: Optimized explicitly for slim smartphone profiles, this 1/1.56-inch 50-megapixel sensor integrates advanced multi-exposure HDR capabilities. It ensures that thin form-factor smartphones can maintain robust imaging performance without requiring excessive camera depth.
This is the sensor that ignited the high-resolution megapixel war. Sony's first 48MP stacked CMOS sensor for smartphones, the IMX586 had an ultra-compact 0.8µm pixel size on a 1/2-type optical format. It was widely adopted in phones like the OnePlus 7 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro, democratizing high-resolution photography.
: Measuring 1/1.28-inch with a pixel size of 1.22µm, these premium entries offer a bridge between standard primary lenses and 1-inch sensors. They deliver excellent performance metrics for high-speed tracking and enhanced HDR rendering.
The undisputed king of the traditional IMX lineup. Its massive 1-inch surface area allows it to capture unprecedented amounts of light. This creates natural hardware-level bokeh (background blur) without relying on software algorithms.
The Ultimate Sony IMX Sensor List for Mobile: Every Major Camera Sensor Explained
Dual-layer transistor pixel design, engineered to double low-light performance. Note on Naming: IMX vs. LYTIA
: Features flagship LYTIA sensors (like the LYT-808) for its main and ultra-wide cameras.
Sony's IMX sensor lineup represents the most comprehensive and widely adopted image sensor portfolio in mobile history, spanning from entry-level 48MP sensors to 1-inch flagship powerhouses and now into the 200MP era. While the naming conventions and technology generations may seem complex, understanding the key differentiators – optical format, pixel size, technology generation (stacked vs. non-stacked), and target market segment – enables informed device comparisons and purchasing decisions. As Sony transitions its mobile lineup to the LYTIA brand, the industry stands at an exciting crossroads where computational photography continues to push the boundaries of what tiny smartphone cameras can achieve. For consumers and enthusiasts alike, the Sony IMX sensor remains the benchmark against which all mobile camera systems are measured, and its evolution will continue to shape the future of smartphone photography for years to come.