The megapixel race among camera phones continues as Sony just announced the world’s first 16.41 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor for mobile phones. While the sensor’s specs may rival, and exceed, those of some point and shoot cameras, it remains to be seen if it will actually result in higher quality images.

Keep in mind that a high megapixel count isn’t the only ingredient in the recipe for a crisp photo. If the small sensor doesn’t retain high light sensitivity or benefit from a proper lens module, the only thing those 16 megapixels will capture is an unaware public obsessed with pixel count.

However, Sony claims to have improved on high sensitivity and low noise in developing this new sensor. New and improved technology, or marketing ploy? We shall see next year as Sony plans on shipping these sensors in January of 2011.

Read Sony’s press release for more details.