Today, Samsung released a new 200MP sensor dubbed the ISOCELL HP2. The latter is going to provide an ultra-high resolution experience for flagship smartphones.
The ISOCELL HP2 has a sensor size of 0.6 microns, adopts a 1/1.3-inch optical format, and can accommodate 200 million pixels.
Samsung said that with Samsung’s pixel merging technology Tetra²pixel (sixteen-in-one pixel technology), the HP2 could simulate different pixel sizes to adapt to different light levels. The HP2 transforms the sensor into a 1.2-micron 50MP or 2.4-micron 12.5MP image sensor in low-light environments by combining 4 to 16 adjacent pixels.
If you want to shoot full 8K videos with about 33MP, the HP2 will switch to a 1.2-micron 50MP mode to help minimize picture loss and capture more details.
Thanks to Samsung’s new dual vertical transfer gate (D-VTG) technology, the HP2 can reduce the problem of overexposure of photos in bright light environments. A voltage transfer gate is placed at the bottom of the photodiode within each pixel to transfer electrons from the pixel to the logic layer. D-VTG also accurately adds a second transfer gate to the pixel, increasing the full well capacity of the pixel by more than 33%. This approach reduces overexposure and enhances color reproduction by absorbing more electrons and efficient signal transfer.
Samsung pointed out that in low-light environments, with the help of the Super QPD solution, the ISOCELL HP2 can fully use 200 million pixels to focus. In addition, the HP2 uses four adjacent pixels to identify horizontal and vertical pattern changes. Even in low-light conditions as low as 1 lux, the new HP2 sensor recalls pattern data and reference points for fast autofocus on a target subject.
With 15 fps mode, the ISOCELL HP2 enables mobile devices to take ultra-high-resolution photos with less shutter lag than Samsung’s predecessors.
To take advantage of HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance, Samsung has introduced a DSG function in the 50MP mode, which applies two separate conversion values to analog signals received at the pixel level. In addition, the HDR solution Smart ISO Pro, which can combine two high, medium, and low ISO readings from a single exposure, allows the camera to capture 12.5-megapixel images and 60fps 4K video in HDR.
Currently, Samsung ISOCELL HP2 is in mass production. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will be the first handset powered by this sensor.
