Toshiba has announced that it is providing camera components for Google's Project Ara modular smartphones.

The electronics firm has revealed swappable sensors that weigh in at 2 megapixels, 5 megapixels and 13 megapixels.

Obtaining a better camera for a smartphone currently requires owners to shell out on an entire new handset, but Project Ara phones will allow customers to upgrade individual components.

A prototype Project Ara handset will be trialled in Puerto Rico this year, but Toshiba says that its camera units will not enter circulation until 2016.

The company will also produce other components for the customisable handsets.

Toshiba camera sensors will be priced between $50 and $500.