Sony has just launched the Exmor RS IMX230 image sensor, its new flagship mobile snapper.

The shipment date for the sensor is set to ship in April next year. This is important, because we’re expecting Sony to announce the Xperia Z4, its next flagship, at MWC 2015 in March.

If all goes to plan then there’s a very good chance the IMX230 release date will coincide with the Xperia Z4, putting its own release date in April too.

The IMX230 offers up 21-megapixels of sensor -like its predecessor – as well as boasting a compact form factor, boosted image quality, and improved functionality.

It measures up at 1/2.4”, which is actually slightly teenier than the Xperia Z3’s 1/2.3” image sensor, but not so different that you’d notice any disparity in the final image.

It’s also the ‘industry’s first’ CMOS image sensor built for smartphones that comes with a built-in image plane phase detection AF signal processing function – that’s fancy talk that means you’ll be able to focus track fast-moving subjects pretty well.

The High Dynamic Range function of the new snapper also supports hi-res still images and 4K video recording now. HDR

There’s also High Dynamic Range support for hi-res still images and 4K video-recording built-in. This means it’ll be much easier to get a good shot in high-contrast environments (read: outdoors) while filming in UHD.

Sony also plans to extend the line-up and include a 16-megapixel version of the camera, which will still retain the high-speed autofocus and boosted HDR – that’s tipped to land by the end of 2015.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date

Via: Sony

Deputy News & Features Editor Writer.