More Megapixels = Better Photos

Megapixels represent only the number of pixels, not the quality of light captured. A 12-megapixel camera with a large sensor and quality lens often outperforms a 20-megapixel camera with a smaller sensor and cheap optics, larger pixels capture more light, reduce noise, and improve dynamic range. Camera manufacturers exploited the megapixel race as an easily marketed specification; smartphone companies reversed course by keeping megapixels moderate while improving computational photography, HDR processing, and night mode algorithms. Professional photographers have preferred 'good enough' resolution paired with superior optics and sensors for decades.