The Samsung ISOCELL HP2 is official, and we could soon see it at work on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung has just announced a new 200 megapixel photo sensor for smartphones called ISOCELL HP2. It takes over from the ISOCELL HP1, the very first 200 mpx module introduced by the South Korean manufacturer in September 2021.
2.4μm pixels thanks to 16 pixel fusion
Samsung's new lens adopts a size of 1/1.3 inch, a format already widely used on 108 mpx photo sensors. It packs 0.6μm pixels, which isn't huge on its own, but the brand warns: "Our leadership comes from innovative pixel technologies that allow our sensors to go beyond number and size. pixel size. »
And indeed, Samsung has a solution to compensate for this modest pixel size. Pixel fusion is a well-known technique used by many smartphones these days. With the ISOCELL HP2, a mobile will be able to capture shots in 200 mpx with 0.6 μm pixels, in 50 mpx with 1.2 μm pixels by combining 4 pixels in one, or in 12.5 mpx with 2.4 μm pixels by grouping 16 pixels.
Unlike some sensors that also use pixel-binning, the ISOCELL HP2 is able to simulate different pixel sizes to automatically adapt to different light levels. The user therefore does not need to manually change the mode on his device, the best solution is adopted by the phone according to the environment.
Ready for the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
This new generation of photo sensor also brings improvements in terms of video. The sensor is capable of shooting in 8K quality at 30 frames per second in 50 mpx mode and 1.2 μm pixels, while its predecessor was limited to 24 frames per second.
Samsung also presents its Dual Vertical Transfer Gat technology which reduces the effects of overexposure and improves color reproduction in bright light conditions. The Super QPD functionality is also mentioned. This grants fast and precise autofocus, even in a dimly lit environment.
We already know that the Galaxy S23 Ultra will feature a 200MP main camera, and Samsung announces that its ISOCELL HP2 has entered mass production. It could therefore be ready to equip the smartphone, expected for the month of February.
