Omnivision OV50X: The latest 1-inch sensor camera for next-gen flagship smartphones

Omnivision's freshly-unleashed sensor has a resolution of 50MP, just like its last - however, the OV50X is also of the much larger 1-inch optical format for the highest-end of smartphones.

Its pixels are even larger than that of its OV50H predecessor at 1.6 microns (µm), 4 of which can be binned together to create 12.5MP images of up to 180 frames per second (fps), although that drops to 60fps with the sensor's three-channel HDR on.

That spec is rated to go up to 110 decibels (dB) - the new dynamic range limit for smartphones, according to Omnivision - thanks to the OEM's cutting-edge TheiaCel technology.

The OV50X is also backed to make its quad-phase detection (QPD) cover 100% of what it 'sees' for advanced auto-focus capabilities, and to capture footage in RGB RAW in 10-, 12- or 14-bit color.

The sensor should also support "premium-quality" 8K recording with on-sensor crop zoom and dual analog gain (DAG) HDR, and is touted to deliver the most "professional" photo and video on a smartphone yet.

All of those specs are rendered into a relatively compact package with Omnivision's PureCelPlus-S stacked die technology.

The Omnivision OV50X is slated to go into mass production in the third quarter of 2025, and is backed by the famous leaker Digital Chat Station to join a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor in a new Ultra-class handset thereafter.