The year 2009 is full of surprises for all the tech savvy and gadget lovers out there. Now Sony Ericsson fans might be wondering what is in store for their favorite mobile phone. Well, there is a reason to look forward to the coming year, as Sony has just announced the 12-megapixel image sensor for the Sony Ericsson mobile phones. The dynamic duo takes pride in this newest feature as the first in the world. Come to think of it, they are actually close to their somewhat ambitious goal for 2012-- to come out with 20-megapixel camera phones. Introducing these 12-megapixel phones is a step closer to their dream, don't you think?

The IMX060PQ is a 1/2.5 CMOS images sensor coming from the Exmor series. At present, it has the highest megapixel count available in the market. It costs around $26, which is relatively cheap considering that it is equipped with auto focus. Beginning March 2009, the 12-megapixel Sony Ericsson mobile phones will be available in the market. It is seen to sprout until the end of the first half of the next year.

Samsung has also declared their own plans of coming up with similar imaging sensors, yet a definite and official date is yet to be given out. People who are eager to change phones in the coming year can probably expect a mobile phone showdown between Samsung and Sony Ericsson. Be ready to be the first to gear up and flaunt the world's first 12-Megapixel camera phone from Sony Ericsson next year, as surely, many will follow.