- Samsung has announced the 50MP Isocell GN2 camera sensor.
- It offers larger pixels and a larger sensor size than its predecessor.
- The new sensor is currently in mass production.
Samsung announced the 50MP Isocell GN1 last year, deviating from its 108MP sensors. The lower resolution of the GN1 was offset by its much larger pixels, which enabled significant improvements for low-light capture on paper.
Samsung has now announced a successor to the Isocell GN1, the Isocell GN2. This is also a 50 megapixel sensor, but it offers a larger sensor size (1 / 1.12 inch) and larger pixels (1.4 microns) than its predecessor. The pixel size in particular is noteworthy as it matches the size of the IMX363 sensor used in most of Google’s Pixel phones.
Larger pixel size results in better image quality when the sun goes down. We look forward to seeing standard pictures of the new sensor. In any case, the Isocell GN2 can also use four-in-one pixel binning to deliver images roughly comparable to a 12.5 MP 2.8 micron pixel camera.
The improvements don’t end there either, as Samsung says the Isocell GN2 is the first sensor to offer Dual Pixel Pro technology. This is an updated version of phase detection autofocus, which uses two photodiodes in each pixel for faster autofocus. The improved technology also enables focusing in all directions, as the pixels can be divided both vertically and diagonally. Samsung claims that the diagonal approach allows the “focus means” to better see the top and bottom of a frame.
| Samsung Isocell GN2 | Samsung Isocell GN1 | Samsung Isocell Bright HM3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resolution | 50MP | 50MP | 108MP |
| Sensor size | 1 / 1.12 in | 1 / 1.31 in | 1 / 1.33 in |
| Pixel size | 1.4 microns | 1.2 microns | 0.8 micrometers |
| Pixel binning | 12.5 MP 2.8 microns (Four-in-one binning) |
12.5 MP 2.4 microns (Four-in-one binning) |
12 MP 2.4 microns (Non-binning) |
| Video | 8K / 24fps 4K / 120fps FHD / 480fps |
8K / 30fps 4K / 120fps FHD / 400fps |
8K / 30fps 4K / 120fps FHD / 240fps |
The latest 50-megapixel camera sensor from Samsung also offers staggered HDR functionality, which the Isocell GN1 lacked. This sounds similar to traditional HDR technology as the sensor detects short, medium and long exposures. However, it is claimed that this approach offers 24% less power consumption than the real-time HDR of the previous sensor.
Both the previous sensor and the new sensor have Smart ISO technology, which intelligently selects the best ISO for a scene. However, the Samsung Isocell GN2 also offers Smart ISO Pro functions. How is that different?
“Unlike Smart ISO, which uses readings from a single ISO per image, Smart ISO Pro, which uses an Intra-Scene Dual Conversion Gain (iDCG) solution, uses high and low ISO readings to instantly produce high dynamic range images with fewer motion artifacts to create, “Samsung stated in a press release via email. Smart ISO Pro also allows multiple high ISO frames to be captured and processed, reaching almost a million ISO values for extremely dark scenes.
Similar to the previous sensor, the Isocell GN2 can also generate 100 megapixel images via its 50MP sensor. It does this by creating “three individual layers of 50-megapixel frames of green, red, and blue” and then using a remosaic algorithm to create a 100-megapixel photo. We suspect a 108MP sensor may be better on actual 100MP + images.
The new 50 megapixel sensor from Samsung also delivers video recordings in 4K / 120fps in slow motion or 480fps in FHD in the video sector. You also get 8K / 24fps footage, which on paper seems like a slight downgrade to the 8K / 30fps capabilities of the GN1.
The Isocell GN2 is currently in mass production, which suggests we’ll see it sooner rather than later. For what it’s worth, Vivo was the only brand to use the Isocell GN1 in their phones. But tipsters Ice Universe expects that the new sensor will land in the Mi 11 Ultra. Xiaomi previously used an Omnivision 48MP sensor in the Mi 10 Ultra, and Omnivision recently launched its own 50MP sensor. So we have to wait and see if the new Xiaomi phone has the Samsung sensor.