What is Dual Aperture?

In this FAQ:

• What is Dual Aperture?

• How Dual Aperture Works in Auto Mode

• How Dual Aperture Works in Manual Mode

• Multi-frame Noise Reduction (F1.5 aperture only)

The Aperture is the opening of a lens' diaphragm through which light travels. It is a significant element in composition and setting up a shot. Just like the pupil of a human eye, aperture determines the amount of light that passes through the lens of a camera.

Dual Aperture is the category-defining camera feature added to the Galaxy S9/S9+, enabling these devices to adjust to present light situation automatically. With two f-stop modes, the S9/S9+ can produce clear and vivid pictures no matter what time of day.

Most smartphones available in the market today have a fixed camera aperture, which usually produces images that are grainy and full of noise when used in low lights.

Dual Aperture has F1.5 and F2.4 modes, allowing the camera to adapt to bright light and super low light automatically. Industry first F1.5 aperture can accommodate 28% more light than S8's F1.7.

If it's dark, the lens opens to F1.5 mode to let in more light for a bright and clear photo. In the daylight, the lens shifts to F2.4 mode to help your picture come out sharp.

With two f-stop modes, the Galaxy S9/S9+ allows you to manually create a mood. When there's enough lighting, using F1.5 results to a narrow depth of field, giving focus to the subject by blurring the foreground and the background. On the one hand, using F2.4 delivers a good depth of field, extending sharp focus in front of to past the subject.

However, bear in mind that shutter speed largely affects the outcome of how you use these aperture modes. You have to be in Pro mode to toggle between F1.5 and F2.4 and be able to control the shutter speed.

A multi-frame noise reduction technology is embedded in the image sensor to enhance pictures taken in super low light and reduce the amount of noise by 30% compared to S8's. Twelve images are combined into one clear photo.