Samsung has just announced a brand new image sensor for smartphone cameras that claims to have the smallest pixel size in the industry. The sensor, known as the ISOCELL JN1, is a 50-megapixel sensor that has a tiny 1/2.76-inch format which puts the pixels at just 0.64μm in size.
In 2019, Samsung already broke records with their ISOCELL Slim GH1 which is another 50-megapixel sensor with a slightly larger pixel size of 0.7μm. Smaller pixels are known to result in worse image quality with higher noise, so why is Samsung releasing this? The company says a sensor like this allows for more form factor versatility. The smaller size does allow this sensor to be used in ultra wide or telephoto camera modules, which are challenging to design when size is at a premium. It is also a way to help reduce the height of the primary camera bump.
The sensor will also use pixel-binning technology which combines multiple pixels into one for higher light sensitivity. Samsung says that the sensor will capture 12.5-megapixel photos with the equivalent of 1.28μm pixels. The company also claims that there is a 16 percent boost to light sensitivity with its ISOCELL 2.0 tech.
The JN1 is currently is mass production so you can expect to see it in smartphones soon. You can also watch the launch event for this sensor below.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aai2Ux2Wsnk[/embedyt]
