Samsung unveiled its 64-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GW1 image sensor two months ago. The company rightly described it as the “industry's highest resolution” sensor since no other sensor for mobile devices does that right now.
The company didn't release any samples itself and it may be a while before we see it in a Samsung device. It appears that Redmi, Xiaomi's sub-brand, might use this sensor in an upcoming device. A sample has been floating online which was apparently taken with Samsung's 64-megapixel sensor.
Samsung's 64-megapixel camera is in a league of its own
It's unclear when we might see the 64-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GW1 image sensor in a Samsung device. There's little possibility of the Galaxy Note 10 having it. The upcoming flagship retains the Galaxy S10's camera system. It may only shake things up by adding a three-stage variable aperture.
Redmi isn't the only company sourcing this sensor from Samsung. Realme, another Chinese manufacturer, has already released the first photo samples from this sensor. It's a possibility that Redmi might be the first manufacturer to put a smartphone on the market with the GW1.
The GW1 uses pixel-merging Tetracell technology to capture bright 16MP images in low-light conditions. It can also capture 64MP images in bright conditions. The sensor is able to do that by merging four pixels into one. It descrambles the color filter for full-resolution 64MB shots when the lighting is good.
The sample does look impressive but that's to be expected. What matters more is how this sensor will be able to perform in the real world. We'll only find that out once the handsets touting it hit the market. Samsung may very well introduce its 64-megapixel sensor in a Galaxy A series device first. It has developed a habit of introducing new technologies with premium mid-range models.
