Samsung's world's smallest 200MP image sensor for low-cost smartphones

Following the 1/1.4-inch 200MP Isocell HP9, Samsung has just announced the Isocell HP5 – a sensor with the same resolution but smaller, only 1/1.56 inch. Each pixel of the HP5 is 0.5 µm in size, smaller than the 0.56 µm of the HP9.

The sensor measures 1/1.56 inches and incorporates a host of advanced light processing technologies such as Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) and Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG), helping each pixel capture more light and detail.

According to Samsung, the miniaturization allows for more flexible camera cluster design, especially for telephoto or ultra-wide-angle lenses that often require compact sensors.

The new sensor is said to appear on the telephoto camera of the upcoming OPPO Find X9 Pro. To compensate for the reduced light output due to the smaller pixel size, Samsung improved the micro-lens structure in front of the sensor, which increases light collection efficiency and reduces unwanted reflections.

Samsung also said that the HP5 is optimized with DTI Center Cut (DCC) technology to increase brightness and reduce image noise, producing clear photos even when shooting in low light environments.

The company claims this sensor increases photoelectric signal conversion efficiency by 150% and reduces random noise by 3 to 40% depending on shooting conditions.

The Isocell HP5 supports dual in-sensor zoom technology, allowing for image magnification while retaining better detail.

Additionally, the sensor can capture three frames with different exposures and combine them into a single HDR photo, with processing times under 2 seconds even at the maximum resolution of 200MP (16,384 x 12,288 pixels). At this level, the HP5 can shoot continuously at 7.5 frames per second.

Samsung's new 200MP sensor supports 8K video recording at 30 fps, 4K at 120 fps, and 1080p slow-motion at 480 fps. The HP5 is also capable of 14-bit RAW image output if the smartphone has compatible processing software.

Thanks to the combination of compact sensor, high processing speed and flexible shooting capabilities, Isocell HP5 is considered a suitable choice for upcoming flagships, helping to optimize camera cluster space while still ensuring top image quality.