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Last updated: November 25th, 2021 at 14:23 UTC+01:00
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Samsung's 200MP ISOCELL HP1 has a large 1/1.22-inch sensor with 0.64μm pixels and 2×2 or 4×4 pixel binning. This sensor has yet to be used for a commercial device, so its real-world capabilities are unknown, but we're hopeful that this high MP count combined with the large sensor size won't cause autofocus issues, similar to the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The latter flagship left Dual Pixel Autofocus behind in favor of a larger sensor with a higher resolution, and we all know this didn't pan out quite well.
We're aware of the benefits of having a smartphone camera with a higher resolution, such as enabling 8K video recording. However, after a point, the advantages offered by more megapixels become less noticeable, yet they lead to downgrades in other areas, including autofocus.
In reality, you don't need a resolution higher than 33.3MP to achieve 8K video recording. So why is Samsung seemingly willing to sacrifice image quality in other areas for the sake of chasing megapixels?
Well, it's probably related to marketing, most of the time. A larger number is usually better in the eyes of the average smartphone buyer, who'll generally find a 200MP sensor more appealing than a 16MP one. It's also important to keep in mind that Samsung isn't the only OEM that uses the in-house ISOCELL sensors. Many high-resolution sensors developed by Samsung debut on phones from other OEMs, and the ISOCELL HP1 shouldn't be any different. In other words, Samsung's pace is influenced by the demands of its clients, who also happen to be its rivals.
Ultimately, we believe that once a smartphone camera reaches 50MP, it shouldn't aim for an even higher resolution. Rather, OEMs — Samsung included — should try improving the camera UI experience, optimizing the software, and developing other areas such as autofocus.
Check our latest tech talk video at SamMobile TV if you want to dive deeper into this topic of megapixels and the ISOCELL HP1, and don't forget to follow our social media channels below.
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Mihai is a blogger and column writer at SamMobile. His first Samsung phone was an A800 which took a lot of beating, and a part of him still misses the novelty of the clamshell design. In his free time, he enjoys watching shows, documentaries, and stand-up comedy; listening to music, taking walks, and occasionally playing old(er) video games.
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