Samsung has shipped a wide variety of high-resolution smartphone sensors lately, most of which offer relatively small 0.8 micron pixels while providing pixel binning for better image quality. Samsung isn’t stopping at 0.8 micron pixels, however, as several image sensors have just been announced that contain lots of megapixels and even smaller 0.7 micron pixels.
Smaller pixels generally mean less impressive light harvesting features and therefore less impressive images in low light. However, Samsung believes that this approach also leads to sleeker designs and reduces the size of camera bumps. According to the company, these sensors are up to 15% smaller than 0.8-micron pixel sensors with the same resolution, while the height is also reduced by up to 10%.
In addition, all new sensors are equipped with Isocell Plus technology to prevent light bleeding and crosstalk between pixels, as well as Smart ISO technology for improved exposure.
All new Samsung sensors
At the top is the Samsung Isocell HM2, the third 108MP sensor from Samsung. Samsung adds that the new sensor is 15% smaller than its predecessor while also offering earlier features like lossless 3x zoom and super PD autofocus. Similar to the Isocell HM1, which is used for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra, you can also expect technology from the Isocell HM2 that combines data from nine pixels into one and thus delivers 12 megapixel images.
The second camera sensor presented today is the 64MP Isocell GW3, which follows the 64MP GW1 and GW2. The company notes that this is optimized for “mainstream devices,” which suggests we might see this sensor in much cheaper devices than flagship or mid-range phones. It adds that the “optical size” of the GW3 is almost identical to its 48MP 0.8 micron pixel sensors. You can also expect support for 4K / 60fps recording as well as gyro-based image stabilization.
Regarding 48 megapixel camera sensors, the Korean company is also launching a 48 megapixel sensor with 0.7 micron pixels. According to Samsung, the Isocell GM5, this sensor was developed for ultra-wide cameras or periscope cameras. In fact, users can expect a smaller bulge on the camera when the sensor is used for 5x periscope / fold zoom.
The last sensor on the list is the 32MP Isocell JD1, which Samsung says is the smallest 32MP sensor in the industry (1 / 3.14 inch). Samsung positions this sensor as ideal for pop-up selfie cameras as well as under-display selfie cameras. The camera sits “comfortably” under the display. The module height is comparable to 16 MP cameras with one micrometer and 20 MP with 0.9 micron pixels.
What else should you know?
Both the 48MP Isocell GM5 and the 32MP Isocell JD1 offer Samsung’s tiered HDR technology. The company says staggered HDR “speeds up image processing by sending an indication of the long, medium, and short exposures of each row of pixels to the mobile processor.” This is touted as a faster and more energy efficient HDR solution. You should also get brighter, clearer images with less noise, as the HDR method relies on pixel-bound 1.4 micron pixels rather than smaller individual pixels.
The new 108MP, 64MP, and 32MP camera sensors are currently in mass production, while the 48MP Isocell GM5 is now available for sampling. There’s no word on when we’ll see the first phones with these sensors. That said, we have to look at the first few phones to see if it is worth going smaller.
However, Samsung confirmed that another 0.7 micron pixel sensors will be launched later this year and that they will offer the brand new Isocell 2.0 technology. The Korean company says the new technology should improve photosensitivity by up to 12% compared to the Isocell Plus technology currently used for its sensors.
Next: 108MP sensor versus computer photography – which one wins?
