Imaging

Technology and cost comparison of visual spectrum cameras in the 2020 flagships: the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, and Huawei P40 Pro.

In this report, the results of detailed physical analyses and costing studies have been summarized to compare the cameras of the crown jewel flagships from the three smartphone market leaders: Samsung, Huawei, and Apple. These are the highest-end smartphone cameras the 2020 market had to offer, and we provide insight into the design choices, manufacturing technologies, supply chains, and costs that went into them.

Our analyses cover the visible spectrum camera modules in the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Huawei P40 Pro, and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, showing the complete structure, design, and cost of each module. Optical imaging and scanning electron microscopy was used to collect incredibly detailed information about the front and rear RGB cameras; at the image sensor level this includes the dimensions, pixel configurations, technology node, and stacking process.

Despite the trend of increasing module counts, all three companies decided on a triple camera setup for the rear and a single camera for the front.  The rear cameras are all comprised of a wide-angle main camera module, a secondary ultra-wide module, and a telephoto module. These visible spectrum cameras are supported by infrared modules (not covered in this report) for determining depth information.

Autofocus and optical image stabilization systems have a strong presence and were found in at least two rear modules on all three smartphones.  The Galaxy S20 Ultra and the P40 Pro also have autofocus systems in their front cameras.  The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the first generation of Apple’s new sensor-shift stabilization technology – see our dedicated report on the iPhone 12 Pro Max for a deep dive into this innovation.

The manufacturing processes used to create these sensors are illustrated in this report, and a detailed manufacturing cost analysis is performed. Also included is a comparison and a study of the costs and technological choices made by each supplier.

Overview / Introduction

• Executive Summary
• Reverse Costing Methodology
• Glossary

Companies & Supply Chain

• Samsung, Apple, Huawei
• Players & Market
• Supply Chain
• Sony, SEMCO, Sunny, LG Innotek

Physical Comparison

• Camera Overviews
• Physical Comparison
• Overview of the Physical Analysis
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
  • Huawei P40 Pro
  • Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Manufacturing Processes

• Camera Module General Structure
  • Mono Camera Module
  • Periscope Camera Module
• Image Sensor Manufacturing Processes
  • Sony
  • Samsung

Detailed Physical & Cost Analysis

• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
  • Front Camera
  • Rear Tri Camera
• Huawei P40 Pro
  • Front Camera
  • Rear Tri Camera
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • Front Camera
  • Rear Tri Camera

Cost Comparison

• Image Sensor Die Cost Comparison
  • Front Facing
  • Rear Facing
• Total Image Sensor Die Prices
• Camera Module Cost Comparison
  • Front Facing
  • Rear Facing
• Total Camera Module Prices

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