OV48C vs IMX586 vs IMX686 – Specs Comparison

In this post, we are comparing the OV48C vs IMX586 vs IMX686 which are mid-range focussed smartphone camera sensors.

Also Read: Omnivision OV64A vs OV64B vs OV64C

Do you want to capture high-resolution images with vivid colors? If yes, you can shop for a smartphone equipped with any of these sensors – OmniVision’s OV48C, Sony IMX585, or Sony IMX686. Photos and videos captured with these sensors represent lifelike output and fine details. With advanced computational algorithms, the result is unaffected by the prevailing light conditions.

Let’s first go through the details of each of these image sensors and then carry out their comparison:

OV48C:

Iqoo 5 – Check on Amazon

OV48C is a 48 MP image sensor with a hefty 1.2 μm pixel size that enables high resolution and outstanding low light performance. These features and many pixel-binning make it suitable for flagship smartphone cameras.

It is the industry’s first image sensor with on-chip dual conversion gain HDR. This feature removes motion artifacts and generates an outstanding SNR. Also, this feature facilitates smartphone designers with the utmost flexibility to choose the most exemplary HDR method for a particular scene.

This is the only mobile image sensor in the industry that features a blend of a large 1.2 μm pixel, high 48 MP resolution, on-chip high dynamic range, superior quality 4K video, and supreme low light performance.

This sensor can constantly capture the finest quality images without motion blur.

List of phones with OmniVision’s OV48C sensor:

• XIAOMI MI 10 ULTRA
• VIVO IQOO 5
• VIVO IQOO 5 PRO

Features:

• The sensor technology implemented is the PureCel®Plus-S HDR.
• With the PureCel®Plus stacked die technology from OmniVision, this sensor offers excellent still image capture and video performance for the flagship smartphones.
• With hardware remosaic and an on-chip 4-cell color filter array, the sensor provides 48 MP Bayer output or 8K video output in real-time.
• Near-pixel binning is used to deliver 12 MP image output for 4K2K video in low-light conditions.
• The near-pixel binning offers four times the sensitivity that yields a 2.4 μm-equivalent performance.
• It can enable digital crop zoom with 12 MP resolution and a fast mode switch.
• The CPHY interface and digital crop zoom make this sensor perfect for rear-facing cameras in multicamera configurations.
• There is the use of 4C Half Shield phase detection that provides fast autofocus performance.
• The output formats contain 48 MP @ 15 fps, 12 MP with 4-cell binning @ 60 fps, and 4K2K video @ 60 fps with extra pixels required for electronic image stabilization.
• The sensor also provides 1080p video output with slow motion support @ 240 fps, and 720p @ 360 fps.

IMX586:

Oneplus 7T Pro – Check on Amazon

Contemporary smartphones are expected to deliver higher image quality. Considering this aspect, Sony has launched a new sensor, i.e., the IMX586 sensor. It comes with a 48 MP effective resolution that allows your smartphone to capture high-resolution, detailed images.

This sensor is designed with techniques that offer better photoelectric conversion efficiency and light collection efficiency than conventional products. This results in the world’s first 0.8 μm pixel size with both high saturation signal level and high sensitivity.

The small pixel size allows the sensor to convey 48 effective megapixels with 8.0 mm diagonal that can be inserted on several smartphones. The significant number of pixels provides HD imaging even on those smartphones that use digital zoom.

Innovative technology is implemented for signal processing and exposure control. The same enables real-time output and excellent dynamic range, four times more than other products. Any scene with both dark and bright areas can be captured with minimal loss of detail or minimal highlight blowout when viewing the image on a smartphone display.

Features:

• There is the use of the filter array with Quad Bayer color support. This filter works such that adjacent 2×2 pixels move toward an identical color. So, it allows sensitiveness shooting.
• This color filter array helps the sensor capture high sensitivity and high-resolution photos.
• In low light situations like shooting at night, signals from four neighboring pixels are added. So, the sensitivity is increased to a level corresponding to that of 1.6 μm pixels. This allows the sensor to capture vivid, low-noise photos and videos.
• While shooting bright scenes like daytime outdoors, the signal processing function carries out array conversion. This makes it possible to present 48 effective megapixel images in real-time.
• Sensitivity is approximately 133LSB.
• The signal level value of sensor saturation is 4500e

List of phones with Sony IMX586 sensor:

• Honor View 20
• ZTE Axon 10 Pro
• OnePlus 7
• Oneplus 7 Pro
• Oneplus 7T
• Oneplus 7T Pro
• Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro
• Xiaomi Note 7 Pro
• Xiaomi Mi 9
• Asus ZenFone 6
• Realme X
• Oppo Reno
• Oppo Reno 10x zoom
• Samsung Galaxy A80
• Oppo F11 Pro
• Vivo V15 Pro
• Honor 20
• Honor 20 Pro
• Huawei P30
• Huawei P30 Pro

Sony IMX686:

Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G

The Sony IMX686 is a 64 MP camera sensor with a pixel resolution of 9248 x 6944. Smartphones with this sensor can capture images with real-time HDR support. It measures 1/1.7-inch in size and comes with up to 1.6 μm pixel size (pixel binning).

There is support for image plane phase- difference AF and HDR imaging. This sensor can capture vivid, low-noise photos and videos in dim light conditions. Compared to previous sensors, IMX686 offers four times higher dynamic range.

The superpixels of the IMX686 primarily depend on efficient algorithms to control noise. So, significant advances in software will be visible in the near future, and thus the low-light performance will be improved.

List of phones with Sony IMX686 sensor:

• Xiaomi Redmi K30
• Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G
• Oppo Reno 3
• Oppo Reno 3 Pro

Features:

• The Quad Bayer color filter array creates a 16 MP high-resolution binned image with a pixel size of 1.6 μm.
• The Quad Bayer array offers high resolution and high sensitivity.
• The Quad Bayer color filter integrates 2×2 adjoining pixels to create a single large pixel. Thus, pictures with 12 MP and 16 MP resolution are created.
• With the help of the 4-in-1 pixel-binning process, the sensor enhances the actual edge length of each pixel. It increases this from 0.8 µm to 1.6 µm. So, it offers more light absorption that provides more detail in the image output.
• 2×2 On-Chip Lens (OCL) solution utilizes a condenser lens at the top of four adjacent pixels organized in a Quad Bayer color filter array. So, this system improves detection and provides high accuracy for tiny things. Moreover, this enhances the focus performance in dim light environments.
• Implementation of the cutting-edge latest sensor technology enables the sensor to improve its low-light capturing ability. This is done by improving the light utilization factor.

Comparison of OV48C vs IMX586 vs IMX686:

Concluding Note:

When it comes to excellent sensitivity, fast autofocus, and minimal loss in the image output, OmniVision’s OV48C sensor can be considered. For superior HD imaging and low-light image capturing and video shooting, the IMX586 is a better choice.

In terms of high dynamic range, high-resolution video recording, and high absorption ability, IMX686 is a better choice.