Samsung has made waves in the smartphone industry with its high-resolution camera sensors, and it seems that the company has no plans of slowing down. According to tipster Revengus, Samsung is working on developing a 440-megapixel and 1-inch camera sensor.
The report from SamMobile suggests that Samsung may begin mass production of these new sensors in the latter half of 2024. The lineup is said to include a 200-megapixel HP7 sensor, a 50-megapixel GN6 (possibly 1-inch type) sensor, and a whopping 440-megapixel HU1 sensor.
It’s worth noting that rival brand Sony already produces a 1-inch type sensor, the IMX 989, which is featured in top Android flagship smartphones like the OPPO Find X6 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Vivo X90 Pro+, and Xiaomi 12S Ultra. This suggests that Samsung may be looking to compete in this segment of the market with its own 1-inch type sensor.
While these sensors are a significant advancement in camera technology, tipster Revengus believes that they are “unlikely to be seen in Samsung products.” Instead, it is speculated that the GN6 sensor could be designed for use by manufacturers in the Greater China region. Additionally, the 200-megapixel HP7 sensor was initially planned for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra but was canceled due to its excessively high cost.
In addition to the aforementioned sensors, Revengus also mentioned the possibility of a 320-megapixel sensor, which could potentially be included in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, although this is still far in the future.
Currently, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features the company’s own 1/1.3″ ISOCELL HP2 200-megapixel sensor. On the other hand, the vanilla Galaxy S23 and S23+ both sport a 50-megapixel ISOCELL GN3 sensor, which was also utilized in the Galaxy S22 and S22+. It’s worth mentioning that Google also uses Samsung’s 50-megapixel GN1 sensors in its Pixel 7 series of smartphones.
Overall, Samsung’s pursuit of higher megapixel counts and larger sensor sizes signals the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. It remains to be seen how these new camera sensors will perform in real-world scenarios, but they certainly open up possibilities for capturing incredibly detailed images.
In conclusion, Samsung is reportedly developing a 440-megapixel and 1-inch camera sensor, which may be mass-produced in the latter half of 2024. While these sensors may not be used in Samsung products, they could potentially be utilized by manufacturers in the Greater China region. The company’s current flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, already features a 200-megapixel sensor. Samsung’s focus on high-resolution sensors highlights its dedication to delivering cutting-edge camera technology in smartphones.