Samsung Galaxy S7 Specs, Release Date Leak: 12MP BRITECELL Sensor, Cat.12 LTE Support Rumored

Samsung’s Galaxy S7 camera configuration has been mired in a slew of conflicting rumors. However, now, a new report seems to have the fitting answer.

Initial reports stated that a 20-megapixel ISOCELL camera unit will be part of the upcoming Galaxy S7. A Chinese report later suggested that the device will carry Sony's new IMX300 sensor, which was last seen in the Xperia Z5 series of handsets. But now, SamMobile citing a Korean source said that a new patent reportedly filed by the South Korean tech giant titled "image sensor for mobile phones” nearly confirms the camera sensor.

Based on the new patent, the Galaxy S7 will sport a 12-megapixel BRITECELL camera with a bigger 1/2 inch sensor. GSM Arena, meanwhile, said that the “BRITECELL” terminology could point to a sensor that is capable of "low-light shooting abilities." It is worth noting that, so far, the Galaxy S lineup has housed ISOCELL sensors.

Meanwhile, G For Games says, the Galaxy S7 release date has been set for “early February 2016.” This means, the tech giant will be announcing the Galaxy S7 in January as rumored earlier and the device will hit the store shelves the following month.

Other rumored Galaxy S7 specifications include support for Cat. 12 LTE, which is capable of 600 Mbps downlink speeds. Under the hood, the handset is believed to come powered by the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, as well as by Samsung’s own Exynos 8890 chipsets. Both the SoCs will be capable of supporting Cat. 12 LTE connectivity. Furthermore, some units of the S7 will be powered by Snapdragon chips, while the others will settle for the Exynos one, depending on the region of release.

According to G For Games, Samsung might feature a 32-bit Stereo D/A converter, courtesy of ESS technology and the device will be enwrapped in a magnesium alloy shell.