Sony enters the 200MP war, competing with Samsung

The smartphone image sensor market is about to get more exciting as Sony is said to be preparing to launch the first phone sensor with a resolution of up to 200MP, codenamed LYT-910.

If this leaked information is correct, this will be a big step forward for the company in the mobile photography technology race that has long been dominated by Samsung with its ISOCELL sensor line.

Flagship must have 200MP photography

For years, Samsung has had a near-monopoly in the 200MP mobile sensor segment, with its ISOCELL HP2 and HP3 models being widely used in high-end smartphones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the arrival of the Sony LYT-910 promises to change the game.

Sony's 200MP sensor will make the mobile photography competition more exciting.

According to leaker @fenibook and Notebookcheck, the Sony LYT-910 has a sensor size of 1/1.11 inches, which is significantly larger than the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200MP sensor (1/1.3 inches).

This difference helps the LYT-910 capture light better, improve image quality in low light conditions and create a more natural depth of field.

Each sensor pixel is 0.7µm in size, supporting flexible pixel binning technology to output images at both 200MP and 50MP depending on lighting conditions.

In addition to the high resolution, Sony is said to have integrated a new signal processing algorithm that helps the sensor achieve a dynamic range of more than 100dB, providing superior detail reproduction in frames with strong contrast.

The Sony LYT-910 is not only aimed at still images but is also optimized for high-quality video recording. According to leaks, the sensor supports 8K@30fps and 4K@120fps recording with HDR, helping to preserve color and detail when recording at high speeds.

Another notable feature is the in-sensor zoom capability at 2x and 4x, which is described as almost “lossless”, meaning it does not significantly reduce image quality. If true, this will be a highly anticipated feature, especially in the context of manufacturers increasingly reducing the number of actual lenses to optimize thin and light designs.

Attracting 2 Chinese smartphone companies

According to sources in China, the two brands OPPO and Vivo have registered to use the Sony LYT-910 sensor for their upcoming flagships. Specifically, OPPO Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra will likely be the first models equipped with a 200MP main camera using this sensor.

OPPO is still using Sony sensors on its top smartphones.

The move shows the confidence of major Android manufacturers in Sony's capabilities in the image sensor field. Previously, Sony had for many years led the 50MP segment with its LYT and IMX sensors, which are often rated higher for color and contrast range than their Korean rivals.

The expansion to 200MP resolution will help Sony compete directly with Samsung in the flagship segment. If on schedule, the Sony LYT-910 will officially launch in 2026, marking the first time Sony has entered the ultra-high resolution game for phones.

Although 200MP resolution is not the only factor that determines photo quality, when combined with a large sensor, high dynamic range and advanced image processing technology, this product promises to open a generation of smartphones with more flexible and realistic photography capabilities.

With OPPO and Vivo quickly "depositing", it is likely that users will soon witness a direct confrontation between two schools of mobile photography.

Samsung ISOCELL is all about detail and sharpness, and Sony LYT is known for its natural colors, depth, and refined light handling. The 200MP race is officially heating up, and Sony looks ready for a big push.