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The Galaxy S9 could get some serious camera upgrades

Like dual cameras on the Galaxy S9 Plus only.

Gordon Gottsegen CNET contributor
Gordon Gottsegen is a tech writer who has experience working at publications like Wired. He loves testing out new gadgets and complaining about them. He is the ghost of all failed Kickstarters.
Gordon Gottsegen
2 min read
Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung's flagship Galaxy S9 is nearly upon us, and the latest points to some welcome changes in the S9's camera.

A recent report from Korean site ETNews claims that the larger Galaxy S9 Plus will get dual 12-megapixel rear cameras. The Galaxy Note 8 was Samsung's first dual rear camera phone and the report claims that the larger S9 variant could get the same feature -- similar to the camera setup on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

Samsung has been slow to adopt dual-camera setups, which are often used to create portrait photos that blur the background, similar to a DSLR camera. Outfitting the Galaxy S9 Plus with two cameras would help justify a higher price for the slightly larger phone, while keeping the Galaxy S8 a slightly less expensive mass-market pick.

In addition, the report also suggests that the Galaxy S9 phones could get a new camera lens that improves low-light photos. The camera is said to be able to switch between F1.5 and F2.4 apertures depending on the scenario. That means it will be able able to let in more or less light as needed. 

For photo geeks, the F1.5 aperture is smaller than most other smartphones -- including all Galaxy S and Note devices -- but we got a peak at Samsung's variable aperture lens in the premium W2018 flip phone.

This is what the Galaxy S8 looks like under a macro lens

See all photos

The Galaxy S9 is also reported to get a 12-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. 

The phones' cameras may also support improved autofocus and iris-scanning technology as well as super-slow-motion video recording. ETNews did not go into detail about its sources, so as always, take this news with a grain of salt. Samsung declined to comment on the rumors.

Samsung has confirmed that it will announce the Galaxy S9 will at the Mobile World Congress conference next month, the world's largest mobile show. As for exact dates, the rumors point toward a Feb. 26 launch with a March 16 sell date. Regardless, we won't have to wait too long.

(Via Android Authority)

Watch this: 4 things the Galaxy Note 8 can do that the Galaxy S8 can't