Samsung introduces the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200MP camera sensor

1 min readUpdated May 19, 2025Jan 17, 20237:16 AM

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On Tuesday Samsung introduced its third 200MP camera sensor, the ISOCELL HP2. The sensor features 200 million 0.6-micrometer (μm) pixels using a 1/1.3-inch optical format. This is a sensor size that is deployed in 108MP main smartphone cameras allowing users of high-end smartphones to have a high-resolution camera without having to deal with large camera bumps. The HP2 has already entered mass production

The sensor uses advanced pixel-binning technology called Tetra2pixel. This allows the sensor to change pixel sizes depending on the environment’s light. Under low-light conditions, the sensor captures 50MP images at 1.2μm (4:1 pixel binning) or 12.5MP images at 2.4μm (16:1 pixel binning).

For video, Samsung adds, “For fuller 8K video, approximately at 33MP, the HP2 switches to 1.2μm 50MP mode to minimize cropping and capture more of the scene. Filming 8K at 30 frames-per-second (fps), a wide field of view along with bigger pixel size can produce sharp cinematic videos.”

Samsung’s new Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology will enhance color reproduction and reduce overexposure. As a result, you’ll see fewer washed-out photographs snapped under bright lighting conditions.

Focusing in low-light environments will be vastly improved thanks to the HP2’s Super QPD feature which uses all of the sensor’s 200 million pixels as focusing agents. The result is faster and more accurate auto-focusing even in an environment without much light. Samsung explains, “The ample amount of focusing agents are grouped by four adjacent pixels to recognize horizontal and vertical pattern changes.”

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Questions & Answers

What is the primary benefit of the ISOCELL HP2's sensor size?

The sensor's 1/1.3-inch optical format is deployed in 108MP main smartphone cameras. This size allows users of high-end smartphones to have a high-resolution camera without having to deal with large camera bumps on the device.

How does the HP2 sensor adjust for different light conditions?

The sensor uses Tetra2pixel technology, which allows it to change pixel sizes based on environmental light. Under low-light, it captures 50MP images at 1.2μm or 12.5MP images at 2.4μm through pixel binning.

What improvements does the new D-VTG technology offer?

Samsung's Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technology is designed to enhance colour reproduction and reduce overexposure. This means users should see fewer washed-out photographs when snapping pictures under bright lighting conditions.

How does the HP2 improve low-light focusing?

The HP2's Super QPD feature uses all 200 million pixels as focusing agents. These agents are grouped by four adjacent pixels to recognise horizontal and vertical pattern changes, resulting in faster and more accurate auto-focusing in dim environments.