[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S9 smartphone appears likely to feature a variable aperture camera, according to news reports on Jan. 17

The new smartphone, set to be unveiled next month, reportedly has a camera that can be moved from a very fast aperture of f/1.5 to a slightly slower f/2.4, depending on conditions.

Galaxy S8

A lower f-stop indicates that a camera is capable of gathering more light, leading to better performance in the dark and excellent background blur favored by many photographers.

“The Samsung Galaxy S9’s main camera will be able to switch from f/1.5 down to f/2.4,” the website PhoneArena reported, citing a leaked image of what may be the retail box of the Galaxy S9.

“With Samsung’s variable aperture, the Galaxy S9 will be able to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4, depending on the scene, which should deliver better shots in low light but also sharper photos in well-lit environments, in theory at least.”

A Samsung Electronics official said she could not confirm whether the Galaxy S9 smartphone will feature a variable aperture camera, citing company policy.

By Alex Lee and newswires (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)