Google Pixel 8 series camera sensor may be Samsung ISOCELL GNK

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The recent unveiling of the Google Pixel 8 series has captured the industry’s attention, yet the official details concerning the camera sensors remain under wraps. Media and digital aficionados have been speculating that the primary sensor of the Pixel 8 series may be a custom variant of either Samsung’s ISOCELL GNV or ISOCELL GN1. However, an official statement has highlighted a 21% increase in light intake for the Pixel 8 series sensors over their predecessors, casting doubt on the use of the ISOCELL GN1.

Pixel 8 Pro camera sensor

Recent reports, synthesized from media outlets like GSMArena and 9to5Google, suggest that Samsung’s newly introduced ISOCELL GNK camera sensor matches the specifications promoted by Google for the Pixel 8 series. The ISOCELL GNK boasts a 50 million pixel output, a sensor size of 1/1.3 inches, and a pixel dimension of 1.2μm. Crucially, it supports the Staggered HDR feature, a pivotal selling point for the Pixel 8 series and a capability absent in the ISOCELL GN1. Moreover, the ISOCELL GNK is integrated with an advanced version of the smart ISO technology, dubbed Smart-ISO Pro, enhancing its performance and surpassing the ISOCELL GN1 with its ability to support a more extensive range of RAW formats, including RAW8, RAW10, RAW12, and RAW14.

The specifications for the ISOCELL GNK are as follows:

  • – Effective Resolution: 8160 x 6144 (50 million pixels)
  • – Pixel Size: 1.2μm
  • – Sensor Size: 1/1.3″
  • – Color Filter: Dual Tetrapixel RGB Bayer Pattern
  • – Standard Frame Rate: Up to 24fps at full 50MP and 90fps at 12.5MP
  • – Video Frame Rate: 30fps at 8K, 120fps at 4K, and 240fps at FHD
  • – Shutter Type: Electronic Rolling Shutter
  • – ADC Accuracy: 10-bits
  • – Power Supply: 2.2V for analog, 1.8V for I/O, and 0.9V for the digital core
  • – Operating Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
  • – Interface: 4-lane (2.5Gbps per lane) D-PHY, 3-lane (4.0Gsps per lane) C-PHY
  • – Chroma: RGB
  • – Auto Focus: Dual Pixel Pro (PDAF)
  • – HDR: Staggered HDR, Smart-ISO Pro
  • – Output Format: RAW8/10/12/14
  • – Analog Gain: x144 at 12.5MP and x72 at 50MP

In conclusion, despite Google’s reticence to disclose the exact camera sensors employed in the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, the deduced specifications strongly suggest the use of the ISOCELL GNK over a custom version of the ISOCELL GNV or ISOCELL GN1.

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