Xiaomi may soon launch its cheapest 108-megapixel camera phone

Xiaomi’s upcoming phone may launch with Redmi branding to cater to mid-range segment. Here is what we know about the Gaugin Pro so far.

Xiaomi offers 108-megapixel sensor on its Mi 10 phones  (HT Photo)

Xiaomi is working on a new smartphone with a 108-megapixel camera. While Xiaomi already offers 108-megapixel camera phones, rumours suggest the upcoming model will be the cheapest one from the company so far.

According to a leak (via Weibo), Xiaomi is working on two new phones codenamed Gaugin and Gaugin Pro. The Pro model is said to come with a 108-megapixel sensor. The base model will have a 64-megapixel sensor. GSMArena speculates the two new phones will be launched under Redmi sub-brand. There is no official launch date yet but leakster suggests it will take place very soon.

That said, the 108-megapixel camera is increasingly becoming the new standard for premium phones. Xiaomi offers 108-megapixel quad-camera on Mi 10. Samsung is also offering S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra with 108-megapixel cameras. Motorola has also launched Edge+ with 108-megapixel sensor.

Samsung, which also happens to be one of the top camera sensor suppliers, earlier this week introduced a new 108-megapixel camera sensor. Called ISOCELL HM2, the sensor succeeds the popular HMX and HM1 sensors. Samsung's new sensor is about 15% smaller than the previous versions and may help OEMs reduce the size of the camera module by up to 10%.

The upgraded 108-megapixel sensor from Samsung comes with a Super PD technology which enables faster and more accurate phase detecting autofocus on phones. Featuring a nine-pixel binning technology, the sensor can deliver up to 3x lossless zoom.

Samsung ISOCELL HM2 108-megapixel camera sensor has already hit the mass production. We're expecting a bunch of new and premium smartphones to come with the latest sensor. As far as Xiaomi's upcoming cheaper 108-megapixel camera phone goes, it is most likely to use an older sensor to keep the prices in check.