Samsung is poised to launch an ISOCELL image sensor exceeding 200MP

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In recent years, Samsung unveiled several iterations of its ISOCELL series of image sensors, boasting an impressive 200MP resolution, offering smartphone users unparalleled high-resolution imaging. This image sensor has been incorporated into Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it’s anticipated that next year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra will receive the same treatment.

Recent Twitter user @Tech_Reve suggests that Samsung is poised to launch an ISOCELL image sensor exceeding 200MP. However, the specific model to debut this feature remains undisclosed. It’s understood that Samsung has three ISOCELL image sensors under development:

  • HP7 – 200MP, 0.6μm
  • GN6 – 50MP, 1.6μm
  • HU1 – 440MP, ?? μm

While the new 200MP image sensor garners attention, the staggering 440MP product truly stands out. Rumor has it that all three ISOCELL sensors will commence production in the latter half of 2024. The Galaxy S25 Ultra might showcase the 440MP camera if timelines hold true. Current-generation SoCs aren’t yet equipped to support a 440MP image sensor; however, this isn’t a significant hurdle, considering ample time remains for chipset manufacturers to craft new SoCs.

Samsung has previously indicated plans for substantial enhancements in the upcoming ISOCELL sensor lineup to elevate the quality of photos and videos drastically. These include multi-frame and multi-exposure (HDR) processing by capturing at least two frames (low and high exposure) and merging them for superior dynamic range, markedly improving static images. They’re also developing an innovative high-refractive nanostructure to achieve sensitivity beyond typical limitations. The Smart ISO Pro technology equips the image sensor with a high dynamic range and the capability to capture a near-infinite color palette, realizing single-frame staggered HDR. The ISOCELL sensors will now encompass a 16-bit color depth, coupled with an integrated ISP’s iToF sensor, optimizing the quality of portrait videos.

These technological advancements are set to debut in the ISOCELL series released between 2023 and 2024, and it’s conjectured that the three leaked image sensors will be included.

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