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.

▲ Sungsoo Choi (left) from the Semiconductor R&D Center and Myoungoh Ki from the Advanced Sensor Development Team in Samsung Electronics’ System LSI business that developed the ISOCELL HP3.

The nail-sized camera lenses that are built into mobile devices have advanced extraordinarily since their inception. After becoming the first company in the industry to unveil CMOS image sensors (CIS) with 108 and 200 megapixels in 2019 and 2021 respectively, Samsung Electronics has recently surprised the market yet again with its ISOCELL HP3 image sensor, an image sensor packed with 200 million 0.56-micrometer (μm)-pixels, the smallest pixels in the industry.

Samsung is a leader in image sensor technologies with innovative semiconductor designs that can capture stunning images with high amounts of pixels. Through the announcement of the mass production of its ultra-high pixel image sensor, the ISOCELL HP3, the company has commercialized the development of 200MP mobile image sensors with ultra-small pixels.

To learn more about how Samsung developed this industry leading ultra-high pixel image sensor, Samsung Newsroom spoke with Myoungoh Ki and Sungsoo Choi, developers from the System LSI business and the Semiconductor R&D Center respectively who played a leading role in the development of the new ISOCELL HP3.

Smaller and Better: The First Company in the Industry To Commercialize 0.56μm Pixels

An image sensor is a system semiconductor that converts light that enters the device through the camera lens into digital signals. From digital cameras and smartphones to laptops and cars, image sensors are built into all electronic products that come with a camera. The ISOCELL HP3 that Samsung has recently unveiled is an image sensor that packs 200 million 0.56μm pixels, the smallest pixels in the industry, in a 1/1.4” optical format.¹

Since 2019, Samsung has annually succeeded in reducing its pixel size to match the smallest size in the industry. Smaller pixels are needed in order to keep devices slim.

“With a smaller unit pixel size, the physical size of the sensor and module can be reduced, allowing the size and width of the lens to be reduced as well,” explained Ki. “This can eliminate elements that interfere with the design of the device, such as a camera that protrudes, and can also reduce power consumption.”

While smaller pixels enable devices to be slimmer, maintaining image quality with smaller pixels is key. Developed using cutting-edge technology, the ISOCELL HP3, with a 12 percent smaller pixel size than the previous ISOCELL HP1 model, can reduce the camera module surface area in a mobile device by up to 20%. Despite its smaller pixel size, the sensor was developed using technology that maximizes full well capacity (FWC) and minimizes sensitivity loss. Additionally, new features were added to the sensor, including auto-focusing capabilities for all pixels and functions that enable high-speed video operation, along with enhanced color expression.

Increased Light Absorption and Photo Diode Capacity Using Unique Technological Capabilities

Smaller pixel size is ideal for creating smaller, slimmer devices but may result in less light entering the device or interference between adjacent pixels. Despite these challenges, Samsung was able to utilize the industry’s smallest pixels to create an innovative new sensor.

“It’s all thanks to Samsung’s proprietary technological capabilities,” said Ki. “Samsung’s innovative technology is able to provide high performance even in much smaller devices.”

Samsung succeeded in creating physical walls between pixels that are thinner and deeper by using its proprietary technology called Full Depth deep trench isolation (DTI), guaranteeing high performance even with 0.56μm. DTI, the key technology of the ISOCELL, creates an insulated component between pixels, acting as an isolated wall to prevent light loss and improve optical performance. Developer Choi compared this technology to building a thin barrier between different rooms in a building.

“In layman’s terms, it is the same as trying to create a thinner wall between your room and the room next door without affecting the soundproofing level,” explained Choi.

The key to DTI is to create thinner and deeper silicone walls to increase the ISO and reduce crosstalk² since larger insulation components between pixels mean more light loss. By applying this technique to the 0.56μm pixels, Samsung increased light absorption and maximized photo diode (PD) capacity. Therefore, utilizing ultra-small pixels has become possible since more light per pixel can be stored and processed even with a smaller light receptor area.

Auto-Focusing Feature for All 200 Megapixels Provides Increased Speed and Accuracy

The Super Quad Phase Detection (QPD) technology, which was first used in the HP3, enables all 200 megapixels to focus by increasing the auto-focusing pixel intensity to 100%. The Super QPD offers a faster and more accurate auto-focusing feature by utilizing one lens over four pixels, enabling the measurement of all phase differences of the left, right, top and bottom sides of the photographed subject. Not only is auto-focusing accurate even when it is dark, but high definition is maintained even when zoomed in.

To tackle the problem of poor image quality in low-light environments, Samsung utilized innovative pixel technology to ensure high quality images. “We utilized an upgraded version of Samsung’s proprietary Tetra²pixel technology which combines four or sixteen adjacent pixels to operate as one large pixel in low-light environments,” said Choi. The upgraded pixel technology enables high-resolution filming in 8K at 30 frames-per-second (fps) and in 4K at 120fps with no loss in the field of view. Moreover, it is possible to film 8K videos in ultra-high resolution with the same field of view as when taking photos.

Similar to low-light environments, it is also difficult to take photos when there is too much sunlight. In order to combat this problem, unique technology is needed to adjust the levels in photos to capture an image properly. “When there is too much or too little light, it is important to increase the dynamic range³ in order to take a natural photo that looks similar to what we see with our eyes,” said Ki. “By using the Smart-ISO Pro technology, which uses two conversion gains, and the Staggered High Dynamic Range (HDR)⁴ feature, which morphs three frames with different exposures (short exposure, medium exposure and long exposure) into one, it supports HDR photography that creates natural images even when shooting in imperfect lighting conditions, providing an optimal result.”

Collaboration: The Key for Overcoming Technical Limitations and Enabling Fast Development

During the development of the ISOCELL HP3, the developers faced various technical challenges. “As this was the first product that utilized the Super QPD technology, there was a lot of trial and error when utilizing a new structure that could not be found in existing Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI), and we also experienced issues that we had not anticipated in each development stage,” said Choi.

Despite such a difficult development process, the new sensor was announced less than a year after the previous model was released. The two developers attributed this rapid product development and release to collaboration between different teams.

“Whenever we faced a technical issue, we responded by closely cooperating with different business divisions, our team and even overseas research centers,” said Ki. “We were able to create synergy by adding know-how to top tier products, such as memory chips from the Semiconductor R&D center, logic chips and more. This new product may be the biggest collaborative effort between different departments yet, including employees from the Semiconductor R&D Center, Pixel Development Team, foundry, researchers at the SSIR and all groups in the advanced development team, such as sensor design, pixel, solution, product technology, manufacturing and algorithm.”

Pride in Leading Technical Prowess: Leading the Image Sensor Market

While the image sensor market is expected to experience rapid growth due to increased demand for cameras and the diversification of related products, Samsung is setting trends for cameras in the next-generation mobile image sensor market by overcoming the limitations of pixel miniaturization. Samsung Newsroom asked the two developers how they felt about leading the technical development of the ISOCELL HP3, the first 200MP image sensor in the industry to use 0.56μm pixels.

“I take great pride in the fact that we are creating trends in the image sensor market and I am confident that we will continue to lead in micropixel technology,” said Choi. “Since applications of image sensors are becoming more widespread in various industries, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and the automobile industry, in addition to the smartphone industry, we will lead the development of future technologies and markets based on our unique technological capabilities,” said Ki, sharing his future ambitions.

Samsung has successfully created ultra-small devices that capture images in high definition through its innovative image sensor technology. Samsung will continue to lead the image sensor market through its unique innovations, such as the ISOCELL image sensor, that provide optimized and advanced experiences to its users.

¹ The diameter of the area that is captured through the camera lens.

² A phenomenon where light interferes with the photodiodes of adjacent pixels.

³ The ratio between the brightest and darkest parts in a digital image.

⁴ A technology that expands the scope of brightness by making the bright parts brighter and the dark parts darker, similar to how the actual human eye sees.

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.