TL; DR
- OmniVision OV50X has been launched. It’s a 1-inch, 50 MP sensor with 1.6µm pixels, 8K HDR video, and 110dB dynamic range.
- The OV50X uses TheiaCel & DAG HDR, promises better autofocus, zoom, and low-light vs. current 1-inch sensors.
- Mass production for the OV50X starts Q3 2025.
OmniVision has unveiled its latest 1-inch camera sensor, the OV50X, marking a significant step toward making high-end 1-inch sensors more accessible in smartphones. While 1-inch sensors have been exclusive to premium devices like the vivo X100 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and OPPO Find X8 Ultra, OmniVision’s new sensor could bring top-tier imaging to a broader range of devices, with mass production slated for Q3 2025.
OmniVision OV50X Features
The OV50X, a 50MP sensor with a 1-inch optical format, boasts 1.6µm pixels and supports 4-in-1 binning for 12.5MP output at 180fps, alongside three-channel HDR at 60fps. It offers a dynamic range close to 110dB—the highest in the industry—thanks to OmniVision’s TheiaCel technology, previously used in automotive sensors.
The sensor supports 8K HDR video recording with Dual Analog Gain (DAG) HDR, reducing artifacts compared to multi-frame HDR methods. Additional features include 100% Quad Phase Detection (QPD) autofocus, in-sensor zoom, and flicker reduction via LOFIC technology, making it ideal for flagship-grade photography and videography.
Unlike previous 1-inch sensors, such as the Sony IMX989 in the vivo X200 Ultra, which have been limited to high-end devices, the OV50X is being evaluated by multiple tech companies for mass production starting Q3 2025. This timeline suggests that smartphones featuring the OV50X could hit the market by late 2025, potentially in Pro models too, not just the Ultras.
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