Sony has officially entered the 200MP mobile camera sensor race with the launch of the LYTIA 901, a large-format sensor designed to prioritize in-sensor zoom, AI remosaicing, and superior dynamic range.

Samsung, which already dominates this segment with its ISOCELL HP2, HP5, and HP9 sensors, continues to focus on flexible multi-camera setups and ultra-compact designs. Here’s a detailed comparison between Sony’s and Samsung’s latest 200MP image sensors.

Sensor Size and Pixel Architecture

Sony’s LYTIA 901 uses a 1/1.12-inch optical format with a 14.287mm diagonal, making it the largest sensor in the 200MP class. It features a pixel size of 0.7μm and uses a Quad-Quad Bayer Coding (QQBC) filter arrangement. This setup boosts light-gathering performance and provides improved dynamic range. Sony aims to deliver flagship-level performance with a single main sensor instead of relying on additional telephoto modules.

Samsung has released multiple 200MP sensors with varying sizes. The ISOCELL HP2, found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, uses a 1/1.3-inch format and 0.6μm pixels. The HP5, used in the Vivo Y500 Pro, measures 1/1.56 inches with 0.5μm pixels.

The HP9, optimized for telephoto cameras in models like the Vivo X100 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, uses a 1/1.4-inch format with 0.56μm pixels. Samsung’s sensors prioritize compactness and modularity, supporting thinner device designs and hybrid zoom setups.

Pixel Binning and Zoom Technologies

Sony’s LYTIA 901 features a QQBC structure that clusters 16 adjacent pixels of the same color. It captures 12.5MP images in low-light scenarios and switches to full-resolution imaging through a remosaicing process when zooming. The sensor also supports 2×2 binning for 50MP output.

Sony has embedded AI-driven remosaicing directly into the sensor. This allows high-quality 4x in-sensor zoom and smooth video capture without offloading processing to the ISP.

Samsung relies on its Tetra²pixel binning. The sensors combine pixels to operate at 50MP (1.0μm) or 12.5MP (2.0μm), depending on lighting. The ISOCELL HP5 and HP9 also support 2x or 4x in-sensor zoom.

When paired with a 3x optical telephoto lens, these sensors can achieve up to 12x hybrid zoom. Samsung’s design works well in multi-camera arrays and supports various zoom configurations depending on the module.

HDR and Color Reproduction

Sony integrates multiple layers of HDR processing. It supports DCG-HDR and Fine12bit ADC to enhance tonal depth and dynamic range even at 4x zoom. Furthermore, Sony’s Hybrid Frame HDR (HF-HDR) blends short-exposure and high-gain data, enabling performance over 100dB in additive mode, useful for capturing scenes with both intense highlights and deep shadows.

Samsung’s HDR stack features Smart-ISO Pro, staggered HDR, and dual-slope gain (DSG), particularly in the HP2 and HP9 sensors. The HP9 even achieves 14-bit color depth, delivering trillions of color combinations. However, Sony’s in-sensor AI processing arguably allows for more accurate remosaicing and real-time tone mapping, giving it an edge in scenarios like document scanning or pattern recognition.

Frame Rates and Video Performance

Sony’s LYTIA 901 can shoot at 10fps in full 200MP RAW, 30fps at 50MP binned, and 60fps at 12.5MP. Video recording supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, with AI-accelerated remosaicing allowing 4x zoom during 4K video. This makes it ideal for scenarios where a single sensor must handle zoom, wide-angle, and video tasks without switching modules.

Samsung matches or exceeds this in some areas. The HP2 supports 15fps at 200MP, and the HP5 and HP9 offer up to 480fps at Full HD, 120fps at 4K, and 30fps at 8K. Samsung sensors also support up to 90fps at 12.5MP (HP5/HP9), giving them an advantage in super-slow-motion video recording.

Use Cases and Market Positioning

Sony positions the LYTIA 901 for premium flagships that aim to simplify camera hardware. Its focus on in-sensor AI processing, remosaicing, and large-format performance suits devices like the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra. The sensor reduces the need for multiple rear cameras while maintaining competitive zoom and video features.

Samsung’s 200MP lineup covers a wider range of use cases. The HP2 targets high-end primary cameras like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The HP5 is designed for balanced mid-high range devices, while the HP9 powers periscope and telephoto modules in multi-camera flagships. Samsung emphasizes flexibility, allowing OEMs to customize zoom setups based on device thickness and budget.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories!

The post How does Sony’s 200MP sensor compare to Samsung’s? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has announced the ISOCELL HP5, a new 200MP (16,384 x 12,288) image sensor featuring the world’s smallest pixel size at just 0.5µm. The sensor is now in mass production and is expected to appear in upcoming flagship smartphones, including the Oppo Find X9 Pro.

Samsung ISOCELL HP5 Specifications

The ISOCELL HP5 is designed to improve image quality despite the reduced pixel size. Samsung uses Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) and Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) to increase Full Well Capacity, which helps the sensor capture more light and reduce image noise. The company also applies DTI Center Cut (DCC) technology to improve conversion gain by 150% and reduce random noise by up to 40%.

Samsung has added High Precision Microlenses and High Transmittance anti-reflective coatings to the HP5 to increase light absorption and minimize reflection. The sensor also uses High Sensitivity DTI, which features oxide-based insulation to reduce signal interference and improve color accuracy in low light.

The ISOCELL HP5 supports Samsung’s Tetra²pixel technology, which merges or unmerges pixels based on ambient lighting. It can operate as a 12.5MP sensor at 2.0μm, a 50MP sensor at 1.0μm, or at full 200MP resolution with 0.5μm pixels. This allows better adaptability to different lighting conditions.

The sensor supports 2x in-sensor zoom on wide-angle cameras. When paired with a 3x telephoto module, it enables up to 6x zoom without relying heavily on digital cropping. Samsung says this allows more flexibility in camera design.

Samsung also includes Smart ISO Pro and staggered HDR features for improved dynamic range. The HP5 supports 13-bit color depth and can express over 550 billion color combinations. Its AI-based remosaic engine can process full 200MP images in under two seconds.

The ISOCELL HP5 outputs in RAW formats up to 14-bit and supports video capture at up to 8K 30fps and 4K 120fps. It uses an electronic rolling shutter and Super QPD autofocus. The sensor is built on a 1/1.56-inch optical format and supports both D-PHY and C-PHY interfaces.

Samsung expects the ISOCELL HP5 to appear in multiple high-end smartphones launching later this year.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories!

(Source)

The post Samsung unveils ISOCELL HP5, a 200MP sensor with 0.5µm pixels & enhanced low-light imaging appeared first on Gizmochina.

OMNIVISION released the OV50X, a 50MP CMOS image sensor targeting flagship smartphones. The sensor boasts a 1.6-micron pixel size within a 1-inch optical format, achieving approximately 110 dB single-exposure HDR, the highest in the mobile sector.

As per OMINVISION’s press release, the OV50X sensor is optimized for high-end devices, and facilitates 4-cell binning, producing 12.5MP output at 180 fps, and 60 fps with three-channel HDR. 8K video capture, dual analog gain (DAG) HDR, and on-sensor crop zoom are supported.

Its TheiaCel technology enables high dynamic range without multi-exposure, enhancing real-time preview and video quality. 100% quad phase detection (QPD) coverage ensures rapid, precise autofocus. PureCel®Plus‑S stacked-die technology improves low-light performance.

OMNIVISION positions the OV50X for users demanding professional-grade smartphone imaging. Takuritsu Li, OMNIVISION’s marketing manager, emphasized the sensor’s ability to deliver superior capture in challenging lighting conditions.

Sampling is currently underway, with mass production scheduled for Q3 2025. The OV50X is designed for smartphone manufacturers seeking to elevate image and video quality in premium devices.

In other news, Sony is developing 100MP and 200MP smartphone sensors. The 100MP sensor is expected to be widely adopted by Chinese brands using Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Elite 2) or Dimensity 9500 chips. Sony’s 200MP sensor, reportedly larger than Samsung’s, could also see adoption across Chinese flagships, potentially improving detail and overall image quality.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

The post OMNIVISION Unveils OV50X 1″ Camera Sensor with Industry-Leading HDR for Smartphones appeared first on Gizmochina.

When shopping for a new smartphone, one of the first things you’re likely to consider is the camera. After all, with today’s smartphones, we can capture stunning photos and videos that we can share with the world. But when it comes to camera megapixels, it’s important to remember that more isn’t always better. In fact, there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t buy a smartphone based on camera megapixels alone.

Megapixels don’t tell the whole story

Megapixels refer to the resolution of the photos a camera can take, with one megapixel equaling one million pixels. While it’s true that more pixels can result in sharper images, the difference becomes less noticeable after a certain point. For example, a 12MP camera and a 48MP camera might not produce drastically different images in day-to-day use, especially on a smartphone screen or even a standard computer monitor. The higher resolution mostly benefits large-format prints or extreme zooming in, which most users rarely need.

Sensor size matters more than megapixels

The most critical component of a smartphone camera is the image sensor. This tiny chip captures light and converts it into an image. A larger sensor allows more light to enter, resulting in better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and richer color accuracy.

For example, the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel series, both known for their exceptional camera performance, utilize sensors that emphasize quality rather than the number of megapixels. Despite having lower megapixel counts than some competitors, iPhones and Pixels consistently deliver superior real-world photography, thanks to their advanced sensor technology.

Lens quality and aperture

Another crucial factor in determining a smartphone camera’s performance is the lens quality and aperture size. The lens focuses light onto the sensor, and a higher-quality lens can minimize distortions and aberrations. Meanwhile, the aperture (often denoted by f/ numbers like f/1.8, f/2.2) controls how much light reaches the sensor.

A lower f-number means a larger aperture, allowing more light to hit the sensor, which is especially beneficial in low-light situations. Even a 108MP camera with a small sensor and narrow aperture might struggle in low-light conditions, resulting in noisy and grainy images.

Image processing

What happens after a photo is taken is equally important. Modern smartphones rely heavily on image processing algorithms to enhance photos. These algorithms handle everything from noise reduction to HDR processing, color correction, and even computational photography techniques like night mode or portrait mode.

For instance, Apple’s iPhones are renowned for their image processing capabilities, delivering consistently high-quality photos even with lower megapixel counts. This shows that a camera’s software can be just as critical as its hardware.

Conclusion

While megapixels are an essential aspect of a smartphone camera, they are far from the most critical factor in determining image quality. A well-balanced smartphone camera setup, with a good sensor, quality lenses, and strong image processing software, will consistently deliver better photos than a camera that relies solely on high megapixel counts.

When choosing your next smartphone, consider the entire camera system and how it performs in real-world scenarios rather than getting swayed by megapixel numbers alone. By doing so, you’ll likely end up with a device that offers a more versatile, reliable, and enjoyable photography experience.

The post Why you shouldn’t buy a smartphone based on camera megapixels alone appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has introduced three new ISOCELL camera sensors: the ISOCELL GNJ, ISOCELL HP9, and ISOCELL JN5. These sensors are not the top models but are great for telephoto and ultrawide cameras in smartphones. Many Android smartphone brands, including Samsung, will likely use these sensors in the future.

ISOCELL GNJ

The ISOCELL GNJ is a 50MP sensor with 1µm pixels and a 1/1.57-inch optical format. It has dual-pixel autofocus for fast and accurate focusing, even in low light. This sensor also has in-sensor zoom, which works with an optical zoom lens to provide better zoom without losing much image quality.

The GNJ sensor has an improved anti-reflective layer and a high-refractive microlens to gather light better and reduce unwanted reflections, keeping dark areas looking natural. It uses silicon oxide between pixels to reduce noise. It is also energy-efficient, using 29% less power in preview mode and 34% less power when recording 4K 60fps videos.

ISOCELL HP9

The ISOCELL HP9 is a new 200MP sensor with a 1/1.4-inch optical format and 0.56µm pixels. It has 12% higher light sensitivity and 10% better autofocus compared to the older ISOCELL HP3. This sensor can be used for both main and telephoto cameras and is already used in the Vivo X100 Ultra’s telephoto camera.

The HP9 uses a highly refractive microlens to direct light better to the RGB color filter, improving color accuracy, autofocus speed, and light sensitivity. It performs well in low light with its 4×4 pixel binning and can create a realistic background blur. It offers 2x and 4x in-sensor zoom and can reach up to 12x optical-quality zoom with a 3x optical zoom lens.

ISOCELL JN5

The ISOCELL JN5 is a 50MP sensor with a 1/2.76-inch size, likely to be used for ultrawide cameras in smartphones. It offers better autofocus and a wider color range for a consistent camera experience. It uses Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (Dual VTG) technology to improve pixel charge transfer, reducing noise in low light. Super Quad Phase Detection (Super QPD) enhances autofocus accuracy by comparing horizontal and vertical phase differences.

For better dynamic range and HDR, the JN5 uses Dual Slope Gain (DSG), which amplifies and converts light signals for a wider color range. It also has hardware remosaic algorithms for faster capture and real-time zoom preview. Its small size makes it suitable for front-facing, telephoto, or ultrawide cameras.

Jesuk Lee, Executive Vice President and CTO of the System LSI Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics, said, “Improving image sensor performance and making main and sub cameras work better together for a consistent photo experience is the new direction of the industry. We will keep setting industry standards and pushing technology boundaries with our new mobile sensors that include the latest advancements.”

Via / Source

The post Samsung announces new camera sensors appeared first on Gizmochina.

SmartSens, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Shanghai, is a leading developer of high-performance CMOS image sensors. They design and produce chips for a wide range of applications, including surveillance, machine vision, automotive, and smartphone cameras. SmartSens offers a diverse portfolio of sensors, including high-speed options for industrial use and 5MP sensors for analog security cameras. They have consistently held the top market share in the security and surveillance sensor industry for five consecutive years. While SmartSens excels across various sensor applications, their smartphone sensors are gaining significant traction in the mobile industry.

Earlier today, the company announced the release of its latest mobile image sensor, the SC5000CS. This new back-illuminated sensor boasts a 50-megapixel resolution, a size of 1/2.5 inches, and a pixel size of 0.702μm, making it ideal for use in high-end smartphones.

High Dynamic Range and Low Noise in Photos

The SC5000CS is equipped with SmartSens’ proprietary SFCPixel-SL technology, which is designed to improve low-light performance and dynamic range. This technology uses a pixel-level dual conversion gain design to reduce read noise (RN) and fixed pattern noise (FPN). According to SmartSens, the SC5000CS has RN and FPN as low as 1.0e- and 0.2e-, respectively, significantly improving over previous-generation sensors.

In addition to its low-light performance, the SC5000CS also supports dual exposure non-overlapping HDR, and line-interleaved HDR modes. This allows the sensor to capture images with a wider dynamic range, which is essential for capturing high-quality photos in challenging lighting conditions.

Another key feature of the SC5000CS is its ability to capture 4K video at 60fps. This is made possible by the sensor’s Summing mode, which combines the output of four pixels into one. This effectively increases the pixel size to 1.404μm, which is large enough to capture high-quality video footage.

The SC5000CS incorporates SmartSens’ Sparse PDAF technology, enabling precise and fast focusing on select pixels. This ensures quick and clear image capture, especially in dynamic scenes, while reducing the power consumption of the mobile CIS.

SmartSens’ advanced design and process in reading circuit technology enable the SC5000CS to achieve lower power consumption compared to competitors. This translates to extended battery life for smartphones, a major concern for many users.

The SC5000CS is currently accepting samples and is expected to enter mass production in Q2 2024. This means that we can expect to see smartphones equipped with this sensor later this year. Earlier this month, SmartSens also introduced SC580XS, a 50-megapixel smartphone image sensor with a 1/1.28-inch optical format, offering improved low-light performance and 4K video capabilities at 120fps.

RELATED:

• CAT Phones and Motorola Defy Future Uncertain as Bullitt Group Declares Bankruptcy
• Honor Magic 6 Pro Sent to The Stratosphere to Challenge its Battery
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra Premium Camera Phone is now only $799
• Get $100 OFF on Xiaomi 14 Pro at Giztop (1TB Variant)
• Best Smartphones Awards 2023 – Gizmochina

(Via)

The post SmartSens unveils SC5000CS, a 50MP sensor with 0.7μm pixels, 4K video capabilities appeared first on Gizmochina.

OmniVision, a company originally founded by Chinese students in Silicon Valley in 1995, initially gained recognition through its groundbreaking CMOS image sensors. Their claim to fame came with the introduction of the world’s first single-chip color CIS sensor in 1997.

Despite an early lead in the market, OmniVision faced challenges post-2011 when they couldn’t meet Apple’s extensive order demands, resulting in Apple switching to Sony sensors starting with the iPhone 4S. However, OmniVision’s acquisition by Visionox marked a transformation into a domestic sensor supplier, aligning with the broader trend among Chinese smartphone brands to strengthen their domestic supply chains.

OmniVision’s OV50H: The New Favorite Among China’s Smartphone Giants

OmniVision made a significant impression at CES 2022 by unveiling a 200-megapixel CMOS sensor, known as OVB0B, which set a record for the world’s smallest pixel size at 0.61μm and featured a large 1/1.28-inch sensor. Now, OmniVision is creating buzz with its OV50H sensor, boasting a 1/1.3-inch size, 50 million pixels, and 1.2μm pixel size, demonstrating its exceptional quality.

This sensor has reportedly exceeded expectations and is drawing interest from several Chinese smartphone manufacturers. This resurgence reflects a broader trend of Chinese smartphone brands strengthening their domestic supply chains, potentially posing a challenge to market leaders like Sony and Samsung.

OmniVision’s comprehensive CIS sensor lineup, including main, telephoto, wide-angle, and front-facing sensors, is expected to be adopted by numerous domestic manufacturers, indicating a possible shift in the market. If we talk about recent upcoming launches then the iQOO 12 and Vivo X100 series are expected to feature OmniVision sensors.

This adoption highlights the ongoing price pressures in the market and underscores the competitive advantage that OmniVision’s technology offers to smartphone manufacturers seeking high-quality and innovative camera sensor technology.

Simultaneously, other Chinese entities, such as Huawei, are also venturing into self-developed CMOS image sensors, creating an environment favorable to domestic production. Meanwhile, there are rumors that Hynix is exiting the sensor industry due to financial struggles.

RELATED:

• Messages by Google App brings a Camera Icon for Quick Photo Sharing
• Fujifilm launches GFX100 II camera with newly designed 102MP HS image sensor
• Panasonic Teases G9 Mark II with Feature Phase Detection Autofocus and 4K60 Video Recording
• Best Smart Blinds of 2023: Yoolax, Ikea, Graywind & More
• Best Smart Scales of 2023: Fitbit, Garmin, Eufy & More
• Xiaomi 14 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Best Amazon Echo in 2023: Echo Show, Studio & More

(Via)

The post OmniVision’s OV50H sensor gains favor among Chinese smartphone makers, challenging Sony appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple is set to improve the LiDAR scanner in its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models with a new supplier. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Sony will replace Lumentum and WIN Semiconductors as the exclusive supplier for the Time-of-Flight (ToF) Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This move is expected to reduce power consumption or provide better ToF performance under the same power consumption.

This new technology is set to bring about significant improvements in the camera and potential augmented reality (AR) applications on the iPhone 15 Pro models. The new ToF VCSEL solution from Sony integrates VCSEL and driver IC, which means that the LiDAR scanner can offer better ToF performance and consume less power. This technology can significantly benefit Night Mode, low-light photography, and Cinematic mode.

This new ToF sensor, combined with the latest processor and display technology, could make the iPhone 15 Pro models the most power-efficient devices yet. This improvement is set to revolutionize the battery life of the iPhone 15 Pro models, as we have previously heard that Apple is working on a new A17 Bionic chip and a new display technology.

The rumors surrounding the iPhone 15 Pro models don’t end there. The devices are also expected to feature a new titanium finish and a periscope lens on the larger Pro iPhone, which could bring about even more significant improvements in the camera department.

Overall, Apple’s decision to switch to Sony as the exclusive supplier for the ToF VCSEL in the iPhone 15 Pro models is expected to bring about significant improvements in the camera and AR applications while also reducing power consumption. According to a recent report, Apple will also bump up the RAM from 6GB to 8GB for the upcoming Pro models. With all these improvements, the iPhone 15 series could be Apple’s most impressive flagship phones yet.

RELATED:

• Apple May Launch iPhone 15 Pro in a Dark Red Color Special Edition
• Leaked Image Shows iPhone 15 Pro With a USB-C Port
• Another Apple iPhone 15 Pro leak hints at physical buttons being replaced
• YouTube’s New Premium 1080p Option Runs Videos at Higher Bitrate

(Source)

The post Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Models to Feature Sony’s ToF Sensor: Better AR and Camera Performance appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung, the South Korean giant, has today officially announced its latest 200-megapixel camera sensor, dubbed Samsung ISOCELL HP2. The camera sensor for premium smartphones comes with improved pixel technology and full-well capacity for stunning mobile images.

The company has also revealed that the Samsung ISOCELL HP2 200-megapixel camera sensor has now entered mass production, which hints that it could be equipped with the upcoming Galaxy S23 series flagship smartphones.

The ISOCELL HP2 camera sensor packs 200 million 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels in a 1/1.3” optical format, a sensor size that is widely used in 108-megapixel main smartphone cameras. Thanks to this, customers will be able to produce higher resolutions in the latest high-end smartphones without larger camera bumps in the devices.

It can accommodate various lighting levels with its Tetra2pixel. In low-lit environments, the sensor transforms into a 1.2μm 50-megapixel or 2.4μm 12.5-megapixel by binding four to 16 neighboring pixels. For 8K video, approximately at 33-megapixel, the sensor switches to 1.2μm 50-megapixel mode to minimize cropping, while the 8K video at 30 frames per second, a wide field of view along with a bigger pixel size can produce sharp cinematic videos.

Samsung is also introducing the DSG feature for the first time in 50-megapixel mode, which applies two different conversion values to the analog signal received at the pixel level. There’s also Smart-ISO Pro, an HDR solution that merges different levels of ISO from a single exposure, allowing the camera to take 12.5-megapixel images and 4K at 60fps video in HDR.

The sensor uses Super QPD in low-lit environments where all the 200 million pixels are used for the focusing agent to deliver faster and more accurate autofocusing. It is also capable of fast auto-focusing, and the new Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology can also reduce washed-out pictures from brightly lit environments.

Although the company has confirmed that the ISOCELL HP2 sensor has entered mass production, Samsung has not revealed the shipping date nor the list of smartphones to feature this new sensor. However, it is most likely to be equipped with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23 series, which is launching in a couple of weeks.

RELATED:

• Samsung Could Finally Get Rid of the Controversial Crease With Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, A24 5G Launched In India: Check Price, Availability, Offers
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Watch 4, and Watch 5 Series Get 360 Audio Recording and Camera Controller Updates Respectively
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features improved speakers, better camera performance, & more
• Samsung Galaxy A32 5G European Variant Spotted on Geekbench With Dimensity 1080 SoC

The post Samsung ISOCELL HP2 200-Megapixel Image Sensor Announced For Premium Smartphones appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple iPhone 15 series smartphones are almost a year away from going official, but details about the upcoming flagship phones from the Cupertino-based technology giant keep surfacing online.

In the latest development, we have received some new information about the camera on the iPhone 15 lineup. It is said that the company will be using a new Sony camera sensor that hasn’t been launched yet.

According to the report from Nikkei, Apple will be using Sony’s newest “state of the art” camera sensor for the upcoming iPhone 15 series smartphones. It will double the saturation signal in each pixel compared to the standard sensors. This will allow the sensor to capture more light to cut down on underexposure and overexposure for better performance.

It is said that Sony is using semiconductor architecture that puts photodiodes and transistors onto separate layers, allowing for more photodiodes. Given that Apple has been trying to have significant differences in the non-Pro and Pro models of the phones, it is not yet clear if the new camera sensors will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models or come to the entire lineup.

The upcoming Apple iPhone 15 series is turning out to be a major upgrade compared to the current-generation models if the reports and leaks are to be believed. The smartphones will reportedly come with a new rounded design and are likely to have a titanium build. The phones will also ditch its proprietary Lightning port in favor of the USB Type-C port.

The phones are also expected to be powered by an updated Apple A17 Bionic chipset, which could be manufactured using a 3nm process. They could also come with an updated zoom technology as Apple is reportedly working on a periscope telephoto lens to improve the optical zoom capabilities, allowing for 10x optical zoom on the upcoming iPhones.

RELATED:

• Apple iPhone 15 Series Smartphones To Reportedly Come With A New Design
• Here’s How The Apple Watch Ultra Sapphire Crystal Performs When Compared With Others
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Series to Feature Solid-State Touch Buttons Instead of Mechanical Buttons
• Brazil seizes iPhones from retail stores as Apple fails to comply with charger requirement
• Apple iPhone SE 4 budget phone to reportedly launch as a flagship-killer smartphone

The post Apple iPhone 15 To Reportedly Feature A New Sony Camera Sensor For Better Performance appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has already announced its ISOCELL HP1 200-megapixel camera sensor which is expected to debut with the Moto X30 Pro smartphone in a few days. The South Korean giant has another 200-megapixel camera in the form of ISOCELL HP3.

Now, a new report from GalaxyClub reveals a trademark filing from Samsung for “Hexa²Pixel” hints that the company might be working on a 450-megapixel camera sensor.

The Samsung ISOCELL HP1 200-megapixel camera sensor and the ISOCELL HP3 sensors use “Tetra²pixel RGB Bayer Pattern,” which uses 16:1 Pixel binning (4 squared equals 16). Thus, the trademark for “Hexa²Pixel” would indicate Samsung working on a camera sensor with a pixel binning ratio of 36:1 (6 squared equals 36).

The camera sensors from Samsung have post-binning images in the range of 12-megapixel to 12.5-megapixel, and based on that, it can be deduced that the South Korean giant is working on a new camera sensor of somewhere between 432-megapixel to 450-megapixel.

Although the company has filed for a trademark which appears to be for a 450-megapixel camera sensor, it won’t be introduced anytime soon. The camera sensor is likely to be in the early stages of development and might take several months to make it to the market.

Samsung has plans to launch camera sensors with as high as 600-megapixel resolution with 1/0.57” optical format. So, this Hexa²pixel sensor is just the halfway point of what is planned to come from the South Korean giant in the next few years.

RELATED: 

• Samsung plans to invest US$200 billion to enhance chip fabrication
• Samsung teases the upcoming Galaxy Z foldable with an official trailer
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Price leaked, Could Launch in Galaxy Unpacked Event
• Samsung’s Q2 2022 sales are “strong” however the company’s profits are still declining
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to feature a 10MP periscope camera with 10x optical zoom

The post Samsung trademark filing indicates the company working on 450MP camera sensor appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung was the world’s first company to launch a smartphone camera with a 108-megapixel sensor. Continuing the development, the South Korean giant unveiled the world’s first 200-megapixel smartphone camera sensor last week in the form of Samsung ISOCELL HP1.

Now, the company is working on another ambitious smartphone camera sensor — 600-megapixel which the company had revealed last year. However, this high megapixel count sensor isn’t launching anytime soon.

During a presentation at SEMI Europe Summit, Haechang Lee, Senior VP Automotive Sensor at Samsung Electronics revealed that the South Korean giant plans to launch its 576-megapixel camera sensor in 2025. The image was spotted by Image Sensors World.

Also, it appears that the 576MP camera sensor isn’t being developed for smartphones but the company is developing it for automobiles. It could also be used in drones and medical equipment but its use-case as a smartphone camera doesn’t appear to be a priority.

Last year, when Samsung confirmed that it’s working on a 600MP camera sensor, Yongin Park, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s Sensor Business talked about the company’s ambition of going beyond 500-megapixel which is equivalent to the human eye.

A few months ago, it was leaked that Samsung is developing a 600-megapixel camera sensor which features 0.8µm pixels and is 1/.0.57″ big. At the time, it was reported that the camera results in a 22mm bulge.

The South Korean company is also expanding the categories of its camera sensors usage from smartphones. It is now planning to provide camera sensors for several categories, including autonomous vehicles (AVs), drones, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

RELATED: 

• Samsung seeks to take on Apple iPad Pro with new Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
• Texas plans to offer Samsung large property tax breaks to build a chip plant
• New Samsung Galaxy S22 details reveal smaller screens for standard and plus models
• Samsung is reportedly planning to bring OIS to the entire 2022 Galaxy A-series lineup

The post Samsung plans to launch its 576MP camera sensor in four years appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this year, there were reports about Samsung gearing up to launch a new smartphone camera sensor of 200-megapixel. Now, the South Korean giant has officially announced two new camera sensors.

Samsung has announced ISOCELL HP1 as the world’s first 200-megapixel image sensor with a 0.64μm pixel sensor. Along with that, the company has also announced ISOCELL GN5 50-megapixel as the first image sensor to adopt all-directional focusing Dual Pixel Pro technology with two photodiodes in a single 1.0μm pixel.

The Samsung ISOCELL HP1 features an all-new ChameleonCell technology, a pixel-binning technology that uses a two-by-two, four-by-four, or full pixel layout depending on the environment. It can take 8K videos at 30fps with minimum loss in the field of view.

The HP1 merges four neighboring pixels to bring the resolution down to 50MP to take 8K videos without the need to crop or scale down the full image resolution. In a low-light environment, the HP1 transforms into a 12.5-megapixel image sensor with large 2.56μm pixels by merging 16 neighboring pixels, capable of more light absorption and sensitivity, as well as producing brighter and clearer photos. However, in bright outdoor environments, the sensor can capture ultra-high-definition photos.

On the other hand, the Samsung ISOCELL GN5 sensor is the industry’s first 1.0μm image sensor to integrate Dual Pixel Pro technology. It is an all-directional autofocusing technology that can substantially boost autofocusing capabilities.

The technology places two photodiodes within each 1.0μm pixel of the sensor either horizontally or vertically to recognize pattern changes in all directions. With one million phase-detecting multi-directional photodiodes covering all areas of the sensor, the autofocusing becomes instantaneous, says Samsung.

It uses Samsung’s proprietary pixel technology, which applies Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) on a Dual Pixel product — a first in the industry. Despite the microscopic photodiode size, FDTI enables each photodiode to absorb and hold more light information, improving the photodiodes’ full-well capacity (FWC) and decreasing crosstalk within the pixel.

Samsung is already shipping ISOCELL HP1 and ISOCELL GN5 sensors to device manufacturers. This means that we can expect new smartphones with these sensors sometime later this year or early 2022. There’s also a possibility that the upcoming Galaxy S22-series may come equipped with this new 200-megapixel camera sensor.

RELATED: 

• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE smartphone to reportedly launch in October
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 turns into a Walkie Talkie with Samsung’s new App
• Samsung announces Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3, Galaxy Buds 2, and Galaxy Watch4 series in the Chinese market

The post Samsung announces 200MP ISOCELL HP1 and 50MP ISOCELL GN5 camera sensors for smartphones appeared first on Gizmochina.

The launch of the Redmi K40 series is just around the corner. The lineup is expected to launch later this month, but prior to its release, a new rumor has surfaced that states that the Redmi K40 Pro‘s camera will feature a large 1.15 inch sensor.

According to the known Weibo blogger @数码闲聊站, the Redmi K40 Pro will feature a 1.15 inch sensor. The tipster shared the information on the Chinese microblogging website. The company’s General Manager, Lu Weibing, also hinted at another interesting aspect as it teased on the social media platform the possible variants of the device. In his official Weibo account, the senior official shared a post that hinted at the upcoming K40 lineup might arrive in multiple variants.

In other words, we can expect a base version to launch along with a K40 Pro, and K40 Pro+ variant as well. Furthermore, the higher end variant might also feature a better rear camera module, with both if not the premium version’s camera sporting the large 1/1.5 inch sensor. For those unaware, the large the sensor size, the more light it is able to capture. This, in turn, allows for quicker shutter speeds that will help in capturing sharp and bright images.

Unfortunately, this is still an unconfirmed report and we will have to wait for an official company announcement to know for sure. Thus, take this report with a pinch of salt for now. We had previously reported on the Redmi K40 series, which is expected to feature an OLED display, along with a 64 megapixel camera and a sub flagship grade chipset under the hood. So stay tuned for more, as we will be providing more updates when additional information is available.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi’s new midranger may come with sm7350 chip, OLED panel, 64MP camera; Could it be Redmi K40?
• Redmi K40 retail box image leaks online; may come without a charger
• Redmi K40 to come with upcoming sub-flagship chipset

The post Redmi K40 Pro to feature a large 1/1.5 inch camera sensor: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung Electronics has announced four new ISOCELL image sensors for its 0.7 micrometers (μm)-pixel product lineup — 108-megapixel ISOCELL HM2, 64-megapixel ISOCELL GW3, 48-megapixel ISOCELL GM5, and 32-megapixel ISOCELL JD1.

With the new 0.7μm ISOCELL technology, the South Korean giant aims to expand the ultra-high-resolution offerings to mainstream smartphones. The small pixel size will allow cameras to be more powerful with thin smartphone designs.

The company says that the newest image sensors are up to 15-percent smaller than the 0.8μm sensors of the same resolution and reduce the height of the camera module by up to 10 percent. Smaller form factors give more flexibility to manufacturers for added features and more streamlined designs.

Samsung has used its advanced ISOCELL Plus and Smart-ISO technologies, which the company says it especially optimized for 0.7μm. The company adds that ISOCELL Plus retains the received light while Smart-ISO makes full use of the incoming light by intelligently adjusting the ISO.

Samsung ISOCELL HM2

This is the third 108MP image sensor from Samsung after HMX and HM1. It features Super PD, a faster and more effective phase detecting autofocus solution, and comes with a nine-pixel binning technology as well as 3x lossless zoom.

ISOCELL GW3

This 64MP image sensor is optimized for mainstream devices and comes with Tetracell and Smart-ISO technologies. It also features gyro-based electronic image stabilization (EIS) for sharper still photos and steadier videos and supports video recording at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames-per-second (fps).

EDITOR’S PICK: Smart TV makers like Xiaomi and LG seeks extension for zero import duty policy with the Indian government

Samsung ISOCELL GM5

It is a 48MP image sensor designed for use in telescoping or ultra-wide-angle cameras. It offers a staggered-HDR feature for brighter and clearer images with less noise. It is said to be a faster and more power-efficient HDR technology that expedites image processing.

ISOCELL JD1

The 32MP image sensor is aimed for smartphones with bezel-less displays that incorporate a hole-in-active-area or motorized pop-up mechanism for the front-facing camera Like the GM5, the JD1 is also the one the first ISOCELL image sensors to offer staggered-HDR.

The South Korean giant has said that the HM2, GW3, and JD1 sensors are currently being mass-produced while the company has started providing samples of GM5 to customers.

UP NEXT: Huawei products are now getting out-of-stock; the company doesn’t have Plan B for Kirin chipsets

The post Samsung announces new 108MP, 64MP, 48MP, and 32MP ISOCELL image sensors appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier today (7th September 2020), Vivo announced its new RGBW sensor in its media conference. The new arrangement features an increased sensitivity and will ship in smartphones next year.

The new RGBW sensor features improved sensitivity while avoiding color cast problems. The increase in sensitivity measures in at 160 percent as well. Notably, this is not the first time a unique array sensor is being used, with the Huawei P30 featuring a 13 megapixel RYYB sensor back in 2019. The new sensor aims at improving the photographic experience and raises image quality.

Editor’s Pick: Mi TV 4A 32/43 Horizon Edition launch in India for ₹13,499 ($184) and ₹22,999 ($313) respectively

For those unaware, traditional camera sensors use an RGGB array sensor. Although the P30 featured an RYYB sensor. In other words, they lack the green filter but are able to have more light reach the sensor. The RGBW is now Vivo’s launching a different arrangement as well, with the company offering noticeable benefits with this variant. Although, only real world tests would show results after the company launches devices with this sensor.

The new sensor also helps increase the amount of light that enters the sensor. Previously, the RGBW sensors were short lived due to a certain lack of colors in images. However, Vivo has managed to circumvent this issue through the use of its advanced algorithms to make up for and even improve colors. The Chinese tech giant expects the technology to make an appearance on smartphones by the second half of 2021.

UP NEXT: Rollme Hero Pro Is World’s First Smartwatch to pack Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip

The post Vivo unveils new and improved RGBW camera sensor, launches in smartphones in 2021 appeared first on Gizmochina.

OmniVision has announced OV64B 1/2″ camera sensor which the company claims is the world’s first 0.7-micron 64-megapixel image sensor which can be used in high-end ultra-thin smartphones.

In comparison, Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 64MP camera sensor is larger as it uses a 0.8-micrometer pixels on a 1/1.7-inch sensor. On the other hand, the Samsung ISOCELL Bright 48MP sensor uses 0.8-micrometer pixels on a 1/2-inch sensor.

Comparing the new sensor with Sony, the Sony IMX686 is a 64MP image sensor with a large sensor size of 1/1.7” and a pixel size of 0.8μm. The Sony IMX586 48MP camera sensor offers a pixel size of 0.8 μm onto a 1/2-type unit.

The OmniVision OV64B is built on the company’s PureCel Plus-S stacked die technology and a four-cell color filter array (CFA) with on-chip hardware for re-mosaic. Along with the 64MP resolution images, the sensor can also output 16MP images with 4x sensitivity because of the near-pixel binning which is equivalent to sensors with 1.4-micron pixels, says OmniVision. This should result in better low-light photography.

EDITOR’S PICK: Huawei partners with STMicroelectronics to develop Chips for Smart Automotive Solutions and Smartphones

As for the video, the sensor supports 4K video recordings with electronic image stabilisation (EIS), as well as 8K video at 30 frames per second (fps). It also has support for slow-mo capture at up to 240 fps at 1080p and 480 fps at 720p.

The OmniVision OV64B sensor feature type-2, 2×2 microlens phase detection autofocus (ML-PDAF) to boost autofocus accuracy. It also provides a CPHY interface for greater throughput using fewer pins.

As of the availability, OmniVision says the first sample units should ship out to prospective clients in May 2020. However, it remains to be seen which smartphone company adopts this sensor for their devices.

UP NEXT: MediaTek is all set to announce new processors on May 7; Dimensity 2000 tipped to launch

The post OmniVision OV64B announced as the world’s first 0.7-micron 64MP camera sensor appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has made huge progress in terms of smartphone camera sensors. The company was among the first to launch a 64-megapixel camera sensor and the first one to launch 108-megapixel image sensor.

But it seems that the company hasn’t stopped yet in terms of megapixel count for the smartphone cameras. Samsung has today revealed in an article that it is now planning to develop camera sensors with 600-megapixel resolution.

To put that in perspective, Yongin Park, Executive Vice President and Head of Sensor Business Team, System LSI Business says that human eyes can match up to 500-megapixel resolution.

However, with 48-megapixel and 12-megapixel sensors still being standard, it seems like a long journey for the 600-megapixel camera sensor to materialise. To make this happen, the South Korean giant also needs to develop new technologies.

The company has been advancing the pixel binning technology. The 64MP sensors from Samsung use 2×2 pixel binning while the 108MP sensors use 3×3 pixel binning to increase light absorption and mitigate issues related to low-light conditions.

EDITOR’S PICK: Opinion: A refreshed Pixel 2 may be the perfect rival to take on the iPhone SE 2020

Samsung’s ambitions for the future camera sensors is not limited to 600MP resolution. The Systems LSI Business division of Samsung, which deals with image sensors, is also looking to make sensors that can register smells and tastes.

Apart from supplying image sensors for smartphones, the company is also reportedly planning to provide camera sensors for other use cases, including autonomous vehicles (AVs), drones, and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

Currently, 108MP camera sensor remains the highest for smartphones but that is about to change soon. Samsung is working on a 150MP sensor using Nonacell technology and is expected to be available from Q4 2020.

UP NEXT: ColorOS 7 Stable Update is now live for Global Versions of Oppo Reno 2 / Z, F11 series, A9 & R17

(Via, Source)

The post Samsung is reportedly planning to develop 600MP camera sensor appeared first on Gizmochina.

Today, Chang Cheng, who recently joined Xiaomi from Lenovo as a vice president, hosted a poll on his Weibo account asking users with which company should Xiaomi collaborate for the camera sensors.

He had listed out three companies — Canon, Nikon, and Hasselblad along with the fourth option that was for “No one”. Currently, Hasselblad is leading the list with most votes — 1,930. In comparison, Canon and Nikon have received 1,059 and 269 votes respectively.

With camera being one of the crucial department for smartphones, device manufacturers are now collaborating with camera sensor manufacturers to have an optimised camera sensor for their devices.

Nokia has been partnering with ZIESS since long time for their camera sensors while Huawei is also collaborating with Leica for its flagship smartphones. Xiaomi has also recently partnered with Samsung for the 108-megapixel camera sensor, touting the Mi Note 10 as the world’s first smartphone to have such high megapixel sensor.

EDITOR’S PICK: Report reveals TFT-LCDs still dominate the Chinese smartphone market, 3G devices going extinct

However, do note that this is just a poll by Chang Cheng of Xiaomi and it does not mean that the company will indeed partner with any of this brand for camera sensors. It seems like this is just to gauge the user’s perspective.

For those who are unaware, Chang Cheng joined Xiaomi as Vice President earlier this month. Prior to that, he was the Head of Mobile Division at Lenovo, the company where he worked for about 19 years.

Soon after his announcement of joining Xiaomi, Lenovo released a statement that could possibly entangle the former VP in legal constraints. Lenovo says that Chang Cheng joining Xiaomi technically breaches the non-compete contract.

UP NEXT: Realme market share falls after festive season sale while Xiaomi and Samsung see growth

The post Xiaomi’s poll on which camera manufacturer to partner with shows Hasselblad gets most votes appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung Electronics has today launched two new 0.8-micrometer (μm) pixel image sensors — 64-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and 48-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GM2.

The new ISOCELL Bright GW1 is a 64 MP sensor that offers the highest resolution so far for a smartphone camera sensor. On the other hand, the new ISOCELL Bright GM2 48 MP sensor is the successor of last year’s ISOCELL Bright GM1 48 MP sensor.

Both sensors come with the company’s proprietary ISOCELL Plus technology that reduces light leakage, as well as Tetracell technology which uses four pixels like one to allow for better photos in dark environments.

The GW1 sensor comes with pixel-merging Tetracell technology and remosaic algorithm that offers 16 MP images in low-light environments where four pixels are merged to work as one to increase light sensitivity.

It also supports real-time high dynamic range (HDR) of up to 100-decibels (dB) that provides richer hues. The sensor is equipped with a Dual Conversion Gain (DCG) that converts the received light into an electric signal. This allows the sensor to optimize its full well capacity (FWC), utilizing the collected light more efficiently especially in bright environments.

The Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and GM2 are currently sampling to OEMs and are expected to enter mass production in the second half of this year. Can we see this in Galaxy Note10? We should know in the coming months.

The GW1 also supports 480fps Full HD slow motion filming and will have High Dynamic Range. Both the sensors — GW1 and GM2 come with support for Super PD which is a high-performance phase detection auto-focus technology.

Read More: Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphone Galaxy Note 10 might debut with faster than 25W charging

Currently, Samsung is sampling these sensors to OMEs and are expected to enter mass production in the second half of this year. We are expecting this new offering to power the upcoming Galaxy Note 10 flagship lineup.

The post Samsung launches 64 MP ISOCELL Bright GW1 and 48 MP GM2 image sensors for smartphones appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung and Sony are two of the smartphone manufacturers that also make camera sensors. The new Galaxy S9 has a new sensor that lets it record super slow-motion videos at 960 frames per second (720p).

The Galaxy S9 (and S9+) can record at that frame rate as a result of the new ISOCELL Fast 2L3 sensor. News has it that the sensor may be made available to other manufacturers, particularly those from China.

The 12MP ISOCELL Fast 2LR unlike other sensors has three silicon layers. The third layer is a 2-gigabit LPDDR4 DRAM which allows capturing of super slow-motion videos.

To understand how the added DRAM works, one needs to understand the process behind taking a picture.

Usually, when the sensor captures light information, the top layer converts it into an electric signal. This electric signal is then processed into a digital code by the second layer called the analog logic layer. The digital code then gets sent to the mobile processor for tuning before saving it to the phone’s DRAM. These processes happen very fast so you probably never notice.

However, the speed is not fast enough for super slow-motion capture. With the DRAM layer now added to the sensor, it can temporarily store the high-speed frames captured during slow-motion before they are then sent to the processor and the phone’s DRAM.

The sensor is not only great for slow-motion videos but also helps take pictures of fast moving objects. Since it is also storing multiple frames in the fraction of a second, it supports 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) which helps with sharper pictures in low-light.

READ MORE: Samsung Building New 7nm Foundry, Announces Partnership With Qualcomm for 7nm 5G Chips

Samsung has already begun mass producing the ISOCELL fast 2LR. However, winning clients over won’t be easy as it will have to slug it out with Japan’s Sony.

(Sources: 1, 2)

The post Galaxy S9′ Super Slow-Motion Camera Will Be Available To Other Manufacturers appeared first on Gizmochina.