Samsung outs the first smartphone image sensor with 1.0μm pixels

The new 1.0µm-pixel image sensor is available today for purchase. The firm said the new sensors will allow for mobile devices to be thinner than 5 millimeters. The smaller pixel size will help mobile devices to be slimmer than they have been in the past, as cameras with larger sensors are often the reason behind smartphones being bulkier than they otherwise would have been.

The Samsung S5K3P3 leverages Samsung’s ISOCELL technology to enable the high performance 1.0μm pixels. Apple and others could use this chip to make even thinner mobile devices.

The new Samsung 16MP image sensor reduces the height of image modules by 20%.

The new image-based sensors include Samsung’s ISOCELL camera technology that can be seen in the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4, and the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge.

“Starting with a 16MP sensor, Samsung plans to further expand the 1.0μm-pixel product category and lead the image sensor market for high-performing slim mobile devices”.

The image sensor is built with pixels measuring 1 micrometre, which is an industry first. Enabling a module z-height that is less than 5mm, the S5K3P3 offers designers the ability to develop a mobile device with minimal camera protrusion without compromising on resolution.

Isocell should reduce colour crosstalk by adding physical barriers between pixels. The latter is said to be on par with the already stellar results produced by the current 16MP sensors used by the manufacturer.