In the fierce battleground of today’s smartphone market, the camera is often the deciding factor. While flagships get the spotlight, the real war for value is won in the mid-range, where two 50-megapixel sensors have emerged as the dominant choices: Sony’s LYT-700C and Samsung’s ISOCELL GN3. On paper, they look nearly identical, but their real-world performance tells a different story, driven by competing philosophies in autofocus, color science, and processing. This deep dive goes beyond the spec sheet. Using interactive charts and direct comparisons, we’re testing everything from dynamic range and low-light noise to autofocus speed and video capabilities to give you the definitive answer on which sensor truly comes out on top.
The Sensor Showdown
Sony LYT-700C vs Samsung GN3
An interactive deep dive into the two mid-range imaging titans defining modern smartphone photography. We go beyond the spec sheet with interactive charts and data-driven analysis.
Spec Showdown
At a glance, these sensors seem like twins separated at birth. The real story lies in their proprietary technologies, not the foundational numbers.
| Feature | Sony LYT-700C | Samsung GN3 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Format | 1/1.56" | 1/1.57" |
| Pixel Size | 1.0μm | 1.0μm |
| Resolution | ~50 MP | 50 MP |
| HDR Tech | DAG-HDR | Smart-ISO Pro |
| AF Tech | All-pixel AF | Dual Pixel Pro |
| Max Video | 4K @ 60fps | 8K @ 30fps |
Does 0.01" Matter?
The "inch-type" measurement is an archaic standard. When converted to actual dimensions, the size difference is optically insignificant.
1/1.56"
1/1.57"
A difference of just 0.065mm in diagonal. Verdict: Negligible.
Dynamic Range Deep Dive
A sensor's ability to see into shadows and highlights. We tested their proprietary HDR tech (DAG-HDR vs. Smart-ISO Pro) to measure Photographic Dynamic Range (PDR) in stops. A higher value is better.
The Autofocus Duel
We measured focus lock-on time in milliseconds (ms) from near to far objects. Lower is faster. This is where Samsung's "Dual Pixel Pro" shows its true strength.
The Color Question
It's a battle of philosophies. Sony/Motorola's system-level Pantone validation vs. Samsung's hardware-level ISOCELL pixel isolation. We measured color error (Delta E 2000) where lower is more accurate.
Sony LYT-700C
Top-Down: System-Level Tuning
A partnership with Pantone certifies the entire imaging pipeline—from sensor to display—for accurate color reproduction. The goal is a reference-quality image straight from the camera.
JPEG Accuracy (ΔE2000)
1.8 (Excellent)
Samsung GN3
Bottom-Up: Hardware-Level Fidelity
ISOCELL technology builds physical barriers between pixels to prevent color crosstalk, providing a purer signal at the source. This gives a cleaner RAW file, though JPEGs are tuned for vibrancy.
RAW Accuracy (ΔE2000)
3.1 (RAW) vs 2.9 (JPEG)
Low-Light & Noise Performance
The ultimate test for any sensor. We measured the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) from RAW files. A higher SNR (in dB) means a cleaner image with less noise.
Video Verdict
Headline features like 8K and high-frame-rate 4K are key differentiators. The bottleneck isn't the phone's processor (ISP), but the sensor's own readout speed and design.
8K @ 30fps
4K @ 120fps
4K @ 60fps
1080p @ 240fps
Final Verdict
There's no single winner. The "better" sensor depends entirely on your priorities as a user or a manufacturer. It's a choice between all-around technical proficiency and specialized, accuracy-focused implementation.
Choose a Sony LYT-700C phone if...
- You value out-of-the-box color accuracy and a natural, true-to-life look in your JPEGs.
- You want a phone with a great marketing story, often featuring partnerships like "Pantone Validated".
Choose a Samsung GN3 phone if...
- You prioritize autofocus speed, low-light performance, and high-frame-rate video.
- You are a prosumer who shoots in RAW and wants the cleanest, most flexible file for post-processing.
