Samsung Electronics unveiled three new image sensors from its ISOCELL series today, aimed at “bridging the gap between main and sub cameras.”
The standout is the ISOCELL HP9, a dedicated telephoto image sensor. It boasts 200 MP resolution with 0.56 μm pixels and measures 1/1.4″ in size. The sensor features proprietary high-refractive microlens to enhance light-gathering capabilities, directing more light accurately to the RGB filter.
Compared to its predecessor, the ISOCELL HP9 offers 12% better light sensitivity and 10% improved autofocus. It uses Tetra-pixel technology, combining 16 pixels to act as a large 12 MP 2.24 μm sensor. The HP9 also supports 2x or 4x in-sensor zoom modes, achieving up to 12x zoom when paired with a 3x telephoto lens, per the official specs.
ISOCELL HP9
The ISOCELL GNJ is a 50 MP dual-pixel sensor with 1.0 μm pixels and a 1/1.57″ size. This sensor features upgraded deep trench isolation (DTI) materials, shifting from polysilicon to silicon oxide to minimize crosstalk between adjacent pixels.
Additionally, it offers improved power consumption, with a 29% reduction in preview mode and a 34% reduction in video mode at 4K 60 fps.
ISOCELL GNJ
The ISOCELL JN5 is another 50 MP sensor featuring 0.64 μm pixels and a 1/2.76″ optical format. It includes Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (VTG) technology to enhance charge transfer within pixels, reducing noise in extremely low light conditions. The JN5 also comes with Super QPD (Quad-Phase Detection), allowing it to compare phase differences both vertically and horizontally, thereby improving autofocus.
Samsung describes the JN5 as a versatile and slim solution suitable for use across main and sub cameras, including wide-angle, ultrawide-angle, front, and telephoto.
ISOCELL JN5
Samsung has not provided a timeline for these sensors appearing in smartphones. However, we already saw the ISOCELL HP9 in the telephoto camera of the vivo X100 Ultra, which we are currently reviewing.
