Can direct sunlight damage iPhone 5 camera/ sensor?

I left my iPhone near my window in direct sunlight, the sun was right above it. Can this damage the camera or its sensor? And if so is there any way to fix it. I can't really tell if something is wrong but I see a lot more noise in the pictures.

Yes, it can damage the sensor. It is less likely to damage the phone. If the light from the sun was able to shine through the lens to the sensor it would heat the sensor, which is not a good thing. Have you ever used a magnifying glass to start a fire? It's the same thing with the lens and the sensor.

No, there's no way to fix it. Replace the phone or live with the damage.

I wouldn't think so but I would never let a phone bake in the sun like that, especially if no air movement as it would be like cooking it.

Yes, your sensor can be damaged. You pretty much proved that since your images are now noisy. Noise is primarily a function of the sensor, which also hints of sensor damage.

Did you try to take a photo while the camera was still warm, or did you wait a few hours? If you didn't wait, try it again and see if it is any better. If you are lucky, your photos may have been noisy only due to the temporary elevated temperature of the sensor.

The phone may also be damaged. Electronics doesn't like heat, regardless of whether or not the phone is in operation or even storage. Not sure how hot it got, but if hot enough, it could also cause latent damage (works for a few months then dies) to the phone.

If you left your phone on the rear deck of your car, then I'd say there's a high chance of latent damage. But if just sitting next to a window, probably the phone itself will be OK, but the camera sensor may not.

It will require a repair from Apple to fix, which may or may not cost more than the phone.