Samsung Electronics has launched three new image sensors in the ISOCELL series aimed at bridging the gap between the main and secondary cameras.
Most prominent is the ISOCELL HP9, a dedicated telephoto image sensor. This sensor boasts a resolution of 200 MP with 0.56 μm pixels and measures 1/1.4 inch. It features an exclusive high-refraction micro lens to enhance light capture, directing more light more precisely to the RGB filter.
Compared to the previous generation, the ISOCELL HP9 offers 12% better light sensitivity and 10% improved autofocus. It uses Tetra-pixel technology, which combines 16 pixels to act as a large 12 MP 2.24 μm sensor. According to specifications posted by Samsung, the ISOCELL HP9 also supports zoom mode in the 2x or 4x sensor, achieving up to 12x zoom when combined with a 3x telephoto lens.
ISOCELL GNJ is a 50 MP Dual Pixel sensor with 1.0 μm pixels and 1/1.57-inch size. This sensor features upgraded deep groove isolation (DTI) material, switching from polysilicon to silicon oxide to minimize crosstalk between adjacent pixels. Additionally, it improves power consumption, reducing it by 29% in preview mode and by 34% in video mode at 4K 60fps.
The ISOCELL JN5 is another 50 MP sensor with a pixel size of 0.64 μm and a size of 1/2.76 inch. This sensor includes dual vertical transmission gate (VTG) technology to enhance charge transfer within pixels, reducing noise in extremely low light conditions. The JN5 also comes with Super QPD which allows it to compare phase difference both vertically and horizontally, thereby improving autofocus.
Samsung describes the JN5 as a flexible and slim solution suitable for use with multiple primary and secondary cameras, including wide-angle, ultra-wide, front and telephoto cameras.
Samsung does not provide a timeline for these sensors to appear on smartphones, but ISOCELL HP9 is the sensor model that was previously present in the telephoto camera of vivo X100 Ultra.