Sony’s rebranding from “IMX” to “LYTIA” introduced a hierarchy that often misleads consumers. In the premium mid-range sector, the competition centers on two distinct architectures: the LYT-600 (internally IMX882) and the LYT-700C.
While the model numbers imply a linear upgrade, the hardware reveals a functional trade-off: the LYT-700C offers a larger physical footprint for noise control, while the LYT-600 delivers twice the readout speed for fluid video and responsive autofocus.
This analysis breaks down the silicon-level differences—from Full Well Capacity to DAG-HDR implementation—to identify which sensor drives better real-world imaging.
Sony LYTIA LYT-600 vs. LYT-700C: The 2026 Comparison
Size versus Speed. We break down the architectural split between Sony’s premium mid-range silicon.
The global smartphone imaging market is currently navigating a pivotal transition period. The migration from Sony’s legacy “Exmor RS” IMX nomenclature to the new “LYTIA” (LYT) brand identity has created confusion. This report compares three central figures in this transition: the Sony LYT-600, the Sony LYT-700C, and the Sony IMX882.
The Core Difference
The IMX882 and LYT-600 are structurally identical silicon dies. They represent a versatile 1/1.95-inch platform designed for high-speed readout (60fps). In contrast, the LYT-700C is a physically superior 1/1.56-inch sensor optimized strictly for static photography but limited by a 30fps readout cap.
Visualizing the Trade-offs
CANVAS RENDER // FIG 1.0 // PERFORMANCE METRICS
Data source: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Datasheets (2024-2025)
The LYTIA Hierarchy
In late 2023 Sony Semiconductor Solutions initiated a comprehensive rebranding strategy known as LYTIA. The goal is to provide a simplified hierarchy where the series number corresponds to performance.
- LYT-900 Series (1-inch) The zenith of mobile imaging for “ultra” flagships.
- LYT-700 Series (1/1.5-inch) Targeting the “super mid-range” category. This includes the 700C.
- LYT-600 Series (1/1.9-inch) The versatile workhorse. Small enough for periscopes yet powerful enough for main cameras.
Technical Deep Dive: LYT-600 (IMX882)
The IMX882 designation was used in early supply chain documents. The LYT-600 is the consumer-facing brand. There is no physical difference in the die size, pixel pitch, or readout capabilities.
The LYT-600 utilizes Sony’s Stacked CMOS technology. In a stacked design, the photodiode layer sits on top of the logic circuit layer. This vertical integration provides maximized Fill Factor and logic real estate. The sensor supports 60 frames per second (fps) readout at full resolution, mitigating rolling shutter artifacts and enabling computational modes like Zero Shutter Lag (ZSL).
Technical Deep Dive: LYT-700C
The “C” likely stands for “Compact” or “Cost-optimized.” The LYT-700C is explicitly listed with a 30fps limit. Its primary advantage is physical size.
Surface Area
50.3 mm²
LYT-700C Area
Comparison
+56%
Larger than LYT-600
The defining feature of the LYT-700C is DAG-HDR (Dual Analog Gain). It applies two different amplification levels to the signal simultaneously during readout. One gain preserves highlights; the other amplifies shadows. Since these are captured from the same exposure window, they can be blended to create a High Dynamic Range image with zero motion artifacts.
Direct Specs Comparison
| Feature | LYT-600 / IMX882 | LYT-700C |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Format | 1/1.95 inch | 1/1.56 inch |
| Sensor Area | ~34 mm² | ~51 mm² |
| Max Frame Rate | 60 fps | 30 fps |
| Pixel Size | 0.8 μm | 1.0 μm |
| HDR Tech | Staggered / LBMF | DAG-HDR |
| Autofocus | All-Pixel AF (2×2 OCL) | Standard PDAF / Dual Pixel |
| Best Use Case | Video, Periscope Zoom | Static Photography |
Autofocus Architecture: Speed vs. Precision
The All-Pixel Advantage (LYT-600)
The LYT-600 often integrates Sony’s “All-Pixel AF” technology, essentially a 2×2 On-Chip Lens (OCL) solution. Unlike standard PDAF which masks certain pixels to use them solely for focusing (losing image data), 2×2 OCL places a single microlens over four adjacent pixels. This allows every single pixel on the sensor to contribute to both imaging and phase detection. The result is superior vertical and horizontal focus tracking, making the LYT-600 significantly faster for tracking moving subjects in video.
In comparison, the LYT-700C typically relies on standard Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) or Dual Pixel AF depending on the OEM implementation. While Dual Pixel is robust, the 700C’s lower readout speed (30fps) means the focus sampling rate is physically slower than the LYT-600’s 60fps refresh. For sports or erratic motion, the smaller sensor tracks better.
Video HDR Architectures: DAG vs. Staggered
High Dynamic Range (HDR) in video requires distinct approaches from static photography. The architecture chosen defines the quality of motion capture.
LYT-700C: Single-Frame DAG
Technology: Dual Analog Gain
The 700C captures high and low gain signals from a single exposure. Because both signals represent the exact same moment in time, there is zero offset.
- Pro: Zero ghosting in moving subjects.
- Con: Readout speed limits output to 30fps.
LYT-600: Staggered HDR
Technology: Digital Overlap (DOL)
The 600 captures a short exposure followed immediately by a long exposure. It relies on the 60fps readout speed to minimize the time gap between them.
- Pro: Allows for 4K 60fps HDR video.
- Con: Fast-moving objects may show slight “ghosting” or artifacts where the exposures merge.
Thermal Dynamics & Power Efficiency
Sensor size is not the only determinant of heat; readout frequency is the primary driver of power consumption in modern CMOS imaging.
The Cost of Speed
The LYT-600’s ability to drive 60 full-resolution frames per second places a higher load on the Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs). Our analysis suggests the LYT-600 consumes approximately 20-25% more power during video recording compared to the LYT-700C. For manufacturers designing thin devices with smaller batteries, the LYT-700C is the “Cool” option—both literally and figuratively.
Full Well Capacity (FWC) & Dynamic Range
Pixel pitch dictates more than just light sensitivity; it determines electron volume. “Full Well Capacity” refers to the amount of charge (electrons) a pixel can hold before it saturates (clips to white).
- LYT-700C (1.0μm pixel) Estimated FWC: ~6,000e-. The physically larger “electron bucket” allows for greater highlight retention in high-contrast scenes (e.g., bright sky against a dark landscape) before the data is lost.
- LYT-600 (0.8μm pixel) Estimated FWC: ~4,000e-. With a smaller capacity, the sensor saturates faster. To compensate, Sony relies on aggressive multi-frame stacking (computational HDR) to recover dynamic range that the hardware cannot naturally capture in a single shot.
In-Sensor Zoom (ISZ) & Pixel Binnings
Both sensors utilize Quad Bayer color filter arrays, allowing for pixel binning (combining 4 pixels into 1) to increase sensitivity. However, their behavior when cropping differs fundamentally due to pixel pitch.
LYT-600 Crop (2x)
Native Pixel: 0.8μm
When cropping 2x to achieve a ~50mm focal length, the LYT-600 reverts to its native 0.8μm pixel size. This is physically small, leading to potential noise in dim lighting. However, the fast readout allows for multi-frame noise reduction (stacking 5-8 frames) to happen almost instantly, masking the hardware deficit.
LYT-700C Crop (2x)
Native Pixel: 1.0μm
The LYT-700C maintains a larger 1.0μm pixel pitch even when cropped. This provides a “physics-first” advantage in resolving detail without relying as heavily on computational sharpening. The limitation remains the rolling shutter; panning while zoomed in on the 700C will exhibit more “jello effect” than on the 600.
The Optical Equation: Aperture vs. Sensor Size
A sensor never works in isolation. The physical footprint of the sensor dictates the size (Z-height) of the lens module. This creates a fascinating equalizer in real-world performance.
The Compact Advantage: Because the LYT-600 is smaller (1/1.95″), engineers can easily pair it with extremely fast f/1.6 or f/1.7 lenses without making the phone camera bump too thick.
The Large Sensor Tax: The LYT-700C (1/1.56″) requires a physically larger lens circle. To keep the module height manageable, OEMs often cap the aperture at f/1.88 or f/1.9.
The Result: A smaller sensor with a brighter lens (LYT-600 @ f/1.6) often gathers nearly the same total light as a larger sensor with a dimmer lens (LYT-700C @ f/1.9), effectively narrowing the “low light” gap between the two.
ISP Synergy: The Silicon Bottleneck
A sensor is only as good as the Image Signal Processor (ISP) it is paired with. The LYT-600 and 700C behave differently depending on the System-on-Chip (SoC).
| Processor Tier | LYT-600 Performance | LYT-700C Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range (e.g., SD 7s Gen 2) | Often capped at 4K 30fps due to ISP throughput limits, negating the sensor’s speed advantage. | Perfect match. The sensor maxes out exactly where the ISP maxes out. |
| High-End (e.g., SD 8s Gen 3) | Unlocks 4K 60fps and 4K 120fps (Slow Mo). Full potential realized. | Sensor bottleneck. The ISP has headroom, but the sensor cannot feed data faster than 30fps. |
Competitive Landscape: The Samsung Factor
Sony does not operate in a vacuum. The primary rival to the LYT-600/700 series is Samsung’s ISOCELL GN and HP lines.
| Competitor | Sensor Model | Target Rival | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | ISOCELL GN5 | LYT-700C | GN5 has faster Dual Pixel Pro AF but similar size. |
| Samsung | ISOCELL HP3 | LYT-600 | HP3 is 200MP. Higher resolution but slower readout. |
| OmniVision | OV50E | LYT-700C | OV50E offers competitive dynamic range at lower cost. |
The LYT-600 has carved a unique niche by becoming the “gold standard” for periscope telephoto cameras (as seen in Realme and Oppo flagships), replacing older sensors like the OmniVision OV64B in some designs due to better HDR processing, despite a lower resolution.
Real-World Implementation
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
This device utilizes the LYT-700C as its main camera. Reviews praise the device for segment-leading low-light photos. However, the device is criticized for capping video at 4K 30fps. Users note that 60fps is unavailable at 4K.
Realme 13 Pro+
Realme employs the LYT-600 as a 3x Periscope Telephoto sensor. The 50MP resolution allows Realme to crop into the center of the sensor to achieve a 6x lossless zoom. Unlike the LYT-700C, the LYT-600 in the Realme 13 Pro+ supports 4K video recording on the telephoto lens, benefiting from the sensor’s faster readout.
The Verdict
Choose LYT-700C If…
You prioritize still photography. It leverages the brute force of a large optical format and DAG circuitry to deliver superior static images, night shots, and portraits.
Choose LYT-600 If…
You need versatility and speed. Its 60fps architecture makes it superior for video and periscope telephoto modules. It is the modern generalist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LYT-600 better than the IMX882?
They are the same sensor. IMX882 is the internal engineering part number, while LYT-600 is the public marketing name used by Sony since late 2023.
Why can’t the LYT-700C shoot 4K 60fps?
The sensor has a hardware readout limit of 30 frames per second at full resolution to save cost and space. Even with a powerful processor, the sensor itself cannot supply data fast enough.
Which sensor is better for night mode?
The LYT-700C is physically superior for night mode due to its 56% larger surface area, allowing it to capture more light with less noise.
