Back in October 2025, Samsung unveiled the 200 MP ISOCELL HP5, the smallest 200 MP sensor to date. The Galaxy phone-maker successfully managed to fit high-resolution shooting capabilities inside a smaller sensor size. Now, it seems like the brand is working on a relatively large sensor for heightened imaging capabilities.
Samsung's 200 MP ISOCELL HPC could power next-gen smartphone camera phones
According to tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), Samsung is developing a new 200 MP ISOCELL sensor with a 1/1.3-inch sensor type. Dubbed the ISOCELL HPC, the new imaging sensor is said to be a generational step-up over the Samsung HPB "Thanos" 200 MP 1/1.4-inch type sensor, which resides inside the Vivo X300 and Vivo X300 Pro.
The increase in size is said to improve high-definition imaging considerably and is expected to become the largest camera sensor in the 200 MP category. Also, just like the ISOCELL HPB and ISOCELL HP5 sensors, the HPE will also reportedly bring 4×4 RMSC (rearranged pixel colour information) and UFCC (Ultra Full Colour Capture) support.
Both these technologies help Samsung maintain the same level of flagship dynamic range as that of LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integrated Capacitor) camera technology. Just like Sony, Samsung also relies on its in-house HDR imaging. Hence, with an increased sensor type size, next-gen phones featuring the HPE sensor will be able to attain higher dynamic range, better pixel-level image processing and improved colour accuracy.
Moreover, we expect the 200 MP 1/1.3-inch sensor type to launch as part of a broader imaging system. This will help OEMs to make use of the 200 MP imaging resolution and pair it will 1/1.3-inch sensor type for a versatile camera system.
For instance, both the Vivo X300 and Vivo X300 Pro use the same 200 MP Samsung HPB "Thanos" 1/1.4-inch sensor type. However, while it acts as the main camera in the standard model, it actually transforms into a periscope camera module inside the Pro phone.
That said, while it is unclear if the Vivo X400 series will adopt the new 200 MP Samsung HPE module, the upcoming Oppo Find X10 lineup is tipped to feature the new 1/1.3-inch 200 MP sensor type. We also hope that Samsung will adopt the new sensor for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
The brand recently launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra with the 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor, launched back in 2023. Hence, it is also important for the South Korean brand to upgrade its Galaxy phones while delivering competitive imaging breakthroughs to brands like Vivo and Oppo.
