Samsung introduces the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200MP camera sensor

On Tuesday Samsung introduced its third 200MP camera sensor, the ISOCELL HP2. The sensor features 200 million 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels using a 1/1.3-inch optical format. This is a sensor size that is deployed in 108MP main smartphone cameras allowing users of high-end smartphones to have a high-resolution camera without having to deal with large camera bumps. The HP2 has already entered mass production

For video, Samsung adds, “For fuller 8K video, approximately at 33MP, the HP2 switches to 1.2μm 50MP mode to minimize cropping and capture more of the scene. Filming 8K at 30 frames-per-second (fps), a wide field of view along with bigger pixel size can produce sharp cinematic videos.”

Focusing in low-light environments will be vastly improved thanks to the HP2’s Super QPD feature which uses all of the sensor’s 200 million pixels as focusing agents. The result is faster and more accurate auto-focusing even in an environment without much light. Samsung explains that “The ample amount of focusing agents are grouped by four adjacent pixels to recognize both horizontal and vertical pattern changes.” 

Sammy adds that “Utilizing the rich pattern data along with the sheer number of reference points, the new sensor is capable of fast auto-focusing, even in a dimly lit environment.” To improve HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos, the HP2 will use DSG (Dual Signal Gain) for the first time in 50MP mode. The Smart-ISO Pro feature will allow the camera to snap 12.5MP  images and 4K video at 60 frames per second in HDR.

JoonSeo Yim, Executive Vice President of the Sensor Business Team at Samsung Electronics, says, “The Samsung ISOCELL HP2 harnesses Samsung’s high-resolution image sensor technologies and know-how at the cutting edge for epic details. Our leadership comes from innovative pixel technologies that allow our sensors to go beyond the number and size of pixels. We will continue to open new horizons and solidify our presence in the expanding ultra-high-resolution sensor market.”