A new wave of leaks suggests Sony is preparing a powerful 200MP camera sensor for next-generation flagship smartphones, and its first customers are rumored to be none other than OPPO and Samsung.
Sony’s Entry Into the 200MP Arena
Sony’s upcoming 200MP sensor marks a major shift in the mobile photography landscape. While Samsung dominated the space with its ISOCELL HP2 and HP9 sensors, Sony’s new sensor is designed to deliver:
- A substantial 1/1.1″ sensor size, which is larger than Samsung’s current 200MP offerings (typically 1/1.3″).
- The larger sensor allows improved light intake, offering better low-light performance and enhanced image clarity even at high resolutions—a crucial factor for flagship cameras.
What’s New?
- Resolution Jump:
For OPPO’s Find X9 Ultra, the leak points to a leap from a previous 50MP main sensor to a new 200MP Sony sensor. This promises significant upgrades in both detail retention and digital zoom capabilities over earlier flagships. - Shared Sensor Across Brands:
Both the OPPO Find X9 Ultra and upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are reportedly set to feature this Sony 200MP module. Consistency in leaks regarding the 1/1.1″ sensor size for both models lends the rumor extra credibility.
Larger Sensor = Better Photography
- A bigger sensor is not just about numbers; it’s about performance. The 1/1.1″ Sony CMOS sensor will help capture more light, yielding:
Samsung’s Choice: Sony or ISOCELL?
Despite strong rumors, Samsung hasn’t confirmed the switch. Reliable sources suggest Samsung might still use an upgraded ISOCELL HP2 sensor for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. But matching leaks for both OPPO and Samsung make a Sony-powered camera very plausible.
Industry Impact
Sony’s 200MP sensor is expected to appear in flagship phones launching in late 2025, possibly paired with MediaTek Dimensity 9500 or Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipsets. The adoption of this sensor by both OPPO and Samsung would intensify competition at the top end of smartphone photography, setting benchmarks for camera performance in low light, dynamic range, and detail.
Whether the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ultimately uses Sony’s new camera module or stays with its in-house ISOCELL solution, one thing is clear: mobile camera innovation is accelerating. With Sony aggressively entering the 200MP flagship space, users can expect unprecedented photo quality from the next generation of top-tier smartphones.