Can Samsung's three-layer stacked sensor technology reignite its dominance in the mobile image sensor market?

Can Samsung's three-layer stacked sensor technology reignite its dominance in the mobile image sensor market?In recent years, Sony has seemingly held a firm grip on the flagship mobile sensor market. Mainstream brands like Apple, Huawei, and OPPO predominantly utilize Sony sensors for the main and telephoto cameras in their flagship phones

Can Samsung's three-layer stacked sensor technology reignite its dominance in the mobile image sensor market?

In recent years, Sony has seemingly held a firm grip on the flagship mobile sensor market. Mainstream brands like Apple, Huawei, and OPPO predominantly utilize Sony sensors for the main and telephoto cameras in their flagship phones. While Samsung briefly shone in 2024 with two ultra-large 200MP periscope telephoto lenses used by Honor and vivo, this pales in comparison to the fervor of 2020-2022 when numerous Chinese flagship phones debuted with Samsung's ultra-large sensors. Many manufacturers, after experimenting, switched back to Sony for their main and telephoto sensors, indicating a clear cooling-off trend.

However, Samsung Semiconductor hasn't abandoned this lucrative market. According to X platform leaker @Jukanlosreve, Samsung is developing a new image sensor for Apple using a three-layer stacked technology, potentially surpassing Sony's Exmor RS series. Securing a place in Apple's supply chain could drastically alter Apple's "All in SONY" strategy and propel Samsung back to the top of the flagship sensor market.

So, can Samsung's three-layer stacked approach, aimed at winning Apple's favor, help it regain its central position in the flagship mobile sensor market? Let's delve into the differing strategies of Sony and Samsung in stacked sensor technology.

Stacked Sensors: Sony Focuses on Image Quality, Samsung on Capture Speed

In 2021, Sony Semiconductor Solutions announced the world's first double-layer transistor pixel stacked CMOS image sensor. This technology, through stacking, roughly doubles the saturation signal capacity, resulting in higher dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio. The OPPO Find N3 and the second-generation NIO Phone both feature the LYT-T808 sensor (1/1.43-inch) based on this technology. Despite having roughly half the sensor area of the IMX989, OPPO claims comparable low-light performance with a smaller, thinner lens module.

Unlike Sony, Samsung's stacked sensor strategy takes a different route. @Jukanlosreve reports that Samsung employs a three-layer stacked sensor, dubbed "PD-TR-Logic configuration," integrating the image sensor, logic circuits for processing, and DRAM cache using TSV (Through-Silicon Via) technology, creating a "sandwich" structure. Samsung claims this design will surpass Sony's Exmor RS series in overall performance.

Traditional CMOS sensors, logic circuits, and DRAM are integrated in different locations on the same chip, increasing chip area and extending pixel data transfer distances, affecting imaging and processing speeds, leading to blurry captures and sluggish gallery previews. The three-layer stacked design mitigates these issues by shortening transfer distances, improving capture speed and image processing speed.

It's worth noting that Sony released the IMX400, featuring a three-layer stacked design, as early as 2017, used in the Xperia XZ Premium and Xperia XZ s. The IMX400 achieved 960fps high-speed recording, capturing 19.3MP still images within 1/120th of a secondfour times faster than contemporary sensors. However, few phones have adopted this technology since, primarily due to its complex and costly manufacturing process.

We believe the three-layer stacked CMOS sensor represents a substantial upgrade. Firstly, users increasingly demand capturing fleeting moments. Secondly, the rise of AI computational photography has increased processing demands. Users naturally prefer faster image processing. Limited space inside smartphones prevents competing with professional cameras in sensor size; larger sensors also increase phone thickness. Both Sony's double-layer stacked pixel sensor and Samsung's three-layer stacked sensor offer new approaches to lightweight, high-quality mobile photography. However, whether these innovations gain widespread adoption remains a question.

AI Solves Capture Issues: Is Stacked Hardware Too Late?

Smartphones and professional cameras are fundamentally different. Lightweight, everyday usability is a key focus for many manufacturers. The minimum standard for mobile image quality often depends on the "instant capture" experience. In 2024, "capture speed" became a key aspect for mobile phone image quality.

Unlike professional photography, smartphone users generally prioritize "point-and-shoot" convenience, often disregarding lighting and composition, focusing on instantly obtaining a visually pleasing image. This presents a challenge, particularly in capturing moving objects, which tests the camera's autofocus, shutter speed, and image processing capabilities.

While previous flagship phones had large sensors, slow camera startup times and insufficient storage and processing capabilities hindered capture quality. Smaller sensors facilitated processing but compromised image quality. Additionally, often a separate "burst" mode was required, frequently causing missed opportunities.

However, before the emergence of three-layer stacked CMOS technology, many of these problems were already significantly mitigated in 2024, largely thanks to advances in sensor technology, computing hardware, and software algorithms. For example, OPPO Find X8 separates capture and processing, quickly capturing short and long exposure images for immediate viewing and later optimization, eliminating the need for a separate burst mode. Honor Magic 6 Ultimate Edition uses LOFIC technology to improve sensor latitude; Huawei P70 series utilizes XD Motion engine, employing techniques like real-time dual exposure and AI motion vector calculations to improve capture quality. While not heavily marketed, Apple, with its custom CMOS and high-performance chips, consistently delivers solid capture performance.

Currently, smartphones employ sophisticated capture methodologies, reducing reliance on high-speed CMOS. Sony's decision to not continue with the IMX400's stacked technology likely has sound reasons. However, the industry remains open to technological innovation. Until AI algorithms achieve "photorealistic" results, physical hardware upgrades remain essential. Ultimately, adoption will depend on manufacturers' decisions.

Entering Apple's Supply Chain: Does Samsung's Flagship Sensor Still Have a Chance?

The mobile image sensor market has been dominated by Sony, particularly with major players like Apple, whose iPhones exclusively use Sony sensors. Chinese manufacturers, once enthusiastic adopters of Samsung's flagship sensors, have largely switched to Sony. Many new flagship phones, such as the OPPO Find X7 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, use a full suite of Sony sensors.

This doesn't mean Samsung's flagship sensors lack capability. The early GN1 and GN2 sensors made a strong impression, and their core specifications, including ISOCELL, remain competitive. Samsung continues to iterate its sensor technology.

However, manufacturers' lukewarm reception to Samsung sensors might stem from two factors: Firstly, manufacturers are more experienced with Sony sensor tuning, and using a single supplier ensures consistent white balance across focal lengths. One-inch sensors also offer better marketing potential, a segment Samsung's GN series hasn't yet entered. Moreover, tuning 200MP sensors is challenging and may not necessarily be cheaper than competitors. Secondly, the emergence of domestic alternatives, such as Honor and Huawei using sensors from domestic brands like OmniVision, further squeezes Samsung's market share.

For Samsung Semiconductor, "embracing Apple's supply chain" might be one of the few remaining strategies to revive market confidence. The three-layer stacked technology is relatively unique, and if it outperforms Sony's Exmor RS series and offers unique process advantages, this could garner Apple's attention. However, switching suppliers introduces uncertainties regarding hardware/software integration costs and whether the results meet Apple's expectations.

Breaking monopolies and fostering competition is always beneficial. In the mobile image sensor field, Samsung Semiconductor remains one of Sony's strongest competitors. Similar to MediaTek's journey, after years of effort, Samsung's flagship sensors have a chance to make a comeback. The path is tougher than before, but we hope Samsung Semiconductor can continue to hold a significant position in the high-end sensor market.

CES 2025 will be held on January 7th, 2025. We will provide full professional coverage of the event. Stay tuned.