OK @Antoine, you are right. I understand that in fact the result is a 12MP photo only. Well, each pixel has only 1 color only. This color was build with 4 pixel initialy but it’s still a 12MP photo.
As each real pixel size is smaller (0.8 micron), it will take much less light. The quality of pictures in low light depends on the size of the sensor and it’s quality. This is why Nikon D6 ($6000!) has only 21MP and a huge sensor. The surface of the D6 sensor is 864mm2, FP3+ is about 28mm2. The result is that one D6 pixel surface is 70 bigger than FP3+. This is why D6 is good in low light.
When I compare photos taken with FP3 12MP and Nikon D200 12MP (13 years old) I can see why big sensors will keep the advantage for long. I believe that improving quality of sensor , its size and the “lens” will be a good choice rather than jump into high computer processing.
“E foundation is working on making its software platform /e/ compatible with Android 10 FP3/FP3+. Throughout August they are developing, in September they will do beta testing and the operating system will be available in October.”
Quick thinking about the final number of Mpx: have you noticed that because of its characteristics the new back camera will release a 12Mpx shot where the new front one will release a 16Mpx, so they will be bigger in size than the other pictures?
I think for now I will hold on to the original modules to serve as spares. If the new modules work well, I might decide to send the old ones back to Fairphone at some point, or perhaps sell them on here, although I cannot imagine much demand for the old modules? I don’t imagine many people are having problems with their modules and if I needed to replace them I’d probably opt for the upgrade.
I’ll wait to see if FP3+ users also have issue when sound stops working after using headphones.
Most of it was resolved with recent updates and it occurs less often so I still hope that it is only software issue which will be completely resolved soon with Android 10. Only if it’s hardware issue I would upgrade top module.
That an upgrade for the camera would follow was known for a while and the option to improve an already owned device is absolutely great. For relatively new owners, as myself, this current deal feels not entirely right, tho.
The price difference from the FP 3 to 3+ is 50€. If you wish to upgrade you newly bought FP3 a payment of 70€ (not included shipping even on discount) is in order. I fully support this project and what it stands for, even if you have to pay a bit more compared to other devices and accessories (and those could be way better quality wise, sadly). I hope there will be an option for exactly those type of customers of Fairphone.
Well, as you said, it was known they’d do it sooner or later. I admit it was earlier than expected by me, but it seems now we can expect something new from Fairphone each year (validity date of new referral codes is up to August 2021, 25th)
I’m afraid you may be right @Antoine !
What a fool I am. I thought I could buy a Fairphone and keep it useful and unmodified for years… Hahahahahaha… what a fool
Well… You can. They don’t force you to buy the modules and they still offer both versions in the shop. And they made the update to android 10 available for everyone. So… Basically, you don’t have to change anything if you don’t want to. That’s all the point.
I’m quite confident. I use an ipad 7 years old now with no upgrades at all (yes, it becomes tough and sometimes crashes).
However, If Fairphone proposes new modules every year, what woud happen to old ones ? (don’t say recycling!) It juste keeps consumption cycle alive!
But (again) I understand, the world is not ready to change now! A bit Fair but not too much .
They’ll not release new camera modules every year. It would simply not be sustainable indeed, even if still better than changing whole phones. I’d love they’d release a better screen (AMOLED), but I don’t think they would.
They might release a FP4 next year, to follow the tech specs of the mid-range market. As well as an upgrade to Android 11 for FP3. So it wouldn’t encourage you to buy a new phone.
I’m just speculating and hoping someone will try to reproduce sound issues on FP3+ and post results on forum. Issue with sound did improve for me after last few patches and now it occurs less often. Also I figured that easiest way to check if sound is working is to lock and unlock phone, if there is no lock/unlock sound then I restart it.
I’m quite confident. I use an ipad 7 years old now with no upgrades at all (yes, it becomes tough and sometimes crashes).