Micro four thirds sensor for smartphones
Prepare for a paradigm shift in the world of smartphones as the next image revolution looms, with credible reports suggesting the integration of large Micro Four Thirds sensors. This marks a potential revolution not only in the smartphone sector but across the entire camera market.
Multiple sources now indicate the imminent arrival of a new generation of Micro Four Thirds sensors, ranging from 44 to 100 megapixels, set to be implemented in smartphones. Weibo, among the sources, details the sensors per smartphone as follows:
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4/3-inch 108Mp 1.4Ɋm Nonacell Full-pixel DPAF (new ISOCELL, optimized quantum efficiency)
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4/3-inch 80Mp 1.65Ɋm QuadBayer Full-pixel 2×2 OCL AF (IMX472 changes Mipi interface to reduce digital layer power consumption)
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4/3 inch 50Mp 2.1Ɋm 4-Cell Full-pixel 2×2 OCL AF WDR (LOFIC TheiaCel) Ȉ 4/3-inch 44Mp 2.25Ɋm Mask-PD AF VDGS (Pregius S II)
The challenges are apparent, with the need to implement such a ‘giant’ sensor in a smartphone body being the primary obstacle. Additionally, managing the heat generated by the extensive processor presents another hurdle. However, overcoming these challenges is a matter of time and technological advancement. The term ‘Four-Thirds’ originates from the size and format of the image sensor developed by Olympus in collaboration with Panasonic. In contrast to the 35-millimeter film and APS-C-sized sensors used by other major camera brands, the Four-Thirds system employs a 4:3 ratio for its image sensor.
The Micro Four Thirds sensor’s diagonal length is approximately half that of a 35-millimeter film negative, resulting in a crop factor of exactly 2. While the Micro Four Thirds format has seen reduced use due to a preference for shooting large formats, its potential to revolutionize videography in mobile phones is significant.
Anticipating the first Micro Four Thirds smartphone to emerge from China, possibly by 2024-2025, sets the stage for a potential revolution in videography. The prospect of an iPhone 18 equipped with a Micro Four Thirds image sensor could reshape the landscape of smartphone imaging in the coming years.