We keep circling the same questions: Is LYT-600 just a sticker swap for IMX882? and Is it worth paying extra for a phone with the bigger IMX890? We answer both by putting the parts side-by-side, then matching the numbers to field results and shipping devices.
IMX882 vs. LYT-600 vs. IMX890
An in-depth visual comparison of Sony's most talked-about 50MP mobile camera sensors for 2025.
Larger Sensor Area
IMX890 vs. the IMX882/LYT-600 twins.
More Light Per Pixel
The key advantage of IMX890's larger photosites.
Faster Burst Readout
IMX890's 30fps vs. IMX882's ~15fps at full resolution.
Detailed Sensor Specifications
A comprehensive look at the technical specifications of each Sony 50MP sensor, providing a side-by-side comparison of their core features and capabilities.
| Parameter | Sony IMX882 | Sony LYT-600 | Sony IMX890 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch (publicly shipping) | Q1 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q4 2022 |
| Brand line | Exmor-T (stacked BSI) | Lytia (stacked BSI) | Exmor RS (stacked BSI) |
| Optical format / diagonal | 1/1.95 ″ (8.19 mm) | 1/1.953 ″ (8.19 mm) | 1/1.56 ″ (10.24 mm) |
| Effective resolution | 50 MP (8192 × 6144) | 50 MP (8192 × 6144) | 50.3 MP (8192 × 6144) |
| Pixel pitch | 0.8 µm | 0.8 µm | 1.0 µm |
| Colour filter & array | Quad-Bayer RGGB (4-to-1 binning → 12.5 MP) | Quad-Bayer RGGB (4-to-1 binning → 12.5 MP) | Quad-Bayer RGGB (4-to-1 binning → 12.5 MP) |
| Autofocus | All-pixel PDAF | All-pixel PDAF | 2 × 2 on-chip-lens PDAF |
| Max full-res read-out | 15 – 20 fps (single-shot burst) · 60 fps quoted by Sony for LYT-600 | 60 fps (Sony figure) | 30 fps (Sony leak) |
| Max binned (12.5 MP) read-out | 60 fps | 60 fps | 120 fps (enables 4 K 120 p slow-motion) |
| Native HDR modes | LBMF multi-frame HDR | LBMF multi-frame HDR | 3-HDR / HDR10+ (ISP-driven) |
| Stated dynamic range | n/s (≈ 80 dB with LBMF) | n/s (≈ 80 dB with LBMF) | n/s (≈ 82 dB with 3-HDR) |
| Data interface | MIPI C-PHY / D-PHY (4-lane, up to 4.0 Gsps equiv.) | MIPI C-PHY / D-PHY | MIPI C-PHY / D-PHY |
| Typical OIS implementation | 3-axis lens-shift in mid-range modules | 3-axis lens-shift in mid-range modules | Gimbal OIS / 6-axis hybrid in many flagships |
| Notable 2024-25 phones | OnePlus Ace 3 V, POCO F6, vivo V30 e, realme 14 Pro+ (3 × periscope) | OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite, Redmi Note 14 Turbo, realme Narzo 80 Pro | OnePlus 12 R / 11 R, ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, Nothing Phone 2/3, OPPO Reno 12 Pro |
Physical Size Comparison (Optical Format)
The IMX890 is physically larger, a critical factor for light gathering and image quality. This chart compares their diagonal measurements.
Pixel Pitch (Size of Photosite)
Larger pixels capture more light with less noise. The IMX890's 1.0µm pixels give it a significant edge in low-light scenarios over the 0.8µm pixels of its siblings.
Performance: Speed & Video Read-out
A sensor's speed determines its burst photo capabilities and video quality. The IMX890's faster read-out enables higher frame rates and reduces the "jello effect" in panning video shots.
Low-Light Advantage: Light Gathering
The IMX890's combination of a larger sensor and bigger pixels results in approximately 56% more light gathered per pixel. This translates to cleaner, brighter photos in challenging conditions like restaurants or nightscapes.
Market Adoption (Example Phones)
This chart shows the distribution of sample phones shipping with each sensor as of mid-2025, highlighting the IMX890's prevalence in flagship-tier devices.
Which Sensor is Right For You?
Follow this simple guide based on your primary use case.
START: Your Use Case?
Balanced Budget Mid-Ranger?
Looking for great daylight photos and good overall value?
Night Life & Pro-Mode?
Do you shoot in low light or need the best raw files and video?
Future Periscope Zoom?
Interested in future flagships with advanced long-range telephoto?
The Bottom Line
IMX882 / LYT-600: These are identical twins in performance. They represent the new "good enough" standard for mid-range phones under ₹30k / €350, especially when paired with OIS. Perfect for most users.
IMX890: This is a true hardware upgrade. The larger sensor and faster readout provide cleaner low-light shots and better video. It's the clear choice for creators and photography enthusiasts who will leverage the superior host SoC and optics it comes with.
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IMX882 and LYT-600 share identical silicon; LYT-600 is Sony’s new Lytia retail badge, so the two columns differ only where Sony’s marketing lists extra performance figures.
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IMX890 gains ≈ 56 % more photosite area and a faster read-out path, enabling 8 K 24 p video and 4 K 120 p slow-motion in supported SoCs.
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“n/s” = not specified publicly; figures are inferred from manufacturer statements and smartphone implementations.
