As per Samsung, the ISOCELL GN5 is prevalent as the world’s first 1.0μm image sensor that combines an all-directional autofocusing technology and Dual Pixel Pro technology.
This combination boosts autofocusing capabilities.
The latest 50 MP OV50A smartphone sensor from OmniVision guarantees you ‘DSLR level’ phase detection autofocus performance. It offers 100% phase detection autofocus (PDAF) coverage.
Also Read: Samsung ISOCELL HM3 vs HM2
There are some similarities between the ISOCELL GN5 and OmniVision’s OV50A sensors. However, there are specific noteworthy differences as well. Let’s first look at the details of each of these sensors and then carry out its comparison:
ISOCELL GN5:
Implemented with the Dual Pixel Pro technology, the ISOCELL GN5 sensor preserves all details of your memories. With speedier, more accurate autofocus, the smartphones equipped with this sensor let you effortlessly create blur-free and detailed images of swift-moving objects. With its high-resolution capabilities, all scenes you shoot with this sensor will be lifelike and detailed.
With the help of intelligent ISO technology and the power of Tetrapixel, this sensor can generate precise and crisp shots even in poorly lit light environments. The smartphones with this sensor help you transform your remembrances into cinematic videos.
With the support for 8K video recording @ 30 fps and 4K videos @ 120 fps, this sensor contains all the necessary features required to record and preserve your precious moments.
Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ will be equipped with this image sensor.
OmniVision’s OV50A:
This image sensor from OmniVision is perfect for PC multimedia, smartphones, and video conferencing devices. It is designed with the help of OmniVision’s PureCel Plus-S stacked die technology. It supports 50 MP resolution through one-micron pixel size, on-chip remosaic quad phase detection (QPD) autofocus, and selective conversion gain.
One of the most significant selling points for mobile phones is camera performance. A smartphone with excellent camera performance can compete with DSLR cameras, making the gap smaller. The QDP autofocus technology implemented in this sensor makes the gap even smaller with the DSLR level autofocus performance.
OmniVision also boasts the low-light performance of the sensor as the best-in-class through the unique blend of massive 1.0-micron pixel size, high conversion gain mode, selective conversion gain’s low-noise, and the giant 1/1.5″ optical format.
The QPD autofocus technology facilitates the 2×2 phase detection autofocus (PDAF) all over the image array of the sensor. Consequently, it provides 100% coverage. Contrasting the microlens and half-shield PDAF technologies that can merely capture 3-6% of the phase-detection data, the QPD autofocus technology captures 100% of this data.
As a result, it provides enhanced distance calculation, better low-light performance, and faster autofocus.
With the help of a QPD color filter array and hardware remosaic, this sensor offers excellent autofocus performance and superior quality, 50 MP Bayer output or 8K video in real-time.
With the use of near-pixel binning, this sensor delivers a 12.5 MP image output for a 4K2K video (4096 × 2304). So, the sensitivity increases by four folds, leading to camera performance analogous to 2.0-micron pixel size for video and preview.
With QPD autofocus, the output format includes 50 MP or 8K video at 30 fps, 12.5 MP (supports 2x digital crop zoom) at 60 fps, 4K2K video at 90 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, and 720p at 480 fps. These options can be delivered as output at up to 3.5 Gbps per trio. This output is provided via the CPHY MIPI interface of the sensor. The lens chief ray angle is 36.24° linear.
List of smartphones equipped with OmniVision OV50A sensor:
- Motorola Edge X30 (8 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM / 8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM/ 12 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM)
- Huawei P50 (8 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM/ 8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM)
- Huawei P50 Pro (8 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM/ 8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM/ 8 GB RAM, 512 GB ROM/ 8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM/ 8 GB RAM, 512 GB ROM/ 12 GB RAM, 512 GB ROM)
Comparison of ISOCELL GN5 vs OmniVision OV50A – Specs & Differences:
| Features |
ISOCELL GN5 |
OmniVision’s OV50A |
| Sensor Technology | Dual Pixel Pro technology | QPD PureCel®Plus-S HDR |
| Resolution | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Pixel size | 1.0μm | 1.008 µm |
| Pixel type | ISOCELL 2.0 | Four diagonally paired pixels |
| Color filter | Dual Tetrapixel RGB Bayer Pattern | QPD color filter array |
| Optical format | 1/1.57″ | 1/1.55″ |
| Normal frame rate | Up to 27fps @full 50MP | Up to 30 fps@ full 50 MP |
| Video frame rate | 30fps @8K, 120fps @4K, 240fps @FHD | 30fps @8K, 90fps @4K, 240fps @FHD, 720p @ 480 fps |
| Shutter type | Electronic rolling shutter and global reset |
Rolling shutter |
| ADC accuracy | 10 bits | 10 bits |
| Interface | 4 lanes (2.5Gbps per lane) D-PHY / 3 trios (3.5Gsps per trio) C-PHY |
SCCB MIPI |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel Pro (PDAF) | QPD autofocus technology |
| Output formats | RAW8/10/12 | RAW |
| Operating temperature | -20℃ to +85℃ | -30°C to +85°C |
Concluding Note:
The ISOCELL GN5 sensor is a decent choice for blur-free detailed image and video output with accurate autofocus. For faster autofocus, low-light performance, 100% coverage, and excellent image sensitivity, OmniVision’s OV50A is a decent choice.
- Also Read: List of Phones with ISOCELL GW1 64