News + Trends

108 megapixels: Samsung's new image sensor sets records

14.8.2019

Translation: machine translated

Smartphones are catching up with SLR cameras - at least in terms of resolution. Samsung has presented an image sensor with 108 megapixels that is set to set new standards.

Samsung naturally makes big promises about what the new image sensor can do: "Extremely sharp images" with "high detail" and even in low light, it is supposed to put previous sensors in the shade. This is part of the marketing, but there have not yet been any photos taken with it.

Tetracell technology and 6k videos

The new image sensor - which goes by the name of Isocell Bright HMX - is a big leap in resolution compared to the previous record holder from Samsung, which has 64 megapixels. The size of the individual pixels is identical for both at 0.8 micrometres. According to Samsung, this is the first image sensor for smartphones with a size of 1/1.33 inches. This really gives hope for better image quality, but is likely to present engineers with a challenging task when designing new mobile phones.

The sensor looks less exciting than the photos you take with it.

Samsung has developed "Tetracell" technology for taking pictures in low light. The sensor acts as if its individual pixels are larger and can absorb more light. In the end, the images only have a resolution of 27 megapixels, which is still completely sufficient for all conceivable types of use. For videos, the image sensor achieves a 6k resolution of 6016×3384 pixels at 30 frames per second

Samsung plans to start mass production of the Isocell Bright HMX in August 2019. However, the sensor will probably not make its debut in a Galaxy smartphone. The Galaxy Note 10 is coming onto the market too early and the Galaxy S11 is still around six months away. Samsung also sells its image sensors to other manufacturers and has worked closely with Xiaomi on the Bright HMX. Xiaomi has already announced a smartphone with a 108-megapixel camera for the near future
on 7 August. announced and accordingly, it is likely to be a Mi or Redmi smartphone that will be the first to deliver photos with a three-digit megapixel number.

In the end, however, it is important to remember that resolution is only one element on the way to good photos. With its large image area, the Isocell Bright HMX definitely has another advantage here, but in the end, the software also determines the image quality on smartphones - and then there is also the human factor, who holds the camera in their hands. <p

16 people like this article

Jan Johannsen

Senior Editor

Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.de

When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.

Smartphone

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

News + Trends

From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.

Show all