Sony’s upcoming IMX903 and IMX907 smartphone image sensors detailed
Sony has the largest image sensor aimed at smartphones, the 1” IMX989, which has been used in multiple camera-focused phones. Size isn’t everything, though, and Sony’s next two sensors will go slightly smaller but will have clever designs, according to unofficial reports.
The Sony IMX903 is allegedly a 1/1.14” sensor with 48MP resolution and 1.4µm pixels (compared to 1.6µm on the IMX989). It will support dual pixel autofocus, so each pixel will be made out of two photo diodes, each 0.7 x 1.4µm in size.
The autofocus system will be able to quickly acquire and track focus on moving objects. Also, it will have Wide Dynamic Range tech courtesy of Dolby and will be able to capture 4K video at high frame rates. To top it all off, there will be a Cinematic Mode, making the IMX903 a top pick for phones that focus on high quality video.
The Sony IMX907 is roughly the same size at 1/1.12” but with a bit higher 50MP resolution. Pixels still measure 1.4µm in size but are divided into four photo diodes each (0.7 x 0.7µm) for quad pixel autofocus.
Typically, dual pixel AF sensors capable of outputting images double their native resolution. This means that the IMX903 could have a 96MP mode, if the phone maker wants it. The IMX907 should be able to do 200MP, which could be the first time in a while that Sony has matched Samsung’s top sensor on resolution.
Not that these are focused on raw resolution. They should use Sony’s stacked sensor design, which moves the transistors on a separate layer, leaving the photo diodes on their own layer and allowing them to capture more light. This improves their performance in low light.
Sony’s stacked CMOS sensor design
Earlier this year we heard rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will use the IMX903 in its main camera. Allegedly it will pair the sensor with an advanced lens composed of 1 molded glass element and 7 plastic elements. That molded glass element is apparently quite tricky to manufacture.
The IMX903 was also attached to rumors of an Xperia Pro-I sequel that was expected late last year, but that never materialized.
