2. Ultra-Premium & Flagship Tier (1-inch & Near 1-inch Class)
Sony shifted the wiring layer of the sensor below the photo-diode substrate. This allowed individual pixels to capture significantly more light directly, reducing noise.
As mobile photography continues to evolve, we can expect Sony to push the boundaries of image sensor technology even further. With the rise of multi-camera systems, 3D modeling, and AI-powered photography, Sony's future IMX sensors are likely to incorporate new features and technologies that enable even more advanced mobile photography capabilities. sony imx sensor list for mobile
(50MP, 1/1.4-inch Type): Known for its "two-layer transistor pixel" technology, this sensor excels in gathering light despite not being a full 1-inch sensor, offering incredible dynamic range, commonly used in top-tier Xiaomi and OnePlus devices. LYTIA LYT-700
Dual-layer transistor pixel design, engineered to double low-light performance. Note on Naming: IMX vs. LYTIA As mobile photography continues to evolve, we can
These sensors bring flagship-level technology to a wider range of high-end phones, balancing size with efficiency. LYTIA LYT-808
To understand why specific IMX sensors are so highly regarded, it helps to understand their structural evolution: multi-cam synchronization for smooth zoom transitions
Before diving into the list, it helps to understand the key specifications that define a sensor's performance:
He hooked it up. The screen didn't just glow; it blazed a blinding white.
| Model | Optical Format | Resolution (Effective) | Pixel Size (Binned) | Key Phones | Key Specs | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1/1.3" | 48MP | 1.22μm / 2.44μm (4-in-1) | iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro | Apple's custom main camera sensor for its Pro models. Its large 1/1.3-inch size allows for the capture of 48MP ProRAW images, providing immense editing flexibility. | | IMX789 | 1/1.35" | 48MP | 1.12μm / 2.24μm (4-in-1) | OnePlus 9 Pro, 10 Pro, Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ | A versatile sensor known for its 16:11 native aspect ratio, which is optimized for video, making it ideal for filmmakers. It also supports high-speed readout for slow-motion capture. | | IMX800 | 1/1.49" | 54MP | 1.0μm / 2.0μm (4-in-1) | Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60 Pro, Honor Magic5 | A unique 54MP resolution gives it a slight edge in detailed captures compared to standard 50MP sensors, while its 1/1.49-inch size ensures strong low-light capabilities. | | IMX866 | 1/1.49" | 50MP | 1.0μm / 2.0μm (4-in-1) | vivo X80, iQOO 11S | This sensor is an iteration of the IMX766, often paired with vivo's custom VCS (vivo Camera-Bionic Spectrum) technology to improve color accuracy and light capture. | | IMX890 | 1/1.56" | 50MP | 1.0μm / 2.0μm (4-in-1) | OnePlus 11, Realme GT 5, OPPO Find N3 | The de-facto "workhorse" of the 2023-2024 flagship and mid-range market. It's a refined version of the IMX766, offering reliable performance, excellent power efficiency, and is almost always paired with OIS. | | IMX766 | 1/1.56" | 50MP | 1.0μm / 2.0μm (4-in-1) | Huawei Mate 50 Pro, OPPO Find X5, Realme GT 2 Pro | A revolutionary sensor upon its release, it set the standard for the 50MP era. Years later, its core design remains highly competitive and has even spawned multiple "offspring" like the IMX890 and IMX866. | | LYTIA T808 | 1/1.43" | 52MP | 1.12μm / 2.24μm (4-in-1) | Sony Xperia 1 V | This is Sony's first smartphone sensor to feature its groundbreaking 2-Layer Transistor Pixel (2LTP) technology, dramatically improving low-light performance and dynamic range. | | IMX920 | 1/1.49" | 50MP | 1.0μm / 2.0μm (4-in-1) | vivo X100, iQOO Neo9 Pro | A new standard for 2024's mid-to-high-end devices. It incorporates VCS technology for better color reproduction and is designed for balanced performance in both photo and video. | | IMX858 | 1/2.51" | 50MP | 0.7μm / 1.4μm (4-in-1) | Xiaomi 13 Ultra (all secondary cams), Google Pixel 9 series | A compact powerhouse designed specifically for secondary cameras. It supports all-pixel autofocus, multi-cam synchronization for smooth zoom transitions, and multi-exposure HDR. |