iPhone 6 Said to Feature Sony's 13-Megapixel Exmor IMX220 Camera Sensor

Apple's iPhone 6 could feature Sony's Exmor IMX220 camera sensor, according to a poston Chinese Sony enthusiast forum Digi-Wo (Google Translate, via G for Games). The Exmor IMX220 features a 13-megapixel, 1/2.3'' sensor and can record videos in 1080p. The sensor would also be a sizable improvement over the camera currently in the iPhone 5s, which uses an 8-megapixel, 1/3.2'' sensor. 

Sony's Exmor IMX220 camera sensor (via Alibaba)
Past rumors have suggested that the iPhone 6 will retain the same 8-megapixel sensor found in the iPhone 5s, with Apple instead choosing to offer improved image stabilization for more clear photos. A report last month also noted that an optical image stabilization system will be exclusively featured in the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6, while the smaller 4.7-inch version utilizes an improved lens module. 

Notably however, the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPhone 5s have used incremental versions of Sony's IMX145 sensor, as Apple could choose implement a new sensor from the company for the iPhone 6. Sony is also expected to use a 20-megapixel version of the IMX220 in its Sony Xperia Z3 flagship device that is slated to ship later this year. 

While Digi-Wo does not have a track record with Apple-related rumors, the website has offered accurate information on past Sony products before their release, and recently offered leaked photos of the Xperia Z3. 

Apple's iPhone 6 is expected to be announced this fall at a special media event. The device is expected to come in two sizes of 4.7 and 5.5-inches, although it is not known if the larger sized iPhone 6 will ship alongside the smaller version. In addition to an improved camera, the iPhone 6 will feature a thinner profile, a faster A8 processor, and Apple's newiOS 8 mobile operating system.

This Video Demonstrates Why The 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Might Be A Bogus Rumor

Plenty of rumors have pointed to two new iPhone sizes this year - 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches - but only the 4.7-inch model of the next-generation iPhone 6 has been substantiated with blueprints,schematics, dummy models, and cases, all of which match and fit each other perfectly. We have little reason to believe Apple will also launch a 5.5-inch iPhone this year, but many continue reporting the rumor anyway.

If you think Apple will actually release an iPhone larger than the 4.8-inch Galaxy S4 and 5-inch Galaxy S5, this video might change your mind.

YouTube personality UrAvgConsumer, who records tech reviews "with the average consumer in mind," visited New York City's High Line with a dummy model of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, which has been widely circulated by now, thanks to famed Apple blogger Sonny Dickson, and asked people off the street if they would buy that iPhone if it was what Apple actually released this fall.

Look at the reactions from these people. Sure, there are plenty of consumers out there who constantly lobby for a bigger phone every year, but just from this extremely small sample size of young 20-somethings in New York City, people don't seem to mind the screen size of the current iPhone 5S. In fact, most people's reactions were "Wow," in response to the phone's apparent lightness, not its screen size.

On the contrary, many people's reactions to the iPhone 6's 4.7-inch screen were, "It looks like a Samsung phone." I'm not sure if Apple ever likes to be compared to Samsung, but could you imagine their reactions if the phone were 5.5 inches instead of 4.7? Mind you, the iPhone 5S is just 3.99 inches, and the iPhone size we were all accustomed to between 2007 and 2011 measured just 3.5 inches.

In general, it appears as though people don't mind the larger screen size of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, but it's not the first thing they mention or notice. They talk about the phone's lightness and its design quality, its rounded edges reminiscent of the iPod Touch. Sure, people like bigger screens, but they also like phones that definitely fit in their pockets.

Samsung may have shown that big-screen phones can be successful with its Galaxy S series, but this isn't Samsung. Releasing two new models last year was a pretty big deal for Apple, considering it had only released one each year up until that point. Though rumors have pointed to the 5.5-inch iPhone launching alongside the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, tech rumors can and will say anything. Only one of these rumored iPhones seems likely to actually be in production this year, and I don't think it's any bigger than the dummy phone you see in this YouTube video.