Patent filings by Samsung in the UK and South Korea give a strong hint that the company will replace the Sony IMX image sensors used for telephoto cameras in the new Galaxy phones with the company’s own ISOCELL sensors.
ISOCELL sensors are expected to offer improved performance in low light conditions, better autofocus and image stabilization, and overall higher image quality. This move represents a strategic shift for Samsung, which wants to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers and gain more control over its supply chain.
Allegedly, Samsung’s own ISOCELL sensors will offer 150x zoom
Rumors are circulating that one of the two telephoto cameras on the Galaxy S23 Ultra will be replaced. Most likely the 3x telephoto lens will be removed and the periscope lens will remain. This type of lens folds into the phone and uses prisms that help bend the light from the lens to send it to the camera sensor. This allows the camera to offer 10x optical zoom even in the space limitations of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
So the claim is that Samsung will drop the periscope lens on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and offer hybrid zoom (digital zoom and optical zoom using artificial intelligence) and 150x Space Zoom of the camera. It will also reportedly have a variable aperture between f/2.5 and f/2.9.
It is alleged that the reason for the termination of cooperation with Sony is money.
One reason Samsung might want to use its own ISOCELL camera sensors for its flagship phones, rather than using Sony’s sensors, could be the same reason why it is rumored in most markets that the Galaxy S24 series could be powered by the Exynos 2400 processor.
The reason is, of course, money. Samsung will save money by using the company’s own camera sensors instead of Sony IMX sensors, and the money saved can be used to increase the amount of memory or storage offered with the Galaxy S24 series.
Using Samsung’s own ISOCELL sensors is also a big risk.
If the allegations are true, this move could be a great boon for Samsung, which is trying to maintain its position as the leading smartphone manufacturer. The Galaxy S24 is expected to compete with the iPhone 14 and other high-end devices and will need to offer premium camera specs to stand out in a crowded market.
While there are risks to moving away from Sony sensors, Samsung’s decision to use ISOCELL sensors in its Galaxy S24 telephoto cameras is a bold move that highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and technological progress. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, Samsung will need to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible to stay ahead of the competition.