Manufacturers are waiting to see how consumers respond to the new eight-megapixel handsets poised to hit the high street.

Manufacturers said that eight-megapixel phones have been released in response to megapixel-driven consumer demand. However, some operators have questioned how valuable eight-megapixel camera phones will be to typical consumers.

One senior director at a manufacturer said: ‘Consumers are driven by megapixels and megabytes – they make such a difference on the high street.’

Some retailers have echoed the opinion that customers looking for a contract phone will rate the phone on three factors: design, megapixels and memory.
However, others said that more shoppers are now deal-driven than handset led.

So far three manufacturers have announced eight-megapixel handsets; Sony Ericsson has launched the C905 (pictured), Samsung has the i850, and LG has the KC910. Interestingly, Nokia doesn’t have an eight-megapixel phone in its 2008 range.

The senior director suggested there was a more recent trend among some customers to opt for more simple-specced devices.