Skip to main content

You probably won’t see Samsung’s new 200-megapixel camera on the Galaxy S22

Samsung today announced a new camera sensor called the Isocell HP1. As the first 200-megapixel (MP) camera sensor, it will allow smartphone cameras to capture super-high-resolution images.

Samsung is also offering a new Isocell GN5, a 50MP sensor that is built around ultrafast autofocus. More interestingly, rumors have swirled about Xiaomi using a 200MP camera on the Xiaomi 12 Ultra. Unfortunately, there’s almost no chance we’ll see it on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, as previous leaks have indicated it’s keeping the same 108MP resolution as the S21 Ultra. It’s entirely possible that the following generation — the speculative S23 series — could take advantage of the new sensor.

The Isocell HP1 is the star of the show here, supporting up to 200MP. You won’t be taking 200MP photos, though. It’ll rely on pixel-binning, which combines multiple pixels into one large pixel. This means you’ll really be snapping 16MP shots, but the camera will be able to pull in data from all those 200 megapixels to get really detailed images. You’ll also be able to take 12.5MP images in low light, with the camera using its ChameleonCell technology to absorb more light. A 200MP option will remain available for outdoor, well-lit areas. Samsung will also offer support for capturing videos in up to 8K at 30 frames per second (fps) using the same pixel-binning technology to capture videos at 50MP.

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

The Isocell GN5 is impressive as well, integrating Dual Pixel Pro technology to enable fast autofocus. This means it can take sharper images with little focusing time in both light and dark scenes.

“Samsung has been pioneering ultrafine pixel technologies that are taking high-resolution image sensors to the next level,” Duckhyun Chang, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics, said in the announcement. “With the ISOCELL HP1 that is breaking barriers and ISOCELL GN5 bringing ultrafast autofocus, Samsung will continue to lead the trend for next-generation mobile imaging technologies.”

Given this statement, we’re likely to see camera hardware sporting up to 200MP by 2022. Once again, it is worth noting that having a larger camera megapixel count will not by itself provide excellent camera quality. The Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 can trade imaging blows with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, while lower-end phones with 108MP cameras simply can’t compete.

Editors' Recommendations

Michael Allison
A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S21 camera test: is it really any better?
Samsung Galaxy S23 in Cream and a S21 in Phantom Violet

Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S23, has arrived. While the top of the line S23 Ultra has a 200MP camera sensor, the 50MP main camera on the S23 and S23 Plus is nothing to scoff at. The entire S23 series also has the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, long-lasting battery life, and beautiful displays.

Though we’ve been enjoying the S23 so far, it’s definitely more of an iterative upgrade if you’re coming from a Galaxy S22. But what if you’re still using a Galaxy S21? Is the S23 worth upgrading to for better photos?

Read more
Here’s our very first look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
Galaxy Tab S9+ leaked images

Samsung’s existing slate of Android tablets is one of the finest hardware of its kind, and it appears that the company doesn’t want to stray from the winning formula any time soon. Leaker @OnLeaks has shared renders of the Galaxy S9 Plus, and they bear a striking similarity to its Galaxy Tab S8 series predecessor.

The sleek metallic build with sharp edges is here to stay, and so is the contrasting magnetic strip at the back. The bezel size also remains familiar, while the horizontally positioned selfie camera is once again positioned at the same spot.

Read more
Here’s how fast 5G on your Samsung Galaxy S23 really is
Samsung Galaxy S23 cameras against greenery

If you’ve been on the fence about picking up one of the latest Galaxy S23 phones, some new research from Ookla may help tip the scales in Samsung’s favor.

In a new speed test report, Ookla tcompared the 5G performance specs of the Galaxy S23 models to last year’s Galaxy S22 in several countries — with some surprising results across the board.
A worthwhile 5G upgrade

Read more