Isocell HP9, GNJ and JN5: Three new smartphone image sensors from Samsung
28.6.2024
Translation: machine translated
Samsung has presented three new image sensors for smartphones. The Isocell HP9 with 200 megapixels, which is intended for telephoto lenses, stands out.
Samsung wants to close the gap between the main and secondary cameras with its three new smartphone image sensors. Two 50-megapixel sensors complement the 200-megapixel sensor. The two should be able to be used for all smartphone cameras.
Isocell HP9: 200 megapixels to make 12 megapixels look better
The 200-megapixel Isocell HP9 sensor is designed by Samsung for telephoto cameras. It measures 1/1.4 inches and its pixels are 0.56 µm in size. Compared to its predecessor - probably the Isocell HP3 - it is said to be twelve per cent more sensitive to light and the autofocus is said to be ten per cent faster.
However, the Isocell HP9 will hardly utilise its 200 megapixels. Samsung uses pixel binning and calls it tetra-pixel technology. This merges 16 pixels into one. This results in images with 12 megapixels and a pixel size of 2.24 µm. This trick is intended to increase the light sensitivity and ultimately the image quality compared to working directly with fewer and larger pixels. Samsung cites portrait photos in dark environments as an example.
The HP9 supports 2x and 4x zoom. In combination with a triple telephoto lens, this should result in a zoom of up to twelve times.
Isocell GNJ and JN5: 50 megapixels and versatile
Samsung is emphasising the reduced power consumption of the Isocell GNJ compared to an unspecified sensor. It is said to require 29 per cent less energy in the preview and 34 per cent less in 4K videos at 60 fps. The 50-megapixel sensor measures 1/1.57 inch and has a pixel size of 1 µm. Each pixel contains two photodiodes, which ensures fast and precise autofocus.
The Isocell JN5 also has 50 megapixels, but with a size of 1/2.76, it only has a pixel size of 0.64 µm. A technology called Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (VTG) is designed to reduce image noise in low light conditions. According to Samsung, the sensor is versatile and can be used for main cameras as well as ultra-wide-angle, telephoto and front cameras.
Already installed in a smartphone
Samsung has not yet revealed when the new sensors will be available and in which devices they will be used. While some are already speculating about the Isocell HP9 in the Galaxy S25, GSMArena has discovered it in the Vivo X100 Ultra. <p
Header image: Samsung
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.