Samsung releases its most powerful photo sensor

Samsung Electronics' Isocell HP2 image sensor [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics released a high-resolution image sensor called Isocell HP2 on Tuesday.

The Isocell HP2 image sensor has 200 million pixels, or 200 megapixels, measuring 0.6 micrometers each.

An image sensor is a semiconductor that determines the performance of a camera in a mobile device. The greater the number of pixels, the higher the resolution of the images.

The Isocell HP2 sensor is the third in Samsung’s 200-megapixel HP series. Samsung rolled out the Isocell HP3 in June last year, and the Isocell HP1 in September 2021.

All three models — Isocell HP1, HP3 and HP2 — have the same number of pixels, yet different pixel sizes.

Isocell HP1 was the first mobile sensor capable of delivering 200-megapixel images, measuring 0.64 micrometers each, and the Isocell
HP3 sensor’s pixels measured 0.56 micrometers. Smaller pixels allow a smaller sensor.

While the HP2's pixels are somewhat larger than its predecessor's, it employs new technologies to improve the color reproduction and processing speed of an image, a Samsung spokesperson explained.

The Isocell HP2 has 33 percent higher full-well capacity than the Isocell HP3, meaning that each pixel can store more electrons and therefore utilize a larger amount of light to deliver more vivid images, especially in bright light conditions.

Dual vertical transfer gate technology was used to enhance the full well capacity, which places an additional transfer gate in the pixel to improve signal transfer efficiency.

“We will continue to open new horizons and solidify our presence in the expanding ultra-high-resolution sensor market,” said Yim Joon-seo, executive vice president of the sensor business at Samsung Electronics.

The Isocell HP2 image sensor is likely to be used in Samsung Electronics’ upcoming Galaxy S23 smartphones.

Samsung Electronics is the world’s second largest image sensor maker after Sony. Samsung captured 30 percent of the global smartphone image sensor revenues in the first half of last year, compared to Sony's 44 percent, according to Strategy Analytics’ October report.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]