Sony LYT-901 Is a 200 MP Beast Aiming Straight at Samsung HP2

Sony has unveiled the LYT-901, its first 200 MP sensor designed for smartphones. The sensor previously appeared under the codename IMX09E and is a direct competitor to Samsung's 200 MP sensor, the ISOCELL HP2. The LYT-901 could power upcoming 2026 flagships.

Sony LYT-901 is the largest 200 MP camera sensor

The LYT-901 is built around a large 1/1.12-inch optical format with 0.7μm pixel size. Unlike traditional Bayer filters, it utilises a Quad-Quad Bayer mosaic structure. At 1/1.12-inch (0.89 inches), it's the largest 200 MP sensor.

The second largest is Samsung's ISOCELL HP2, which measures 1/1.3-inches (0.76 inches). It's also much better than Samsung ISOCELL HP5, on paper, which is used in Oppo Find X9 Pro and Realme GT 8 Pro.

Sony has integrated an AI-driven remosaic circuit directly into the sensor's logic layer, which handles complex tasks of translating high-density pixel data into a standard 2x2 Bayer pattern.

In layman's terms, the sensor is capable of organising its own messy data into a neat, readable file before handing it to the phone for post-processing, making the overall process a bit faster. The sensor bins the images to 50 MP via 2x2 binning and 12.5 MP using 4x4 binning, offering better output in low-light scenarios.

The LYT-901 also takes a hybrid approach when it comes to the dynamic range. It combines Dual Conversion Gain with Hybrid Frame HDR, resulting in a dynamic range exceeding 100dB or 17 stops. This means the camera should be able to see more through the blown portions of the sky, for example, and produce an accurate image.

The sensor also supports in-sensor 2x hardware zoom and 4x in-sensor zoom by cropping on both photo and video front. This means it can effectively function as a telephoto lens without needing optical glass. Video recording capabilities include 4K 30 fps and up to 4K 120 fps in binned modes.

Sony's targeting the sensor at the Ultra tier of flagship smartphones. Rumours suggest the Oppo Find X9 Ultra could be the first to boast the LYT-901, followed by the Vivo X300 Ultra. Both phones are expected to debut in Q2 2026.