Samsung has used the same main sensor in the base Galaxy S22, S23, and S24. In the latest news tipster Ice Universe claims that Samsung will use the same main sensor on the Galaxy S25 and possibly even in the S26.
The news comes after another X user Techwiser compared the main camera performance of the Galaxy S24 and the recently released iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 not only captured the skin tone right but also managed to offer an overall brighter image.
Of course, smartphone photography these days significantly relies on clever software tricks alongside the optical hardware. However, an upgrade in the sensor or the lenses is always beneficial for the image processing algorithms as it offers more accurate information to process. That being said, it might not be ideal to stick to the same sensor for 4-5 years straight, especially considering Samsung is one of the largest manufacturers of smartphone camera sensors.
For those curious, the Galaxy S24 uses the Samsung ISOCELL (S5K)GN3 main sensor, which according to Samsung, has an optical format of 1/1.57″. This 50MP sensor packs a Dual Tetrapixel RGB bayer pattern and supports 30fps @8K, 120fps @4K, and 240fps @FHD video recording. Samsung has implemented 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps with the Galaxy S24.
While the S24 and S24 Plus still use the old sensor, competitors like Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi all are using much larger main sensors. For context, both the Pixel 9 and Xiaomi 14 (review) uses 1/1.31″ main sensor, which certainly benefits the camera system on those devices. The OnePlus 12 uses a 1/1.43″ main sensor, which is also larger than the one on the recent base and plus models of the Galaxy flagships.
Not to mention, if paired with the right optical hardware, the base and plus models will be able to offer much better end results than what we are seeing here. Notably, an upgraded larger main sensor will be especially beneficial for low light scenarios, where the images will not only be brighter but will also have less noise.
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