Samsung confirms the world's first 64 MP smartphone camera sensor

Samsung is undoubtedly the biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world. But while the South Korean giant is known for its massive arsenal of different handsets ranging from budget to over-the-top, we often tend to forget that Samsung also makes excellent smartphone hardware.

Samsung recently took the lid off two new camera sensors to accompany its next generation of smartphones. The two new sensors include a 64-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and 48-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GM2.

Samsung has leapfrogged Sony to deliver the world's first 64-megapixel sensor in the form of the ISOCELL Bright GW1. Despite packing more resolution, this chip will utilise the 0.8-micrometre-sized pixels similar to Samsung's current 48-megapixel sensor. Which probably means it will have more light-gathering capability. The GW1 also supports real-time HDR of up to 100-decibels (dB).

The Bright GW1 functions as a standard 16-megapixel sensor that merges four pixels into one to give you high-res 64-megapixel shots. The technique quadruples the active pixel area, letting you capture clearer and sharper photos in low light scenarios.

However, both the GW1 and GM2 sensors can also let smartphones read out the entire sensor, which means you'll get full 64 MP and 48 MP photos in right lighting conditions. This feature is already integrated into Sony's 48-megapixel "Quad-Bayer" IMX586 sensor, but it doesn't show up on Samsung's current 48-megapixel sensor tech.

Yongin Park, the executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics stated in an official Samsung Newsroom post: "Over the past few years, mobile phone cameras have become the main instrument for recording and sharing our everyday moments. With more pixels and advanced pixel technologies, Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and GM2 will bring a new level of photography to today's sleekest mobile devices that will enhance and help change the way we record our daily lives."

Mass production of the Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 and GM2 sensors will begin in Q2 2019.