Samsung announces new image sensors for smartphones

We call them smartphones based on their roots as phones that have several other functions tacked on, like cameras. In more recent times though, it might be better to call them smartcameras that have phone functionality added to them. Increasingly the cameras in our devices are becoming the distinguishing feature and Samsung is hoping to capitalize on that with the announcement of new image sensors to be launched before the end of 2018. The two sensors push image capture up to 48 MP and 32 MP while pushing the pixel sizes down to only 0.8 micrometers.

According to Samsung's announcement, the ultra-small pixel sensors not only produce images with a larger number of pixels they are also more sensitive to light, which means they should be more capable in low light situations. Samsung used their ISOCELL technology – updated and now called ISOCELL Plus – to optimize performance. The sensors also support electronic image stabilization (EIS) with feedback from a device's gyro to improve image capture.

Ben K. Hur, vice president of System LSI marketing for Samsung Electronics, had the following to say about the sensors,

“Demand for ultra-small, high-resolution image sensors are growing as smartphones evolve to deliver new and more exciting camera experiences for users. With the introduction of our cutting-edge 0.8μm-pixel Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 and GD1 image sensors, we are committed to continue driving innovation in image sensor technologies.”

Samsung also notes that in addition to the improved sensor capabilities, the sensors themselves are smaller and will make it possible for phone manufacturers to more easily use them in phone designs where they are trying to minimize the space devoted to the camera. This could be particularly useful for phone manufacturers who need to locate a camera sensor or two on the front of a camera and still want to shoot for a bezel-less design or minimal notch.

The two models are similar in most respects, but the GD1 includes a high-dynamic range (HDR) feature, making it the higher end and more capable of the two sensors.

Although mass production is scheduled to start during this final quarter of 2018, the first actual phone to use the sensors has not yet been revealed although the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S10 is virtually right around the corner in 2019.

source: Samsung