U.S. digital imaging firm OmniVision has launched its first 200-megapixel smartphone image sensor, directly challenging rival Sony with a larger sensor size for next-generation flagship devices, as Samsung reportedly re-evaluates its high-end sensor strategy due to rising costs.
OmniVision’s new OVB0D sensor measures 1/1.1 inches and is designed for integration into upcoming premium smartphones.
This size is notably larger than the 1/1.12-inch Sony LYTIA-901, also a 200-megapixel sensor that Sony recently introduced, according to reports from South Korean media.
In contrast, rival Samsung is reportedly not planning to release 200-megapixel sensors larger than those from Sony and OmniVision. The company cites escalating costs and diminishing profits in this segment as reasons for its strategic shift.
Samsung intends to introduce smaller 200-megapixel sensors, anticipated to be around 1/1.3 inches. This would align with the dimensions of its current 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 sensor.
OmniVision’s OVB0D sensor features a high Full-Well Capacity (FWC) of 400K and a wide dynamic range.
It integrates Dual Conversion Gain (DGC) with Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) Gen 2 technology. This combination aims for swift and efficient multi-frame HDR image processing.
The technology enables the OVB0D to support HDR imaging with a wide dynamic range of 108 decibels (dB). This ensures balanced detail capture across both dark and bright lighting conditions.
The OVB0D utilizes a Bayer color filter but incorporates a pixel arrangement that OmniVision has yet to disclose. This differs from Sony’s known Quad-Quad Bayer Coding (QQBC) structure.
Technology tipster IceUniverse has indicated that the OmniVision OVB0D sensor is expected to be featured in flagship smartphones from brands such as vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Honor. These devices are reportedly scheduled for launch in 2026.