Camera Comparison Methodology
PhoneCameraData normalizes smartphone camera specifications so sensor size, equivalent aperture, and focal length can be compared across brands with one transparent method.
Equivalent aperture
Equivalent aperture is calculated from the physical aperture value and the crop factor implied by the sensor diagonal. It helps compare light-gathering and depth-of-field potential across different sensor sizes.
For sensor formats at or above 1/2-inch type, PhoneCameraData uses a 16 mm diagonal reference divided by the denominator. For smaller formats, it uses an 18 mm diagonal reference divided by the denominator. Full-frame diagonal is treated as 43.2667 mm.
Sensor size normalization
Sensor size strings such as 1/1.28 or 1/2.51 are parsed as type-format labels, not literal inch measurements. Crop notes are preserved in display text and removed only for numeric normalization.
The site keeps marketed sensor size separate from RAW-derived crop observations. RAW or DNG metadata can inform validation, but it should not overwrite the marketed sensor size field without a verified source.
Focal length fields
When RAW metadata focal length is available, it is preferred for comparison. Otherwise the marketed equivalent focal length is used.
Ultra-wide, main, telephoto, and periscope cameras are sorted by equivalent focal length on model pages and comparison views.