3GB/2GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 32/64/128 GB and 16/32 GB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: 3450 mAh (Nexus 6P), 2700 mAh (Nexus 5X); fast charging technology
• Additionally: Fingerprint's scanner
• operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

The only thing that can put you off buying Nexus devices is your attachment to some shell from another manufacturer; otherwise, these are the same smartphones with their own pros and cons.

Apple iPhone 6S (6S Plus)

Current flagships Apple The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are undoubtedly some of the best mobile photography on the market. To be precise, it is the “big brother” from this line that has a better camera than a device with a smaller diagonal. The difference lies in the presence of optical image stabilization in the first. Otherwise, the modules are similar - they are 12-megapixel matrices with an f/2.2 aperture, phase detection autofocus and dual dual-tone True Tone flash. Thus, in the DxOmark test, the iPhone 6S Plus managed to score 84 points, the iPhone 6S - 82 points out of 100. The video is recorded in 4K format, and for selfies there is a 5 MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture.

Both smartphones are equipped with fairly powerful hardware, which will allow you to use the device for many more years.

• Screen: IPS LCD; 4.7” 750×1334 (iPhone 6S); 5.5” Full HD (iPhone 6S Plus)
• CPU: Apple A9
• Video accelerator: PowerVR GT7600
• RAM: 2 GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 16/64/128 GB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: 1715 mAh (iPhone 6S), 2750 mAh (iPhone 6S Plus)
• Additionally: Fingerprint scanner, 3D Touch
• operating system: iOS 9

These smartphones can be suitable for all fans of Apple devices without a doubt. However, if you don’t have enough money to buy them, you can look at the iPhone 6/6 Plus, which are not inferior in image quality (in some cases even superior) or at the newly introduced iPhone SE for lovers of compact solutions.

LG G4

Although LG introduced its new flagship G5 at the end of February this year, it has not yet had time to really spread around the world. Therefore, its predecessor, the LG G4, was included in this selection as one of the best camera phones at the beginning of 2016. And all thanks to a 16-megapixel matrix with f/1.8 aperture, laser autofocus and optical image stabilization. The flash here, unfortunately, is only single. The G4 camera received its well-deserved positive reviews and showed itself well in action. On the DxOMark resource, the leather flagship was placed in 5th place with 83 points. Video clips are recorded in 4K format, and it is also possible to record Slow Mo video in HD quality at 120 frames per second. Selfie lovers should be pleasantly surprised by the front 8 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture.

The hardware of the LG G4 is also in perfect order. In addition, the Korean manufacturer did not chase the “fiery” Snapdragon 810, but installed a cooler and more energy-efficient chip in the device.

• Screen: IPS LCD; 5.5"; 2560x1440 pixels (Quad HD)
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808
• Video accelerator: Adreno 418
• RAM: 3 GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 32 GB
• microSD slot: There is; up to 128 GB
• Battery: 3000 mAh; fast charging technology
• Additionally: removable battery
• operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

The G4 smartphone turned out to be really very good and balanced. Moreover, now its price should decrease even more noticeably, against the backdrop of the new G5. The buyer can only be confused by the leather trim of the back cover, which, unfortunately, wears out quickly over time.

Microsoft Lumia 950 (950 XL)

In the mobile device market, in addition to Android and iOS, there is another platform - Windows Phone. This OS is not widely used, but it still has its loyal fans. Today, the flagship Windows smartphones are the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. They differ in screen size and hardware components. The camera in both devices is identical. This is a 20-megapixel module with an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization and a three-color LED flash. In addition, it uses a six-element lens from Carl Zeiss and uses proprietary PureView technology. Video clips are recorded in 4K format. The front camera is also good: 5 MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture.

Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL do not lag behind in terms of technical characteristics, which will allow you to use your smartphone with pleasure and not notice any slowdowns in modern games and applications.

• Screen: AMOLED; 5.2” (Lumia 950), 5.7” (Lumia 950 XL); 2560x1440 pixels (Quad HD)
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808/Snapdragon 810
• Video accelerator: Adreno 418/Adreno 430
• RAM: 3 GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 32 GB
• microSD slot: There is; up to 200 GB
• Battery: 3000 mAh (Lumia 950), 3340 mAh (Lumia 950 XL); fast charging technology; wireless charger
• Additionally: removable battery
• operating system:Windows 10 Mobile

The Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL will clearly appeal to all users of older Lumiyas. However, main drawback These devices are too high a price, which almost never seems to come down.

HTC One A9

Although the HTC One A9 smartphone is not exactly a top-end device, it is superior in image quality to last year's flagship One M9. The new HTC 10 is not being considered yet for obvious reasons. Thus, One A9 is equipped with a 13-megapixel Sony IMX214 module with backside illumination (BSI), optical image stabilization and dual LED flash. Autofocus here is ordinary, but not at all bad. The video is very smooth thanks to OIS, and the maximum video format is Full HD with 30 frames per second. The front camera here is not just any kind, but “ultra-pixel”. Its resolution is 4 megapixels.

HTC One A9 is not positioned as a flagship and is not one, but its power reserve is more than enough for all modern games.

• Screen: AMOLED; 5.0"; 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD)
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617
• Video accelerator: Adreno 405
• RAM: 2/3 GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 16/32 GB
• microSD slot: There is; up to 200 GB
• Battery: 2150 mAh; fast charging technology
• Additionally: Fingerprint's scanner
• operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

The One A9 smartphone turned out to be quite interesting and discreet in terms of performance. However, this is exactly why it can disappoint a potential buyer who needs truly flagship power.

Huawei P8

Last year's Huawei P8 smartphone completes our selection. Of course, this year's flagship P9 has a much more advanced dual camera made by Leica, but it was introduced quite recently and has not yet gone on sale. Therefore, P8 looks like a very good solution for purchasing and, moreover, at a more or less adequate price. The main camera is equipped with a 13-megapixel Sony sensor with a maximum aperture of f/2.0, improved optical image stabilization technology and dual LED flash. In addition, the module itself has a four-color RGBW sensor, which allows the brightness to be reduced by 32% in high-contrast lighting conditions and increased by 78% in low-light conditions. It also has its own image processor that suppresses noise and evaluates shooting conditions, identifying high-contrast and poorly lit parts of the frame. Huawei P8 cannot boast of the ability to record 4K video, but it records videos perfectly in Full HD resolution. During the recording process, you can use autofocus tracking, as well as optical and electronic image stabilization simultaneously. For selfies there is an 8 MP camera with f/2.4 aperture.

The device has good performance hardware. True, in synthetic tests the P8 does not achieve record-breaking results, but for everyday work and heavy games maximum settings graphics will be enough.

• Screen: IPS LCD; 5.2"; 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD)
• CPU: HiSilicon Kirin 930
• Video accelerator: Mali-T628 MP4
• RAM: 3 GB (LPDDR3)
• Built-in memory: 16/64 GB
• microSD slot: There is; up to 128 GB
• Battery: 2680 mAh; fast charging technology
• operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Huawei P8 is a very stylish smartphone in design and is perfect for anyone who needs everything to work right out of the box. Some users may not like it, probably only the proprietary shell, which is not at all similar to “naked” Android. But it, in turn, is quite convenient and easy to use.

As you can see, almost all last year's flagships have enough good cameras. Each smartphone in this regard has its pros and cons. And here you have to decide based on personal preferences. Give some an iPhone, others a Samsung. Some people consider all shells from manufacturers to be superfluous in a device and Nexus is a priority. Some people even need Windows OS. So in the high-price segment the situation is more or less clear. However, it is difficult to choose a camera phone from the mid-price category, which we will talk about in the next part.

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We test flagship cameras “blindly” to make sure that the number of megapixels does not determine the quality of the image. We also understand the technical characteristics of cameras - what you really should pay attention to when choosing a new smartphone.

The buyer acts on the principle “The more megapixels, the better!”, without looking at other characteristics. And he buys a promoted stereotype, not quality equipment. Let's do an experiment. Here are 3 samples of photographs taken on flagship smartphones in 2015, and three typical photography scenes. Answer:

1. Which shot do you think is of better quality in each case?
2. How many megapixels do you think are in the camera it was shot on?

Flower macro photography

Shooting in low light conditions

Such tests are referred to as “blind assessments”. We deliberately did not indicate smartphone manufacturers so that brands would not bother our eyes. Well, how do you like the picture?

Pictures were taken on:

• HTC One (M9) - 20 MP;
• LG G4 - 16 MP;
• Samsung GALAXY S6 edge - 16 MP;
• Sony Xperia Z3+ - 20.7 MP.

Who is your leader in “blind evaluation”? Our - Samsung GALAXY S6 edge. Please note: none of the smartphones coped with all three images perfectly. Because:

Conclusion 1

More megapixels do not improve the quality of photos. This is affected by a lot of other factors, including megapixel resolution.

Conclusion 2

It is extremely difficult to find the perfect smartphone for all shooting scenarios. Be prepared for the fact that a camera that takes stunningly detailed shots in daylight will fail evening tests or take poor macro shots, for example.

How to choose a smartphone with a good camera if the number of MP is not the main thing?

There are 4 key characteristics and a ton more additional ones.Remember!A smartphone with a good camera is chosen by:

• pixel/matrix size;
• aperture;
• image stabilization system;
• post-processing of images, camera’s own software.

What is all this anyway?

Pixels and matrix

The matrix of a smartphone camera is a mass of photosensitive cells. You press the shutter button, light enters the cells - gobbledygook! - the result is a photograph. The same number of megapixels does not mean the same number cells. The same LG G4 and Samsung GALAXY S6 edge have 16 megapixels each, and the frame for both consists of 5312x2988 pixels (the models use a Sony sensor). And here is the frame on Huawei Mate 8 at 16 megapixels - from 4608x3456 pixels.

Camera matrices different sizes: LG G4 and Samsung GALAXY S6 edge have 1/2.6 inches, and Huawei Mate 8 has 1/2.8 inches. A smaller matrix means the size of the photosensitive cells is also smaller. Smaller cells receive less light: the light that hits the matrix quickly fills them, and the excess “spreads” over neighboring cells. Hence the inaccuracies in the transfer of details and “color spots”.

Flagships, traditionally, are smartphones with powerful camera. Sensor size 12 MP iPhone cameras 6s Plus - 1/3’’. IN Huawei Nexus 6P , Google's Android flagship, also has a built-in 12 MP camera, but with a 1/2.3’’ sensor. The smallest index after the fraction is larger size sensor, which means, theoretically, better shooting. This is such a mess :)

On a note: The camera phone Nokia Lumia 1020 - 41 megapixels and a 1/1.5″ matrix. This is almost the maximum for the sensor size in smartphones.

The larger the sensor, the better (the smaller the index after the fraction, the better).

Aperture

With aperture ( photosensitivity ) - exactly the same: the lower the index, the better. The f/х.y value shows how much light the camera can capture for a given period of time, how much the camera aperture can open to take a cool photo in low-light conditions. Maximum values apertures today - f/1.7 (at Samsung GALAXY S7 and GALAXY S7 edge ) and f/1.8 (new flagship 2016 LG G5, LG G4, LG V10 smartphone, Xiaomi Mi 4 and Mi 4 LTE).

More often you can find models with f/2.0 ( Sony Xperia Z5) and f/2.2 (iPhone 6s Plus ), but in this segment the number of models exceeds a hundred.

The smaller the aperture index, the better.