IMX989 vs IMX903 vs IMX907 – Specs Comparison

If you are looking for an IMX989 vs IMX903 vs IMX907 comparison, read along.

As smartphones evolve, the camera has emerged as a critical feature influencing consumer choice. With users demanding superior photo and video quality, manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. Sony, a global leader in the image sensor market, is at the forefront of this revolution, creating high-performance sensors that redefine smartphone photography. This article will explore the specifications and capabilities of Sony’s IMX989, IMX903, and IMX907 sensors and their potential impact on the future of smartphone imaging.

Related: Sony IMX 766 and IMX 890

Sony IMX903:

• The sensor is 1/1.14″ in size with a 48MP resolution and 1.4µm dual-pixel autofocus, with each pixel photodiode two photodiodes, each 0.7 x 1.4µm in size.
• The autofocus system can quickly acquire and track focus on moving objects.
• It has Wide Dynamic Range tech courtesy of Dolby and can capture 4K video at high frame rates.
• There will be a Cinematic Mode, making the IMX903 phone focusing on high-quality video.
• It is rumored to be used in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and a potential Xperia Pro-I sequel.

Sony IMX907:

• The sensor is roughly the same size at 1/1.12″ but with a bit higher 50MP resolution.
• Pixels still measure 1.4µm in size but are divided into four photodiodes each (0.7 x 0.7µm) for quad-pixel autofocus.
• The IMX903 could have a 96MP mode, and the IMX907 should be able to do 200MP, which could be the first time in a while that Sony has matched Samsung’s top sensor on resolution.
• They should use Sony’s stacked sensor design, which moves the transistors on a separate layer, leaving the photodiodes on their own layer and allowing them to capture more light. This improves their performance in low light.

Now, let’s update the comparison table: IMX989 vs IMX903 vs IMX907

Sony IMX989: Setting New Standards in Mobile Imaging

The Sony IMX989 sensor is a game-changer in the realm of smartphone photography. As the largest sensor currently available for smartphones, it captures more light, resulting in incredibly detailed and sharp images. The sensor’s high dynamic range enhances its low-light performance and ensures accurate color reproduction.

The IMX989 employs a Quad Bayer color filter array for improved light sensitivity and reduced image noise. It also features a rapid autofocus system that combines phase detection and contrast detection, ensuring quick and precise focusing. Despite its advanced capabilities, the sensor is designed for slim devices, with a compact form factor of 1/1.7 inches. The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the first smartphone to leverage the full potential of the IMX989 sensor, capturing images at a native resolution of 50.3MP.

In addition to Xiaomi, Vivo has also incorporated this sensor in their upcoming Vivo X90 Pro & Plus models. In collaboration with Zeiss, Vivo has applied a T Star lens coating to reduce flare and glare, particularly in night photography. In partnership with Leica, Xiaomi has developed the “Xiaomi 12S series smartphones”, with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra being the first phone to utilize the IMX989 50.3MP sensor without any cropping fully.

Sony IMX903: A Cinematographer’s Delight

The Sony IMX903 sensor is a videographer’s dream come true. This 1/1.14″ sensor, with a 48MP resolution and 1.4µm pixels, supports dual-pixel autofocus. Each pixel comprises two photodiodes, each 0.7 x 1.4µm in size, enabling the autofocus system to quickly acquire and track focus on moving objects.

The IMX903 also boasts Wide Dynamic Range technology, courtesy of Dolby, and can capture 4K video at high frame rates. Its Cinematic Mode makes the IMX903 a top choice for smartphones focused on delivering high-quality video. Rumored to be featured in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and a potential Xperia Pro-I sequel, the IMX903 is set to redefine smartphone videography.

Sony IMX907: Mastering Low Light Photography

The Sony IMX907 sensor, similar in size to the IMX903 at 1/1.12″, offers a slightly higher 50MP resolution. The pixels, measuring 1.4µm in size, are divided into four photodiodes each (0.7 x 0.7µm) for quad-pixel autofocus. This feature suggests that the IMX907 could potentially deliver images at a resolution of 200MP, a first for Sony in matching Samsung’s top sensor resolution.

The IMX907 employs Sony’s stacked sensor design, which separates the transistors and photodiodes into different layers, enabling the photodiodes to capture more light. This design significantly enhances the sensor’s low-light performance, making it an excellent choice for photography in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion

Sony’s IMX989, IMX903, and IMX907 sensors are set to revolutionize smartphone photography, offering a host of advanced features that promise to enhance photo and video capturing capabilities. From the IMX989’s high dynamic range and rapid autofocus system to the IMX903’s dual pixel autofocus and Cinematic Mode and the IMX907’s quad pixel autofocus and superior low-light performance, these sensors are poised to elevate the standards of mobile photography.

As we anticipate the release of smartphones featuring these sensors, it’s clear that the future of mobile photography is promising. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a videographer, or a smartphone user who loves capturing moments, these sensors promise to deliver high-quality images and videos that will redefine your mobile photography experience.

Please note that the details for IMX989 are not officially confirmed by Sony yet. As always, it’s important to remember that the final performance of these sensors will also depend on the implementation by the smartphone manufacturers. We eagerly await the future of smartphone photography with these advanced sensors.

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