Samsung has announced the release of its ISOCELL HP2 image sensor, which has a resolution of 200 megapixels and features improved pixel technology and full-well capacity for high-quality images in future smartphones. The Samsung ISOCELL HP2 is a 200-megapixel sensor that offers more light gathering than past sensors along with new HDR features. It is a relatively large (for a smartphone) Type 1/1.3 sensor (around 12mm diagonally) with a pixel pitch of 0.6 micrometers (μm). It is likely to be used in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone.
According to JoonSeo Yim, Executive Vice President of the Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics, the ISOCELL HP2 image sensor utilizes Samsung’s cutting-edge technology. And expertise in high-resolution image sensors to produce epic details. He also added that the company’s leadership in this field is due to its innovative pixel technologies. It allows the sensors to go beyond the number and size of pixels. And Samsung will continue to innovate in this field and solidify its position in the ultra-high-resolution sensor market.
For the first time, Samsung is introducing the DSG function in 50MP mode. This function applies two different conversion values to the analog signal received at the pixel level for excellent HDR performance. In addition, the camera can capture 12.5MP still shots and 4K at 60fps HDR video. All thanks to Smart-ISO Pro, an HDR solution that combines various ISO readouts from a single exposure.
More Features of the ISOCELL HP2
Surprisingly with Samsung’s cutting-edge Tetra2pixel pixel-binning technology, the HP2 gives the camera more adaptability by simulating various pixel sizes to account for various lighting conditions. When in a low-light environment, the sensor switches into a 1.2 m 50 Mega Pixel or 2.4 m 12.5 Mega Pixel image sensor by hooking four to sixteen nearby pixels concurrently. The HP2 changes to 1.2 m 50Mega Pixel mode for a fuller 8K view, approximately at 33MP, to lessen cropping and catch more of the scene. An expansive field of vision and bigger pixel size when shooting in 8K at 30 frames per second can result in explicit cinematic films.
With the HP2, Samsung’s amazing Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology greatly reduces washed-out photos from extremely bright environments. A voltage transfer gate is positioned at the bottom of each photodiode to move electrons from the pixels to the logic layer. By rigorously adding a second transfer gate, D-VTG increases the pixel’s full-well capacity by more than 33%. This technique, especially in intense light settings, can decrease overexposure and improve hue reproduction. Because it retains more electrons and sends signals efficiently.
The HP2’s auto-focusing is enhanced in low-light situations by Super QPD. It enables the sensor to utilize all 200 million of its pixels as focusing agents. A sufficient number of focusing agents, grouped by four neighboring pixels to notice changes in pattern in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Therefore resulting in faster and more precise auto-focusing. The latest sensor is apt for quick auto-focusing, even in dimly light conditions. This is because of the rich pattern data and the enormous number of reference points.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the ISOCELL HP2, with improved pixel technology and full-well capacity for stunning mobile images in tomorrow’s premium smartphones. The HP2 packs 200 million 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels in a 1/1.3” optical format. Hence a widely used sensor size in 108MP main smartphone cameras. This facilitates consumers to enjoy even higher resolutions in the newest high-end smartphones without bigger camera bumps in their gadgets.
Further, with Samsung’s advanced pixel-binning technology, Tetra2pixel. And the HP2 adds more versatility to the camera as it simulates different pixel sizes to accommodate varying lighting levels. It also features Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology, Super QPD, and Smart-ISO Pro. These are all designed to improve autofocus speed and accuracy in low-light conditions. It also reduces overexposure and enhances color reproduction, and captures 12.5MP images and 4K at 60fps video in HDR. The ISOCELL HP2 has entered mass production and is expected to make its debut on the upcoming Galaxy S23 Ultra.
