Samsung introduces 200-megapixel image sensor for the ultimate high-resolution experience in flagship smartphones – Samsung Global Newsroom

The new Samsung ISOCELL HP2 maximizes pixel performance, allowing you to take detailed and seamless photos in any lighting conditions.

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

“Samsung ISOCELL HP2 leverages Samsung’s high-resolution image sensor technology and know-how for epic detail,” said Jun Seo Yim, executive vice president of the Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “Our leadership comes from innovative pixel technologies that allow our sensors to exceed pixel count and size. We will continue to open new horizons and strengthen our presence in the expanding ultra-high-resolution sensor market.”

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

With Samsung’s advanced pixel placement technology, Tetra^2:pixel, HP2 adds more versatility to the camera as it simulates different pixel sizes to accommodate different lighting levels. In low-light conditions, the sensor converts to either a 1.2μm 50MP or 2.4μm 12.5MP image sensor, linking four to 16 neighboring pixels. For fuller 8K video, around 33MP, the HP2 switches to 1.2µm 50MP mode to minimize cropping and capture more of the scene. 8K recording at 30 frames per second (fps), a wide field of view, as well as a larger pixel size can produce sharp cinematic videos.

Clean images from brightly lit environments can be significantly reduced with the HP2 thanks to Samsung’s new Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology. A photodiode inside each pixel has a voltage transfer gate underneath to transfer electrons from the pixels to the logic layer. High-precision D-VTG adds a second transmission gate to the pixel, increasing the pixel’s full power by more than 33 percent. With more electrons and efficient signal transfer, this method can reduce over-activation and enhance color reproduction, especially in bright light conditions.

In low-light conditions, the HP2’s autofocus is taken to the next level with Super QPD, which allows the sensor to use all of its 200 million pixels for focusing agents. A large number of focus agents are grouped into four adjacent pixels to recognize changes in both horizontal and vertical patterns, providing faster and more accurate autofocus. Using rich pattern data as well as a large number of reference points, the new sensor is capable of fast autofocus even in dimly lit environments.

For superb HDR performance, Samsung introduces a DSG function for the first time in 50MP mode, which applies two separate conversion values ​​at the pixel level to the received analog signal. Additionally, Smart-ISO Pro, an HDR solution that combines different levels of ISO readings from a single exposure, allows the camera to shoot 12.5MP images and 4K at 60fps with HDR.

Samsung ISOCELL HP2 has entered mass production.