Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced three new mobile image sensors designed for both main and sub cameras in smartphones: the ISOCELL HP9, the ISOCELL GNJ and the ISOCELL JN5.

As user expectations for smartphone camera quality and performance continue to rise, Samsung’s latest image sensors deliver stunning results from every angle, setting a new standard for mobile photography.

“Enhancing image sensor performance and bridging the gap between main and sub cameras to offer a consistent photography experience across all angles is the new direction of the industry,” said Jesuk Lee, Executive Vice President and CTO of the System LSI Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to set industry standards and push technological boundaries with our new lineup of mobile sensors that integrate the latest advancements.”

ISOCELL HP9: The Industry’s First 200MP Telephoto Sensor for Smartphones

The ISOCELL HP9 features 200 million 0.56-micrometer (μm) pixels in a 1/1.4-inch optical format.

With its proprietary high-refractive microlens featuring a new material, the HP9 significantly enhances light-gathering capability by directing more light accurately to the corresponding RGB color filter. This results in more vivid color reproduction and improved focus with 12% better light sensitivity (based on signal-to-noise ratio 10) and 10% improved autofocus contrast performance compared to the previous product.

Notably, the HP9 excels in low-light conditions, addressing a common challenge for traditional telephoto cameras. Its Tetra²pixel technology merges 16 pixels (4×4) into a large, 12MP 2.24μm-sized sensor, enabling sharper portrait shots — even in dark settings — and creating dramatic out-of-focus bokeh¹ effects.

As main cameras in premium smartphones grow in size, the room for telephoto cameras is also increasing. The HP9’s large optical format makes it suitable for telephoto modules, delivering performance that matches premium main cameras in image quality, autofocus, high dynamic range (HDR) and frames per second (fps).

Powered by a remosaic algorithm, the HP9 offers 2x or 4x in-sensor zoom modes, achieving up to 12x zoom when paired with a 3x zoom telephoto module, all while maintaining crisp image quality.

ISOCELL GNJ: Integrating Cutting-Edge Pixel Technology Innovations

The ISOCELL GNJ is a dual pixel sensor with 50 million 1.0μm pixels in a 1/1.57-inch optical format.

Each pixel houses two photodiodes, enabling fast and accurate autofocus, similar to the way human eyes focus. The image sensor also simultaneously captures full color information for quick focusing with sustained image quality.

The GNJ combines dual pixel technology with an in-sensor zoom function to deliver clearer footage in video mode and higher-resolution images free from artifacts or moiré² patterns in photo mode.

The newly improved high-transmittance anti-refractive layer (ARL), coupled with Samsung’s proprietary high-refractive microlense, not only boosts light transmission and reduces unwanted reflections but also ensures that dark areas are not overly brightened for more accurate photos with well-preserved image details.

In addition, the GNJ includes an upgraded pixel isolation material in deep trench isolation (DTI) from polysilicon to silicon oxide, minimizing crosstalk between adjacent pixels. This allows the sensor to capture more detailed and precise images.

All of these innovations have been achieved with less power consumption, featuring a 29% improvement in preview mode and 34% in video mode at 4K 60fps.

ISOCELL JN5: Consistent Camera Experience From Every Angle With Broad Color Range and Excellent Autofocus

The ISOCELL JN5 features 50 million 0.64μm pixels in a 1/2.76-inch optical format.

Dual vertical transfer gate (Dual VTG) technology increases charge transfer within pixels, substantially reducing noise in extreme low light conditions for clearer image quality.

Leveraging Super Quad Phase Detection (Super QPD), the JN5 adjusts focus by comparing phase differences both vertically and horizontally, catching even the smallest details of rapidly moving objects with minimal shake.

Additionally, the JN5 incorporates dual slope gain (DSG) technology to enhance its HDR. This technology amplifies the analog light information entering the pixels into two signals, converts them into digital, and then combines them into one data, expanding the range of colors that the sensor can produce.

Implementing hardware remosaic algorithms improves camera shooting speed while enabling real-time zoom in both preview and capture modes without any delay.

The JN5’s slim optical format makes it highly versatile, allowing it to be used across main and sub cameras — including wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, front and telephoto — promising a consistent camera experience from various angles.

¹ Bokeh refers to the blur produced in out-of-focus objects in a photo, generally to an aesthetically pleasing degree.
² The moiré effect is an undesirable visual phenomenon that occurs when repetitive details (usually lines) are photographed.

“Engineered with state-of-the-art sensor technologies, Samsung’s ISOCELL Vizion 63D and ISOCELL Vizion 931 will be essential in facilitating machine vision for future high-tech applications like robotics and extended reality (XR),” said Haechang Lee, Executive Vice President of the Next Generation Sensor Development Team at Samsung Electronics. “Leveraging our rich history in technological innovation, we are committed to driving the rapidly expanding image sensor market forward.”

ISOCELL Vizion 63D: Tailored for Capturing High-Resolution 3D Images With Exceptional Detail

Similar to how bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark, ToF sensors measure distance and depth by calculating the time it takes the emitted light to travel to and from an object.

Particularly, Samsung’s ISOCELL Vizion 63D is an indirect ToF (iToF) sensor that measures the phase shift between emitted and reflected light to sense its surroundings in three dimensions. With exceptional accuracy and clarity, the Vizion 63D is ideal for service and industrial robots as well as XR devices and facial authentication where high-resolution and precise depth measuring are crucial.

The ISOCELL Vizion 63D is the industry’s first iToF sensor with an integrated depth-sensing hardware image signal processor (ISP). With this innovative one-chip design, it can precisely capture 3D depth information without the help of another chip, enabling up to a 40% reduction in system power consumption compared to the previous ISOCELL Vizion 33D product. The sensor can also process images at up to 60 frames per second in QVGA resolution (320×240), which is a high-demand display resolution used in commercial and industrial markets.

Based on the industry’s smallest 3.5㎛ pixel size in iToF sensors, the ISOCELL Vizion 63D achieves high Video Graphics Array (VGA) resolution (640×480) within a 1/6.4” optical format, making it an ideal fit for compact, on-the-go devices.

Thanks to backside scattering technology (BST) that enhances light absorption, the Vizion 63D sensor boasts the highest level of quantum efficiency in the industry, reaching 38% at an infrared light wavelength of 940 nanometers (nm). This enables enhanced light sensitivity and reduced noise, resulting in sharper image quality with minimal motion blur.

Moreover, the ISOCELL Vizion 63D supports both flood (high-resolution at short-range) and spot (long-range) lighting modes, significantly extending its measurable distance range from its predecessor’s five meters to 10.

ISOCELL Vizion 931: Optimized for Capturing Dynamic Movements Without Distortion

The ISOCELL Vizion 931 is a global shutter image sensor tailored for capturing rapid movements without the “jello effect”. Unlike rolling shutter sensors that scan the scene line by line from top to bottom in a “rolling” manner, global shutter sensors capture the entire scene at once or “globally,” similar to how human eyes see. This allows the ISOCELL Vizion 931 to capture sharp, undistorted images of moving objects, making it well-suited for motion-tracking in XR devices, gaming systems, service and logistics robots as well as drones.

Designed in a one-to-one ratio VGA resolution (640 x 640) that packs more pixels in a smaller form factor, the ISOCELL Vizion 931 is optimal for iris recognition, eye tracking as well as facial and gesture detection in head-mounted display devices like XR headsets.

The ISOCELL Vizion 931 also achieves the industry’s highest level of quantum efficiency, delivering an impressive 60% at 850nm infrared light wavelength. This feat was made possible by incorporating Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) which places an insulation layer between pixels to maximize light absorption, in addition to the BST method used in the ISOCELL Vizion 63D.

The Vizion 931 supports multi-drop that can seamlessly connect up to four cameras to the application processor using a single wire. With minimal wiring required, the sensor provides greater design flexibility for device manufactures.

Samsung ISOCELL Vizion 63D and ISOCELL Vizion 931 sensors are currently sampling to OEMs worldwide.

Zoom in and Track on Any Subject, No Matter the Location

Samsung’s latest video feature, ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace, gives users more freedom and creativity while filming with their smartphones. With the new solution for 200MP image sensors, users can select the desired subject and the camera will automatically track and film it. Until now, users have had to focus on a moving subject when shooting a video themselves. But with ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace and Qualcomm AI engine, the camera quickly finds a moving subject and tracks and follows it, ensuring that it is not missed during filming. Even fast-moving subjects are prevented from going off-screen. Additionally, videos can be shot with less screen shake.

This feature applies to zoomed-in areas with high resolution, as well, thanks to real-time remosaic¹ capabilities. ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace takes charge of tasks involved in tracking moving subjects while shooting video, and users can simply enjoy the scene in front of them with their own eyes.

Previously, if users took a full-screen video and zoomed in on a subject later, the zoomed-in section suffered from poor video quality. Now, ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace allows users to simultaneously capture the full field of view and zoomed-in areas on video. Not only that, but both the full-screen and zoomed-in views can be filmed at the same time while maintaining high resolution.

This ability to take full-screen and close-up shots at the same time unlocks creative potential by providing the versatility to record one scene in many ways. As a result, creators can film from more angles, and they can do so more freely and dynamically. Even if the chosen subject is on the edge of the screen, users can zoom in on it without modifying the angle of their full-scope filming. In other words, users can zoom just about however they like. If they want to start a shot zoomed in on a subject and then zoom out, they can. If they want to do the inverse, they can do that, as well. Functions allow for a broader range of artistic choices to be made while filming, which enhances the overall user experience.

Thanks to in-sensor zoom by Tetra²pixel, users don’t need to be selective because of zoom limitations, either. Previously, with digital zoom, if the center region of interest (ROI) area was zoomed in 4x at a 12.5MP sum mode, it theoretically resulted in 0.78MP (12.5MP/16) image resolution. With in-sensor zoom, however, the selected area to be zoomed in on is selected from the entire scope and remosaiced, which allows the sensor to maintain the original 12.5MP resolution and enable video to be shot much more vividly. Cameras used to switch from wide to tele when zooming in at 3x or more, which caused the image quality and the angle to change. However, the 200MP wide camera can seamlessly zoom in at 2x or even 4x with no drop off in resolution. Because of this consistent quality, users can now enjoy a true-to-life filming experience.

E2E AI Remosaic for Image Capture

In addition to Zoom Anyplace as a video solution, Samsung is introducing End-to-End (E2E) AI Remosaic for image capture. Currently, the steps the 200MP image sensor follows for processing images after shooting are: raw data output occurs before a remosaic, which then leads to image signal processing (ISP) before finishing with JPEG image output. In this process, all of the steps occur in sequence.

E2E AI Remosaic improves the process by enabling the remosaic and ISP to take place simultaneously. In other words, E2E AI Remosaic takes a process that occurs in sequence and makes it occur in parallel, thereby reducing remosaic latency by up to half. The end result is an overall faster image processing time, which reduces the shooting time of 200MP images and improves image quality. Users will be able to take and check photos more quickly, and image quality will deteriorate on account of data loss from latency less often. Because of this, photos taken will have richer details and colors.

Continued Efforts to Improving User Experience

Based on the progress made with ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace for video and E2E AI Remosaic for image capture, Samsung Electronics is making major advancements in transforming the video and photo experiences. Because of solutions such as these, the 2021 release of the 200MP image sensor seems like a long time ago. However, advancements such as these are part of a long-term plan, as the company is continuing to work on solutions that will improve the user experience even further. We hope that users will keep looking forward to capturing the moment with Samsung’s ultra-high resolution ISOCELL image sensor. 

* The images shown are not taken with ISOCELL Zoom Anyplace or E2E AI Remosaic, and are provided for illustrative purposes only for the expected capabilities of a technology still in development.

¹ Remosaic: array conversion processing

One of the highest resolution mobile image sensors in the world — the 200MP — is embedded inside Samsung’s newest flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. To prove the true power and detail of its ISOCELL image sensor, Samsung took to the streets of London to showcase photos captured with the 200MP technology in brilliant resolution on one of Europe’s biggest billboards. Check out the video below for behind-the-scenes film from the event.

“There aren’t many locations in the world more iconic and exciting than the bright lights of London’s Piccadilly”, said Annika Bizon of Marketing and Omnichannel at Samsung Electronics U.K. “So where better to demonstrate the power of our Samsung technology while empowering consumers to have fun at the same time? It’s so important to demonstrate in an accessible and imaginative way like this, what innovations can help people really achieve.”

To bring this to life, Samsung placed an old photobooth with the Galaxy S23 Ultra device to capture epic moments using the ISOCELL HP2 image sensor with the 200MP inside the camera — and then shared these on the big screen, showcasing how more pixels can truly mean epic details. Ran Chae of Global Marcom team at Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions Division explained: “We took the 200MP photos captured in the booth and posted them up on London’s enormous Piccadilly Circus billboard that reaches nearly 700 inches in height, and then zoomed in about 8.5x to show that the photo quality in every pixel remains true to life even when dramatically zoomed in.”

Over 100 content creators that represented diverse communities across the U.K. took part in the event, along with members of the public and competition winners. Each had their photo taken inside the booth, where the advanced 200MP ISOCELL HP2 image sensor captured their epic moment in ultra-high resolution to be shared on the iconic Piccadilly billboard. The photobooth was well attended over the weekend with more than 200 visitors and over 800 photos captured from inside the photobooth across the two days.

Prominent photography creators particularly enjoyed the opportunity to be the subject for once as they tested out the ISOCELL technology. Photographer Chris Priestley — who shared content throughout the event with his 1.3M social followers — explained: “As a photographer, I’m usually behind the camera, so it’s been amazing to be on the other side and to see the sheer quality of the technology on myself.”

People all around the world were eager to take part as their submitted photos displayed in ultra-high resolution on the big screen. Content creators in the U.S., India, China and Germany captured beautiful self-portraits or landscape scenery, which were brought to life on the billboard with 200MP technology. Valentina Pahde, who attended from Germany and shared content with her 844K followers, gushed: “To be photographed in a photobooth and to see my picture in XXL size on the billboard at Piccadilly Circus … I still can’t believe it!”

Alongside the photobooth event, Samsung also ran a photo competition for Galaxy S23 Ultra users in the U.S. and U.K. to drive further buzz on social media. Entrants took to Instagram to #SharetheEpic by capturing a 200MP photo using their Galaxy S23 Ultra device for a chance to see it live on the world-famous billboard. Entrants submitted a variety of images — from landscapes to family and friends, beloved pets and even selfies. Overall, 14 users’ photos were selected from the pre-event competition. Several winners attended in-person to experience the epic details of their 200MP photo live on the big screen, as one shared: “I’m really excited to see what 200MP looks like on the big screen … Wow, that’s my photo — it’s so clear!”

Members of the public were also excited to join Samsung in the photobooth for the chance to see their image shown in magnificent detail on the billboard, with many in awe of the image clarity: “200MP, wow — the quality of the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera is incredible — can you send me that?”

Crowds cheered as the ISOCELL-captured images went live in epic details — focusing in on lifelike details in exceptional definition, from hair to freckles. A crowd favorite was when content creator Josh Ryan, who shares lifestyle content on his modelling career, took to the screen: “It was so exciting seeing Josh Ryan in person that I actually stayed around to see him on the big screen. He was so zoomed in — the detail was incredible!” Josh also shared his experience with his 3.6M social followers after the event.

Visitors were thrilled to capture every moment of the event. Technology creator Cadea, who shared an Instagram grid post of the event with her 25K followers, praised the product and experience: “It was incredible to be a part of such an innovative, once in a lifetime experience and to get hands-on with the products — very humbling to see the insane level of detail their cameras can capture on the big screen!”

Consumers on Instagram and TikTok were equally astonished to see the epic details illustrated on the huge billboard, resulting in strong engagement online. Lifestyle creator Fats Timbs, who shared her experience of the event through an Instagram reel, received hundreds of positive comments, including one on the zoomed-in detail of her “lashes” and other close-up details shown on the big screen.

You can check out the images and videos from the event on Instagram and TikTok — or even better, if you are a Galaxy S23 Ultra user, get involved by sharing your own 200MP images with the hashtags #SharetheEpic and #MorePixelsEpicDetails.

The image sensor is a smartphone’s key component that determines the quality of photos and videos. Have you ever wondered the use of 200MP image sensors in cutting-edge smartphones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra? The reason for this is that the ultra-high resolution image sensors allow you to capture your epic moment with the epic details. To prove it, Samsung decided to hack the least advanced photobooth in town with a 200MP image sensor and take over one of the world’s most iconic billboards.

Samsung created a specially designed photobooth at a landmark location and installed a 200MP mobile image sensor in the camera so people could see for themselves how powerful ISOCELL sensors can be and how detailed photos taken with these sensors can be. At Piccadilly Circus in London, the photobooth gave those who took pictures a printout that said, “Look up”. When they were leaving the photobooth, they saw the ultra-high resolution photo of themselves displayed on a 45 by 18 meter epic billboard at the Piccadilly Circus. Remarkably, when the photos were zoomed in on the billboard, they showed the quality of 200MP photos — all the lifelike details of their eyes, hair and skin.

Watch the video to see how this was achieved.

“This is my face captured by the 200MP Samsung ISOCELL mobile image sensor and sent straight to the big screens at London’s Piccadilly Circus. This is what smartphones will be capable of,” said GadgetsBoy as attendees discovered the true power of ultra-high resolution cameras and saw for themselves how more pixels in an image sensor means more highly-detailed photos. What’s more, because the experience took place on one of the world’s most iconic billboards, attendees also stated that it was the once-in-a-lifetime moment they had dreamed of and their content went viral on social media.

And now Samsung is bringing the Piccadilly experience back to the huge screen this year with the Galaxy S23 Ultra with ISOCELL HP2. Creators will attend the experiential event and have their photos taken in the photobooth at Piccadilly Circus on April 15 and 16 (GMT). Samsung will also be running a 200MP photo competition in U.S. and U.K., where winners will have their winning ultra-high resolution 200MP photo displayed live on the big screen and a copy of the footage will also be shared with the winners who are unable to attend.

Anyone who owns a Galaxy S23 Ultra and currently lives in the U.S. or U.K. can enter for a chance to be featured on the Piccadilly Circus billboards by simply posting a portrait using Galaxy S23 Ultra on Instagram. Visit the competition website for more information on how to join the competition.

* All images shown may not be an exact representation of the images captured with the product. Some images are digitally enhanced.

The ISOCELL HP2 image sensor helps users capture epic detail for stunning photos, even in challenging conditions. It’s the biggest sensor ever on a Galaxy device and its 200 million pixels improve image clarity while enhancing the appearance of colors in every pixel. In addition to more megapixels, the enhanced pixel structure, pixel binning technology, fast autofocus and HDR capabilities enable any user to capture phenomenal content and granular detail in a variety of situations to deliver a remarkable photography experience.

▲ ISOCELL HP2 image sensor

Epic Tales in Epic Details

The pixel count in a sensor determines how the detail within an image. As digital photos grow, more information makes more details possible.

▲ Photo size comparison by resolution

A 200MP image is 16 times bigger with 16 times more information than the 12.5MP image. This means that the image maintains its level of detail even after cropping. When zooming in on a photo for cropping, a photo typically appears blurry due to few image pixels. But this is not an issue with the Galaxy S23 Ultra. For example, even if a 200MP image is cropped in half, both vertically and horizontally, the resulting 50MP image maintains incredibly rich details. Furthermore, the ISOCELL HP2 utilizes an advanced deep learning algorithm to produce 200MP images with more accurate colors and details, made possible by the ISOCELL HP2. Whether you are zooming in on an image or cropping photos, experience clear and crisp details with the Galaxy S23 Ultra with ISOCELL HP2.

Every Pixel Tells a Story

To enhance the performance of each individual pixel of the ISOCELL HP2, Samsung enhanced the pixel structure to absorb more light than ever. The ISOCELL HP2 features a re-designed pixel structure, Dual Vertical Transfer Gate(D-VTG), which enhances the appearance of colors and details in every pixel, even in some of the brightest conditions.

Shoot at the Resolution You Need

Do you think that all pictures need to be 200 million pixels? With the versatile ISOCELL, you don’t need to worry. Specially designed with the Tetra²pixel technology, the ISOCELL HP2 within the Galaxy S23 Ultra ensures optimal quality by giving users resolutions from which to choose. It combines up to 16 individual pixels together into one, which then operates as one big pixel.

Thus, the ISOCELL HP2 sensor provides 200MP, 50MP and 12MP output options that allow the user to change resolution depending on their needs. In its default mode, the ISOCELL HP2 produces a 12MP image by merging 16 pixels into one big pixel. When you need a photo that has ultra-high quality, you can choose 200MP mode and the ISOCELL HP2 produces the image with rich details.

Nightography: Light up the Night

▲ Photo taken of the Palace of Fine Arts using Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Nightography feature

The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Nightography capabilities have improved the photography experience for users in darker environments. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features AI-enabled image signal processing technology that adjusts the saved data on the image sensor to improve the color tone and picture quality. Additionally, the ISOCELL HP2’s Tetra²pixel technology is an important enabler of the improved Nightography capability. In lower-light conditions, the ISOCELL HP2 merges neighboring pixels into one, allowing it to operate as a single 2.4um-sized pixel with 12MP for absorbing more light in a single pixel. This technology increases the light sensitivity of pixels to equip the Galaxy S23 Ultra to deliver clearer low-light photos with less noise.

Sharper Shots With Improved Autofocus

To clearly capture high-movement scenes with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the ISOCELL HP2 features Super QPD technology for faster autofocus. With Super QPD, every pixel is utilized for phase detection, compared to only 3% of pixels in its 108MP predecessor. As a result, 200 million pixels are used for focusing agents — taking auto-focusing to the next level. Each micro-lens covers four adjacent autofocus pixels, which allows the sensor to detect movement both in horizontal and vertical direction.

Capture Smooth and Vibrant Videos 

The ISOCELL HP2 helps the Galaxy S23 Ultra shoot detailed 4K and 8K videos that produce a cinematic experience. By using the ISOCELL HP2 in its 50MP mode, which combines four pixels into one big pixel with Tetra²pixel technology, the Galaxy S23 Ultra can capture 8K video with bright, clear colors and a wider angle than its predecessor.

ISOCELL HP2: Epically Equipped 

The ISOCELL HP2 image sensor equips the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s pro-grade camera with advanced technology that enables even more detail, no matter your environment. You can record every moment in high resolution — fast autofocus allows you to effortlessly capture movement in a photo, while the Tetra²pixel technology enables 8K videos with wide angle. Whether in motion or under low light or bright sun, the new image sensor delivers unrivaled photos. Experience vibrant color, clear resolution and professional photo quality in every situation.

Please visit the website for more information about the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the ISOCELL HP2.

* Samsung first announced its ISOCELL technology in 2013, which reduces color crosstalk between pixels by placing a physical barrier, allowing small-sized pixels to achieve higher color fidelity. Based on this technology, Samsung introduced the industry’s first 1.0μm-pixel image sensor in 2015 and a 0.9-pixel sensor in 2017. In June 2018, Samsung introduced an upgraded pixel isolation technology, the ISOCELL Plus. In 2020, Samsung introduced a 1.2μm-pixel image sensor, the first to offer both Dual Pixel and Tetrapixel technologies. In 2021, Samsung introduced the industry’s first 0.64-μm-pixel image sensor and continued to innovate with diverse technologies.
** All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
*** All images shown are provided for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product or images captured with the product. All images are digitally edited, modified or enhanced.
**** Samsung reserves the right to change images and specifications at any time without notice. Nonmetric weights and measurements are approximate. All data were deemed correct at time of creation. Samsung is not liable for errors or omissions.

¹ 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels in a 1/1.3” optical format

Samsung Electronics today introduced its latest 200-megapixel (MP) image sensor, the ISOCELL HP2, with improved pixel technology and full-well capacity for stunning mobile images in tomorrow’s premium smartphones.

“The Samsung ISOCELL HP2 harnesses Samsung’s high-resolution image sensor technologies and know-how at the cutting edge for epic details,” said JoonSeo Yim, Executive Vice President of Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “Our leadership comes from innovative pixel technologies that allow our sensors to go beyond the number and size of pixels. We will continue to open new horizons and solidify our presence in the expanding ultra-high-resolution sensor market.”

The ISOCELL HP2 packs 200-million 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels in a 1/1.3” optical format, a sensor size that is widely used in 108MP main smartphone cameras. This enables consumers to enjoy even higher resolutions in the latest high-end smartphones without larger camera bumps in their devices.

With Samsung’s advanced pixel-binning technology, Tetra²pixel, the HP2 adds more versatility to the camera as it simulates different pixel sizes to accommodate varying lighting levels. When in low-lit environments, the sensor transforms either into a 1.2μm 50MP or 2.4μm 12.5MP image sensor by binding four to 16 neighboring pixels. For fuller 8K video, approximately at 33MP, the HP2 switches to 1.2μm 50MP mode to minimize cropping and capture more of the scene. Filming 8K at 30 frames-per-second (fps), a wide field of view along with bigger pixel size can produce sharp cinematic videos.

Washed out pictures from brightly lit environments can be significantly reduced with the HP2, thanks to Samsung’s new Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology. In a photo diode within each pixel, a voltage transfer gate is placed on the bottom to transport electrons from the pixels to the logic layer. With high precision, D-VTG adds a second transfer gate in the pixel, boosting the pixel’s full-well capacity by more than 33 percent. With more electrons stored and efficient signal transfers, this method can reduce overexposure and enhance color reproduction, especially in bright light conditions.

In low-lit settings, the HP2’s auto-focusing is taken to the next level with Super QPD, which allows the sensor to use all its 200-million pixels for focusing agents. The ample amount of focusing agents are grouped by four adjacent pixels to recognize both horizontal and vertical pattern changes that delivers faster and more accurate auto-focusing. Utilizing the rich pattern data along with the sheer number of reference points, the new sensor is capable of fast auto-focusing, even in a dimly lit environment.

For superb HDR performance, Samsung is introducing the DSG feature for the first time in 50MP mode which applies two separate conversion values to the analog signal received at the pixel level. In addition, the Smart-ISO Pro, an HDR solution that merges different levels of ISO readouts from a single exposure, allows the camera to take 12.5MP images and 4K at 60fps video in HDR.

The Samsung ISOCELL HP2 has entered mass production.

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today introduced the 200MP ISOCELL HP3, the image sensor with the industry’s smallest 0.56-micrometer (μm)-pixels.

“Samsung has continuously led the image sensor market trend through its technology leadership in high resolution sensors with the smallest pixels,” said JoonSeo Yim, Executive Vice President of Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “With our latest and upgraded 0.56μm 200MP ISOCELL HP3, Samsung will push on to deliver epic resolutions beyond professional levels for smartphone camera users.”

Epic Resolution Beyond Pro Levels

Since its first 108MP image sensor roll-out in 2019, Samsung has been leading the trend of next-generation, ultra-high-resolution camera development. Through the steady launch of new image sensors and advancements in performance, the company is once again forging ahead with the 0.56μm 200MP ISOCELL HP3.

The ISOCELL HP3, with a 12 percent smaller pixel size than the predecessor’s 0.64μm, packs 200 million pixels in a 1/1.4” optical format, which is the diameter of the area that is captured through the camera lens. This means that the ISOCELL HP3 can enable an approximately 20 percent reduction in camera module surface area, allowing smartphone manufacturers to keep their premium devices slim.

The ISOCELL HP3 comes with a Super QPD auto-focusing solution, meaning that all of the sensor’s pixels are equipped with auto-focusing capabilities. In addition, Super QPD uses a single lens over four-adjacent pixels to detect the phase differences in both horizontal and vertical directions. This paves way for a more accurate and quicker auto focusing for smartphone camera users.

The sensor also allows users to take videos in 8K at 30 frames-per-second (fps) or 4K at 120fps, with minimal loss in the field of view when taking 8K videos. Combined with the Super QPD solution, users can take movie-like cinematic footage with their mobile devices.

Ultimate Low Light Experience Through ‘Tetra²pixel’

The ISOCELL HP3 also provides an ultimate low-light experience, with the Tetra²pixel technology that combines four pixels into one to transform the 0.56μm 200MP sensor into a 1.12μm 50MP sensor, or a 12.5MP sensor with 2.24μm-pixels by combining 16 pixels into one. The technology enables the sensor to simulate a large-sized pixel sensor to take brighter and more vibrant shots even in dimmed environments, like in-doors or during nighttime.

To maximize the dynamic range of the mobile image sensor, the ISOCELL HP3 adopts an improved Smart-ISO Pro feature. The technology merges image information made from the two conversion gains of Low and High ISO mode to create HDR images. The upgraded version of the technology comes with a triple ISO mode — Low, Mid and High — that further widens the sensor’s dynamic range. In addition, the improved Smart-ISO Pro enables the sensor to express images in over 4 trillion colors (14-bit color depth), 64 times more colors than the predecessor’s 68 billion (12-bit). Furthermore, by supporting staggered HDR along with Smart-ISO Pro, the ISOCELL HP3 can switch between the two solutions depending on the filming environment to produce high-quality HDR images.

Samples of the Samsung ISOCELL HP3 are currently available, and mass production is set to begin this year.

Keep reading to learn how the 28-meter-wide, 22-meter-high photograph (about one and a half times the size of a basketball court) came out.

“Our desire to truly test the limits of the high-performance 200MP image sensor and its image quality is what brought this challenge about,” said Changwan Kim, project manager from the Global Marcom Team of Device Solutions Division at Samsung Electronics.

“I have always wondered just how big you could go when it comes to printing out a 200MP image,” said Minhyuk Lee, an engineer from the Sensor Solutions Team at Samsung’s System LSI Business. “As exciting as it was, the challenge was a demanding one, as this was our first time showcasing the quality of an image sensor that has yet to be adopted in smartphones.”

Taking a picture with an image sensor still under development, for a camera module that is not yet fully optimized, is a very tricky task. Nonetheless, the team decided to push themselves by working with a living, moving subject rather than going with an inanimate object.

“Choosing a cat as our subject was a difficult decision. It gave us a lot of obstacles to overcome, such as capturing such an active subject with a test board,” said Minhyuk Lee. “However, the team concluded that the subject should be something that would show off a high level of detail and that was a popular photography subject at the same time.”

The team calculated several variables while preparing to shoot in an unstable environment. They even built a custom adaptor to allow them to attach various DSLR camera lenses to a test board. “In the end, we thought it was most important to capture the scene in the same conditions that smartphone users would be in,” said Kaeul Lee of the Sensor Solutions Team. “Because of this, we went with a smartphone camera module with no other aids. The results were very satisfying.”

Since the photo was taken using a test board, the photographer first checked the screen and adjusted the composition. Then, the engineers modified the settings to optimize exposure and focus. After observing the cat’s movements, the film crew then used different methods to take a series of pictures. Photographer Hyunjoong Kim was curious to see the result since 200MP resolution is not easy to come by, even in DSLR cameras. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the raw image enlarged to 100%,” said Hyunjoong Kim. “I was truly astonished by the degree of detail. In that moment, I knew any prejudices I previously had regarding smartphone photography had been proven wrong.”

The printing process was far from easy, as obviously, a 616 square-meter image cannot be printed all at once. The picture had to be printed on twelve separate 2.3-meter-long pieces of fabric and then stitched together. The printout was then transported over on a truck and installed on the wall of a building using a crane.

“When the picture was unfurled for the big reveal, the true enormousness of it really struck me, and not just because of its actual size,” said Changwan Kim. “The moment I witnessed the 200 million pixels depicting the stunning detail of the cat’s eyes and fur, I was overwhelmed by all of the efforts that had gone into developing this final product.”

For the team, the challenge of truly visualizing the next-level capabilities of 200MP technology was a thrilling one. Going forward, Samsung will continue to expand its leadership in the high-resolution market.

“The ultimate benefit of the 200MP image sensor is to allow users to capture an image that can be zoomed in and cropped without compromising on image quality,” said Kaeul Lee and Minhyuk Lee in a final comment. “The 200MP image sensor will soon become the optimal solution for 8K video recording.”

In the future, keep an eye out for new experiences the thumbnail-sized ISOCELL mobile image sensor will deliver next by following Samsung Newsroom.

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today introduced a new 16-megapixel (Mp) ISOCELL Slim 3P9 image sensor along with a Plug and Play solution, a pre-optimized turnkey camera module made up of an ISOCELL image sensor and preferred partner components to help expedite time-to-market.

“Samsung’s ISOCELL image sensors take advantage of various technologies to deliver innovative imaging experiences in mobile devices,” said Ben K. Hur, vice president of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. “The ISOCELL Plug and Play solution will help reduce time-to-market for set makers and offer a quality-assured camera solution to end-users.”

The Samsung ISOCELL Slim 3P9 is a 1.0μm 16Mp image sensor with Tetrapixel* technology that allows bright and vivid pictures in today’s sleekly designed smartphones. With Tetrapixel, a technology that merges four neighboring pixels, the 3P9 can function as a 2.0μm image sensor for front-facing cameras that can take brighter pictures in low-lit environments.

For faster auto-focusing, the 3P9 adopted an advanced phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) with doubled auto-focus agent density than that of conventional PDAF sensors. In addition, the sensor significantly stabilizes pictures and videos taken while in motion with a gyro-synchronizer that syncs frame exposure time from the sensor with movement data from the device’s gyroscope. Once the data is synced, the mobile processor can simply adjust the frames based on movement rather than rigorously analyzing each frame to detect and compensate for angular movement.

For easier camera optimization while accelerating time-to-market, Samsung also offers an ISOCELL Plug and Play solution for the 3P9 in a rear camera module. Optimizing a camera module, made up of parts from different providers, with the mobile processor can be an arduous and lengthy task for smartphone makers. Samsung’s ISOCELL Plug and Play solution simplifies this process by offering a turnkey ISOCELL sensor module tuned for Valued Camera eXperience (VCX)-grade image quality, along with other components, including lenses and actuators from preferred partners.

Since the optimization and reliability tests are done beforehand at the module-level rather than on the sensor alone, manufacturers can simply plug the camera module onto their device, saving up to four months of development time.

The Samsung ISOCELL Slim 3P9 with Plug and Play solution is currently available.

* Technological term of “Tetrapixel” was updated in July 2022

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced its newest 12 megapixel (Mp) image sensor for smartphones, which will elevate the quality of mobile phone pictures. Already in mass production, this 1.4μm-pixel-based image sensor is equipped with Dual Pixel technology that has been reserved for DSLR cameras. The technology enables rapid auto-focus for fast photo shooting while producing premium image quality on mobile devices, even in low light situations.

“With 12 million pixels working as a phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agent, the new image sensor brings professional auto-focusing performance to a mobile device,” said Ben K. Hur, Vice President of Marketing, System LSI Business at Samsung Electronics. “Consumers will be able to capture their daily events and precious moments instantly on a smartphone as the moments unfold, regardless of lighting conditions.”

Samsung’s new image sensor with Dual Pixel technology employs two photodiodes located on the left and right halves of a pixel, while a conventional image sensor dedicates less than five percent of its pixels, with one photodiode each that converts light particles into measurable photocurrent for phase detection. As each and every pixel of the Dual Pixel image sensor is capable of detecting phase differences of perceived light, significantly faster auto-focus has become possible. With such groundbreaking improvements, the image sensor ensures clear and sharp images especially for moving objects even in poor lighting conditions.

The image sensor has also adopted Samsung’s ISOCELL technology, which isolates the photodiodes in each pixel with a physical wall to further reduce color cross talk, maximizing the image sensor’s performance.

For top-of-the-line performance while keeping the size to a minimum, the new image sensor is built with cutting-edge chip-stacking technology. The Dual Pixel image sensor stacks a 65 nanometer (nm) sensor and 28nm logic chip together to deliver outstanding photo-taking experiences in today’s sleek smartphones.