Samsung Galaxy S6 (S5K2P2) vs Samsung Galaxy S7 (IMX260): read noise comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S6 (S5K2P2) was measured at 12 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (50) read noise is 0.76 DN, or 2.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 80 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 2,978 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 150.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 (IMX260) was measured at 12 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (50) read noise is 1.42 DN, or 8.9 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 160 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 320 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 6,432 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 310.