Sony’s 200MP IMX09E Could Outshine Galaxy S26 Ultra’s ISOCELL HP2

Samsung may have been the pioneer of 200MP smartphone camera sensors, but it won’t be alone for much longer. According to new leaks, Sony is preparing to launch its first 200MP sensor, positioning it directly against Samsung’s ISOCELL lineup. The first-gen version could debut under the model name IMX09E.

Sony could redefine smartphone camera capabilities with its 200MP IMX09E

Reputed Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) recently revealed that Sony’s debut 200MP mobile sensor is built on a 22nm process node and features 0.7µm pixels. It has a 1/1.12-inch optical size and sits above the firm’s 1-inch Lytia LYT-900 50MP sensor in terms of performance. The new sensor will reportedly support Hybrid Frame HDR, delivering an ultra-high dynamic range of over 100dB.

The Sony IMX09E will offer significantly improved light sensitivity and feature 2x and 4x in-sensor zoom, allowing for near-optical quality without relying on dedicated telephoto lenses. All things considered, it appears to be superior to Samsung’s most advanced 200MP sensor to date, the ISOCELL HP2.

Debuted with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and expected to power the S26 Ultra next year, the HP2 has a 1/1.4-inch size with 0.6µm pixels. It leverages technologies like Smart-ISO Pro (iDCG) and Dual Slope Gain (DSG) to improve sensitivity and dynamic range. Samsung hasn’t provided official dynamic range figures in dB, so making direct comparisons difficult.

However, Sony’s upcoming 200MP sensor has an evident hardware advantage thanks to its larger size, which typically translates to better low-light performance and detail capture. While real-world results will ultimately depend on image processing, software optimization, and integration with partner brands, superior hardware makes a difference.

Oppo and Vivo are likely to use the Sony IMX09E in their next-gen flagships. Earlier rumors suggested it might appear in the Galaxy S26 Ultra as well, but that’s not happening. Hopefully, its launch will put pressure on Samsung to push its camera sensor technology further, possibly toward a 1-inch 200MP solution in the near future.