Is Redmi Note 7's 48 MP Camera Fake?- Explained

The Redmi Note 7 recently got officially launched in China. And to no one’s surprise, the major highlight of this device is the 48MP Rear camera. In terms of hardware, the Redmi Note 7 is packed with enough resources, ready to be crowned as the new budget killer Smartphone but, let us wait for the Redmi Note 7 Pro before diving into any final conclusions.
The Redmi Note 7 featured a Snapdragon 660 processor, a 4000 mAh battery, a beautiful 6.4-inch dew drop notch display and an arguably good 48 MP camera which, according to Qualcomm's official website is not capable of being handled by the included Snapdragon 660 Soc.

Source: Qualcomm

Here, Qualcomm clearly states that the Snapdragon 660 Soc is only capable of utilizing camera hardware only up to 25 MP camera.

So, why does Xiaomi claims that they have used up a 48MP sensor in the Redmi Note 7? Just a Marketing strategy? Is the Redmi Note 7 48 MP camera Fake then?
Well, the answer to “ Is the Redmi Note 7 really having a 48 MP camera sensor” is-  Technically yes but hardware wise No!

Is the Redmi Note 7 camera fake?

Well, the Redmi Note 7 has a 12MP primary camera hardware instead of the advertised 48MP. The device happens to be using a 48 MP Samsung's GM1 sensor coupled with the 12 MP hardware. This Samsung GM1 sensor is of 0.8um that combines 4 pixels into 1 using Four -in - one Pixel binning technology. Thus, the output image is in fact, the quality you would expect from a 48 MP sensor.

What is Pixel binning technology? (How does it work ?)

Pixel Binning is the process of combining electric charges from adjacent pixels to form one Superpixel ( Superpixel results in better image quality)
In the Redmi Note 7, the Samsung GM1 sensor uses pixel binning technology to capture information from 4 adjacent pixels which are then combined to form one Super Pixel. Hence, resulting in a 48 MP camera setup.  The output images are rich with color, details and reduced noise.