A new Sony sensor? Are they better than the IMX series?
Sony is just a pro at making camera hardware to the point that almost every flagship use them. Even though they have a quarter resolution of what Samsung ISOCELL provides, the quality of Sony’s sensors are unmatched. Coupled with powerful scene recognition algorithms, these sensors make phones feel like they are DSLR cameras.
The sensors are known by their initials “IMX”. These sensors are part of the long-reigning Exmor sensors that are also used in the Alpha series of Sony cameras. However, the reign of the IMX series is now over as now it is competing with a brand new series called LYTIA. The OnePlus Open is reported to use it and therefore may be the first device to use the LYTIA sensors.
To recall, the OnePlus Open is OnePlus’ first foldable phone. Essentially a rebranded Oppo Find N3 Fold, it offers features that are not present in the latter, such as OxygenOS and the alert slider. It will be revealed to the world on October 19, 2023.
LYTIA is a series in itself. It is not a part or a rebrand of the IMX series. Though, these flagship sensors still have 50MP effective resolution, just like the IMX966 and the IMX766 respectively. The sensors are developed in-house by Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS). Unlike the IMX series which derived from Exmor, the LYTIA series is designed specifically for smartphones to use.
Currently, there are five models announced. Refer to the table below. One of them is a 1-inch. sensor. The biggest size to be used on smartphones. These 1-inch sensors are present in phones like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
| MODEL | RESOLUTION (in MP) | SENSOR SIZE | SPECIAL FEATURES |
| LYT900 | 50MP stacked CMOS sensor | 1/0.98″ | LYTIA high-end model designed for high-quality smartphone imaging . 1” type image sensor delivering superb tonal expressions |
| LYT800 | 53MP stacked CMOS sensor | 1/1.43″ | 1/1.4” type premium model that rivals the high-quality 1” type sensor First sensor with 2-layer transistor pixel structure enabling excellent saturation signal level |
| LYT700 | 50MP stacked CMOS sensor | 1/1.56″ | 1/1.5” type model optimized for the slim profile of smartphones Sensor that retains high-end features such as multiple high dynamic range (HDR) methods |
| LYT600 | 50MP stacked CMOS sensor | 1/1.953″ | Popular segment that delivers high-quality imaging experiences 1/2″ type sensor equipped with high-end features such as all-pixel autofocus |
| LYT500 | 50MP stacked CMOS sensor | 1/2.93″ | New standard front camera sensor model optimized for shooting selfies 1/2.9” type sensor with small 0.6 µm pixels that delivers high 50-megapixel image quality and always-on functionality |
Based on their descriptions, the LYT600 is intended for budget midrange phones and the LYT500 is intended for selfies. Higher-res selfie cameras are present on many other smartphones like the Oppo Reno10 Pro Plus with its 32MP sensor and the Honor 90 with its flagship-grade 50MP selfie shooter with 4K video. Both of these we already reviewed, so go check them out.
Aside from these, SSS said there will be more LYTIA sensors to be developed in the upcoming months!
Source: Sony
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