Thứ Sáu, 27 tháng 5, 2011

iPhone 5 rumors: relocated flash, Sprint & T-mobile compatibility

iPhone 5 rumors: relocated flash, Sprint & T-mobile compatibility

The latest rumors about Apple's next-generation iPhone suggest that Apple might move the location of the LED flash for improved indoor and nighttime photos. A unified baseband processor could also mean Sprint and T-mobile users could get official iPhone support. We took a look at the thin evidence supporting these claims, coming away hopeful but not entirely convinced.

The number one source for random Chinese-made iPhone cases, Alibaba.com, has a new product claiming to be a "crystal case" for an "iPhone 5g." The case appears to use a photochop of an iPhone with a 4″ screen, though what we know about iOS development leads us to believe the next iPhone won't have a larger screen. However, the rear of the case shows the rear-facing camera on the left in its usual position, and the LED flash moved far to the right.

Most camera-equipped mobile devices have the LED flash attached to the camera module, and so it is always located right next to the camera lens. This arrangement, while convenient for manufacturing, often results in less-than-optimal image results. Light can leak into the lens, causing flare and interfering with auto-exposure. The close proximity to the lens axis also causes red eye and flat, unflattering lighting. This is the reason that compact cameras orient the flash to a far corner of the device, and why SLR users use brackets, tilting flash heads, and other light modifiers—to keep the flash as far from the lens as possible.

It was rumored that part of the reason behind the embarrassingly long delay of the white iPhone 4 was due to issues with the flash and camera not working well with the white casing. The camera module supposedly had to be redesigned for the white iPhone 4, so it certainly seems plausible that Apple might move the flash further away from the camera lens. Besides reducing flare and possible autoexposure problems, it would also have the benefit of reducing red eye.

It's important to remember, though, that Chinese-made case manufacturers often produce designs based on leaked information in order to try and get a jump on competitors. Such early designs have often been wrong about certain details, so they're not exactly a reliable barometer.

Asian website Apple.pro offers an image of alleged iPhone 5 camera modules that lack an integrated LED as further evidence that Apple plans to move the flash away from the camera module. We've outlined why it would be a good idea for Apple to consider such a design change, but the image of the iPhone parts released by Apple.pro is far from definitive proof.

Alleged camera parts for the iPhone 5 compared to those used in the iPhone 4.
Apple.pro

Previous rumors have suggested that Apple is moving to an 8 megapixel sensor, possibly from long-time supplier OmniVision, or possibly a new design by Sony. But the purported rear-facing camera module in the image looks just like the fixed-focus, low-resolution front-facing camera modules. Whether Apple bumps the next iPhone to 8MP or sticks with 5MP, any such rear-facing camera module is going to be much larger than the part pictured. While we think relocating the LED flash could provide some improvements to iPhone camera's low-light results, the evidence offered so far isn't conclusive.

Whatever Apple does with the iPhone's 5 camera, though, analysts seem to be increasingly convinced the device will be compatible with all major US carriers when it is released in September. Jefferies & Co. analyst Peter Misek believes, according to his latest research note, that Apple will move the next-gen iPhone to its dual-core A5 processor and, as we speculated earlier this year, the external design will be largely the same. However, major design work will largely be focused on the iPhone's cell radios.

Misek doesn't believe Apple is ready to include support for LTE 4G technology—next-generation chips may not be available in sufficient quantities in time, and LTE networks aren't yet ubiquitous. However, Misek expects Apple will leverage the full capability of the Qualcomm baseband used in the CDMA iPhone 4 to create a device that can work with both CDMA and GSM networks, including HSPA+ networks like those operated by AT&T and T-mobile. This will enable Apple to offer the iPhone5 via new carriers, including Sprint, T-mobile, and China Mobile, Misek said in his note.

We've said in the past that it makes business sense for Apple to build in support for both CDMA and GSM-type networks into the iPhone, and Qualcomm's baseband chips make that possible. Still, financial analysts are rarely the harbingers of accurate information on Apple's future plans, so consider us optimistic if not entirely convinced.

Further reading

  • 'iPhone 5G' Case Design Shows Redesigned Camera Flash (macrumors.com)

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