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Samsung Semiconductor ISOCELL pixel technology
Ultra-fine pixel technology

More pixels.
More detail.

Inspired by ISOCELL

On a mission to elevate photography and videography experience of smartphone users, Samsung goes a step further. To bring consumers crisp, vivid images, we’ve created the smallest camera pixel on the market, which measures a miniscule 0.56μm. Smaller pixels mean more detailed images. Learn how ISOCELL has evolved its pixel technology below.

ISOCELL enables
incredibly fine
picture details

Smartphones have limited space; to pack in the pixels needed for better images, they need shrink. In conventional BSI pixels, a historical problem was too much lighting leaking into adjacent pixels, making it harder to produce high-definition images. Samsung ISOCELL uses an innovative structure that places physical barriers between pixels to better capture existing light. The result is 30% less crosstalk resulting in better color reproduction, and 30% enhanced full well capacity; where each pixel can store 30% more light.

Samsung ISOCELL uses an innovative structure that places physical barriers between pixels to better capture existing light.

To further improve the image quality, ISOCELL technology has made various add-on upgrades to bring out the best result per individual image sensor. For example, ISOCELL replaced the metal grid between color filters with a more reflective material, reducing optical loss and increasing light sensitivity. Moreover, ISOCELL newly introduced a thinner, but more powerful color filters to enhance color reproduction of ultra-small pixels. To improve light sensitivity between same colored pixels, ISOCELL also adopted a merged grid array, which removes the color filter grid, resulting in brighter images. In addition, the structure of photodiodes has also been improved, increasing the amount of light stored. Through these improvements, ISOCELL evolved in a way that fully harnesses the power of micro-pixels.

Samsung ISOCELL has adopted a new DTI structure to improve the image quality.

Brilliant images
in any light

Light is critical for great images, and we have developed pixel-binning technology to make your images pop – even in dark environments. When it’s dark, adjacent pixels merge to increase light sensitivity. When it’s bright, the remosaic algorithm rearranges the pixel array to get its higher image resolution.

This is 1x1 mode for the best image resolution through the remote.

1x1

The 1x1 mode can get the best possible image resolution among three modes through remosaic, capturing even minute details in a scene.

This is 2x2 mode re-arrangement of 4 pixels into one large pixel.

2X2

The 2x2 mode rearranges four pixels into a single large one. As part of a 200MP image sensor, this mode is optimized for 8K video shooting.

This is 4x4 mode combining 16 pixels into one large pixel.

4x4

The 4x4 mode merges 16 pixels into one single big one, so even in low-light or even dark environments, your images turn out bright.

Meet ISOCELL

image sensors

Products for superior detail and color,

day or night

  • Compared to same-sized BSI pixels
  • ll functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
  • All images shown are provided for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product or images captured with the product. All images are digitally edited, modified, or enhanced.
  • Samsung reserves the right to change images and specifications at any time without notice. Nonmetric weights and measurements are approximate. All data were deemed correct at time of creation. Samsung is not liable for errors or omissions.
  • Each of ISOCELL image sensor product may apply different phase of ISOCELL technology.