Samsung unveiled the 200MP ISOCELL HP5 sensor. It has tiny pixels, yet reportedly performs well in the dark

Samsung has expanded its range of image sensors with the new ISOCELL HP5 model. It is a 200MP chip with the smallest pixel size to date, 0.5 μm, designed to offer better image quality even in poor lighting conditions. The new product has already entered mass production and, according to available information, will appear in phones from brands such as Oppo, Vivo, or Realme.

Smallest Pixels in the World, but More Light

During the development of the HP5 sensor, with a size of 1/1.56″, Samsung focused on solving a typical problem – smaller pixels usually mean less light and more noise. Using Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) and Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technologies, the manufacturer managed to maintain high sensor sensitivity despite the record-small pixel size. The chip can thus create brighter and cleaner photos even in the dark.

The new sensor utilizes the High Precision Microlens and High Transmittance ARL system for more efficient light capture. It also adds a High Sensitivity DTI structure, which reduces interference between individual pixels and improves color fidelity. Thanks to the combination of these solutions, the image is intended to be more contrast-rich and color-natural, even in low light conditions.

Flexible Zoom and Light Adaptation

ISOCELL HP5 handles so-called in-sensor zoom with 2× magnification without loss of quality. In combination with a 3× telephoto lens, it can achieve up to 6× optical zoom. The Tetra²pixel technology allows pixels to be combined or separated according to the amount of light – in dim conditions, a 12.5MP image with brighter pixels (2.0 μm) is created, while in daylight, the sensor utilizes the full 200 MP.

Fast Processing and Video up to 8K

Thanks to Smart ISO Pro technology and so-called staggered HDR, HP5 can better balance exposure between bright and dark parts of an image. The artificial intelligence processor can process 200MP photos in less than two seconds. The sensor supports 13-bit color depth (up to 550 billion shades) and allows recording 8K video at 30 frames per second or 4K at 120 fps.

Samsung unveiled the 200MP ISOCELL HP5 sensor. It has tiny pixels, yet reportedly performs well in the dark Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

Where Will We See It?

Samsung has already confirmed that ISOCELL HP5 is in mass production. The first phones with this chip are expected later this year – for example, the Oppo Find X9 Pro or vivo Y500 Pro were mentioned. Interestingly, Samsung itself does not currently plan to deploy this sensor in its own models, similar to some previous ISOCELL series sensors in the past.

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Sources: Samsung, Gizmochina, GSMArena