Xiaomi 16 Ultra might get this large sensor. It has 50 Mpx and excellent dynamic range

Chinese company SmartSens on Tuesday unveiled its latest photographic sensor, the SC5A5XS, which, according to recent leaks, could power the upcoming flagship model Xiaomi 16 Ultra. This 50Mpx 1-inch sensor represents a significant step forward in mobile photography and signals a possible change in Xiaomi’s strategy, which traditionally relied on sensors from Japanese Sony.

What does the new sensor offer?

The SmartSens SC5A5XS is a 1-inch image sensor manufactured with 28+nm technology and an advanced layered structure. The chip boasts a **pixel size of 1.6 μm** and brings a significant improvement in light sensitivity – up to 72% higher compared to the previous generation. This should significantly improve the quality of photos taken in low-light conditions.

A key innovation is the SuperPixGain HDR technology, which uses the fusion of three frames from a single exposure. Thanks to this, the sensor achieves a dynamic range of up to 110 dB, significantly surpassing current standards. Furthermore, it can effectively eliminate common HDR shooting problems such as motion artifacts. Users should appreciate the ability to record 4K video at 60 fps with an extremely high dynamic range.

Is Xiaomi changing its strategy?

For Xiaomi, the transition to SmartSens sensors would mean a significant change of course. Its current flagship model, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, uses a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, which, together with Leica optics, forms one of the best mobile cameras on the market. However, speculations suggest that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra might switch to a Chinese supplier.

According to information previously shared on platform X by Indian leaker Kartikey Singh, Xiaomi might use the SmartSens SC5A0CS sensor in its upcoming model, similar to the one found in the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra. However, it’s not ruled out that this newly introduced SC5A5XS, which offers even more advanced features, could also be deployed.

Other interesting sensor features

Other advantages of the new sensor include **extremely low noise** (less than 1e-) and **AllPix ADAF technology**, which enables **100% coverage of the sensor with focusing points**. This provides faster and more accurate focusing even in challenging lighting conditions. The manufacturer also emphasizes **lower power consumption** – approximately 10% less than the previous generation, which should positively affect battery life during photography.

Chinese technologies conquer smartphone photography

Collaboration between Chinese phone manufacturers and domestic sensor suppliers indicates an interesting trend. While Chinese brands were previously dependent on Japanese (Sony) or Korean (Samsung) suppliers, they are now increasingly relying on domestic technologies. Huawei, facing US sanctions, already uses SmartSens sensors in its **Pura 80** series.

For Xiaomi, this step could mean several advantages – from potentially lower costs to better control over the supply chain. From the users’ perspective, however, the most important thing is whether this change will truly bring better photographic results. The current **Xiaomi 15 Ultra** is among the absolute top in mobile photography, and the bar is set very high.

Regardless of which sensor Xiaomi decides on, it is clear that Chinese technology companies are increasingly strengthening their position in the global market and reducing their dependence on foreign suppliers. This could bring not only greater competition and innovation but **theoretically also lower prices for end customers**.

What do you think about Xiaomi’s possible switch to SmartSens sensors?

Source: SmartSens