1-inch camera sensors are becoming increasingly rare, but they remain a staple in the high-end smartphone market. For those seeking top-tier performance, OmniVision has unveiled its latest sensor, offering the highest dynamic range in the industry and “movie-grade” video recording capabilities.
The OmniVision OV50X is a 50MP sensor with a 1″ optical format, featuring large 1.6µm pixels before binning. It supports 4-in-1 binning for a 12.5MP output resolution at 180fps and can capture three-channel HDR at 60fps.
Regarding HDR, this sensor offers a dynamic range “close to 110dB,” which OmniVision claims is the highest possible in a smartphone form factor. This impressive performance is made possible by the TheiaCel design, which originally debuted in automotive sensors (ideal for situations like driving in and out of a dark tunnel on a sunny day).
The OV50X can record 8K video using Dual Analog Gain (DAG) HDR, a one-frame HDR technology that applies high gain to enhance shadow detail and low gain to preserve highlight detail. The result is a cleaner, more accurate HDR image without the artifacts typically seen in multi-frame HDR fusion.
Additionally, the sensor supports Dual Conversion Gain (DCG), a separate HDR method, and incorporates LOFIC (lateral overflow integration capacitor) as part of TheiaCel, which helps reduce flicker from artificial light sources, such as LED signs or streetlights.
The OV50X also boasts in-sensor zoom for added flexibility in smartphone photography and features 100% Quad Phase Detection (QPD) autofocus for fast and reliable focus locking.
Currently being evaluated by tech companies, the OmniVision OV50X is expected to enter mass production in Q3 2025, with the first smartphones featuring this sensor likely to launch later that year.
Source: GSMArena
