We had reported yesterday that Samsung could soon launch a new ISOCELL camera sensor with 50MP resolution and larger pixels. Today, the company has unveiled the ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor with larger pixels, faster autofocus mechanism, and support for 8K video recording.
The ISOCELL GN1 is a 1/1.3-inch camera sensor with a 50MP resolution. It is the company's first image sensor to feature both dual-pixel autofocus and Tetracell (4-in1) pixel binning. Samsung says that the ISOCELL GN1's native pixel size of 1.2μm can be turned into 2.4μm pixels using Tetracell technology for stellar low-light photos.
This new camera sensor features 100 million focus units (two agents in each pixel) for super-fast and reliable autofocus speed even in low-light conditions. Two photodiodes are placed side-by-side in each pixel, and both receive light from different angles, which is then used for phase-detection.
In the pixel-binning mode, the ISOCELL GN1 can capture 12.5MP still images with 2.4μm pixels for improved low-light photography. Samsung says that its algorithms also offer a mode that lets users capture 100MP images using the 50MP sensor. Other features of the new sensor include Smart ISO, gyro-based EIS, and up to 8K 30fps video recording. It can also record 1080p videos at 240fps (with autofocus) and 400fps (without autofocus).
Yongin Park, Executive Vice President of Sensor Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “With innovative pixel technologies, Samsung has been at the forefront of offering high-performance image sensors that closely cater to increasingly diversifying market needs. The ISOCELL GN1 is part of that commitment to deliver stunning images to consumers in any environment. We will continue to introduce image sensor solutions at the cutting-edge that will lead the next trends in mobile photography.”
The ISOCELL GN1 will go into mass production later this month, and we can expect new smartphones with the sensor later this year. It will compete with Sony's IMX 689 and IMX700 sensors with similar features. The new 50MP sensor will first reportedly be used in a Vivo phone later this year. The company is also rumored to be working on 150MP, 250MP, and 600MP image sensors.
