Samsung looks set to beat both Sony Ericsson and LG in the 12Mp cameraphone race, following news that its first such handset will be available later this month.

Samsung's 12Mp Pixon 12

Twelve megapixels is, currently, the golden peak for cameraphone snapping quality. Samsung’s effort – called Pixon 12 - will be the first to market because SE’s offering – previously known as Idou, but recently renamed Satio – won’t be available until Q4, the firm confirmed last week.

LG promised last month to launch a 12Mp cameraphone before the year’s out. But a launch date ahead of 30 June looks unlikely.

So what features should you expected from Samsung’s Pixon 12, aside from a 12Mp snapper and 28mm wide-angle lens?

The phone, also known as M8910, has a 3.1in touchscreen display and a dedicated one-touch camera button for fast access to the powerful shooter. “Fast image saving” also apparently enables you to move to the next shot in around two seconds.

Wi-Fi will support Facebook picture uploads

A Smart Auto feature will automatically change the camera’s scene and mode based on your photographic subject, background and lighting.

Pixon 12’s other features, such as connectivity, haven’t been released yet. But easy upload of images onto social networking sites, such as Facebook, has been promised. Wi-Fi will also feature.

Once Samsung’s rolled the Pixon 12 out across Europe “from the end of June”, it’ll then make the handset available to other regions during August. ®