Comparing Sony IMX866 vs IMX686 Specifications

The Sony range of image sensors has always delivered superior image quality. The 800 series camera sensors that were introduced have been instrumental in providing you with a great degree of performance excellence in terms of the next generation of smartphones.

Also Read: IMX800 vs Isocell GN2

The IMX866 camera sensor has been regarded as one of the unique options for enjoying a special and DSLR-like experience. In this post, we will check out the best features offered by Sony IMX686 and Sony IMX866 and find out how they work.

IMX866 vs IMX686: Spec Comparison Table

Sony IMX866 Camera Sensor – An Overview

Image Source: https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/News/Press/201201/12-010E/

The new sensor from the stable of Sony is likely to be available on the upcoming smartphones Vivo X80 and Xiaomi 12. The sensor is equipped with different designs and capabilities than what we have witnessed in earlier generations.

The sensor is also stated to have a resolution of 50 MP. You will have an RGBW pixel-matrix instead of RGGB as in the 766. The new sensor is also believed to come with a new trick or capability.

It will have a size of 1/1.49 inches. This will be used just for videos with an aspect ratio of 16:11. If you switch to the 4:3 aspect ratio, the Sony IMX866 will act as a 1/1.56-inch sensor. The predecessors 766 offered 1/1.56 inches under all circumstances.

The IMX866 will be using an RGBW filter, and this will capture more light. The sensor will also support the custom image processing algorithms on the upcoming smartphones from Vivo.

The new sensor is expected to be larger than its predecessor. One of the major improvements on the new IMX866 lies in the fact that it adds a new White pixel to the traditional red, green, and blue pixels.

Adding the white pixel should ideally help improve the light collection and color accuracy.

The IMX866 is believed to improve video capturing and photo-taking capabilities significantly. You can also expect the new sensor to provide you access to a great degree of efficiency in terms of great photography in a low-light environment such as night scenes.

The sensor provides you a great degree of improvement in the night shots to a great extent.

The new sensor boasts dual-frame technology, which should further enhance your experience. The manufacturers can optimize the sensor for the right amount of light to enter the sensor in any of the modes you choose.

However, the IMX866 is likely to be overshadowed quite soon as there are other new options in the mobile sensor technology that have been introduced.

It has also been observed that a more sophisticated Sony IMX900 is planned for launch.

Which phones will launch with the Sony IMX866 Sensor?

It may be too early to make a prediction. Even then, it can be expected that the new Sony IMX866 sensor will be available on the following smartphones –

• Vivo X80
• Xiaomi 12

As soon as we get tips on any other new phones that would launch with the new sensor, we will update the post with the relevant information.

Sony IMX686 Sensor – A Sneak Peek

IMX686

The Sony IMX686 is a larger sensor than the predecessor IMX586. It has a diagonal of 1/1.72 inches instead of the ½ inch size on the IMX586.

2×2 adjacent pixels to form one large pixel, so that pictures with a resolution of 12 megapixels and 16 megapixels are created

The Quad Bayer color filter on the sensor should be one of the unique features that would make it a good choice for better low-light performance. This combines the two adjacent pixels to form one large pixel, providing you with a better resolution.

This pixel binning capability has been instrumental in letting more light into the sensor and thus providing the ability to improve the ability to capture more image information.

You will also find an improvement in terms of an increase in light sensitivity. This can prove to help record in poor light conditions.

The Sony IMX686 sensor has a 64 MP resolution and a pixel size of 0.8 microns to 1.6 microns (with pixel binning). The sensor supports Phase detection autofocus technology providing you with one of the excellent experiences in every way possible.

IMX686 Night Shot

The image sensor provides you access to one of the superior experiences with a frame rate of 4K@60fps. It has been considered one of the prime choices for your needs in a stunning 4K recording.

The ability to record 4K videos at 60 fps would make it an excellent option for enhanced performance.

What phones come with Sony IMX686 Sensor?

There is indeed a huge list of smartphones that come equipped with the Sony IMX686 image sensor. Some of the best smartphones that come with the sensor can be summarised as

• Asus Zenfone 8Z
• Asus ROG Phone 5
• Realme X7 Pro
• Poco X2
• Redmi K30
• Vivo X30 Pro

The Concluding Thoughts

That was a close comparison between the two capable Sony image sensors viz Sony IMX686 and Sony IMX866. Of course, the new 800 series image sensor has been upgraded and offers many good features. Let us check out the new sensor when it is launched on smartphones.