Sony is planning to launch a 108MP sensor with dual layer tech

According to information obtained by Sony Alpha Rumors, Sony appears poised to introduce a 108-megapixel image sensor designed for mobile devices, with a size of 1/1.33 inches.

Currently, most image sensors with over 100 million pixels are manufactured by Samsung, some even boasting 200-megapixel specifications. This has enabled Samsung to snatch a substantial portion of sensor orders from Sony, with Samsung’s ISOCELL brand image sensors featured in numerous recent smartphone products.

With Sony‘s rumored entry into the competition for high-megapixel image sensors, it is evident they aim to maintain a greater market share in mobile applications and strengthen their sensor presence in intelligent vehicle and automation applications.

The leak suggests that Sony’s forthcoming 108-megapixel sensor will be called the IMX802 and will utilize the dual-layer transistor technology unveiled in 2021. This technology separates photodiodes from pixel transistors, enabling twice the saturation signal capacity through restacking, while reducing noise generation and enhancing dynamic range performance. This would lead to superior image quality in nighttime shooting and high-glare environments.

Data indicates that Sony’s sensor will support 9-in-1 pixel merging, meaning it can capture images at a 12-megapixel resolution under normal circumstances, and 108 megapixels for specific requirements.

However, the 1/1.33-inch sensor size suggests that it may not be aimed at flagship products but rather used in mid-range smartphones or computer vision and image recognition applications. The sensor could also be deployed in security surveillance equipment or intelligent vehicle designs, with the dual-layer transistor structure enhancing image signal performance.