New 38MP Sony sensor leaks, could be destined for Huawei P30 series

The next generation of Sony CMOS sensor for mobile devices with Exmor RS technology may have been leaked. The details on this new form of image-capturing module, the IMX607, have been posted on Weibo. Its official-looking 'product brief' describes it as having a38 megapixel (MP) resolution with full 24 frame resolution 10 bit ADC normal mode. However, the real improvement may be in its Bayer coding array.

This Bayer matrix normally configures the sensor according to a certain pattern that puts red, green and blue (i.e. RGB) into a certain order in a two-dimensional square field. This facilitates the translation of light bouncing off photographed objects into colored pixels. The higher end of Sony Exmor IMX sensors have been equipped with a quad-Bayer HDR array in the past. However, the IMX607's array is a HDR dual-Bayer matrix with white interspersed among the RGB pixels.

Therefore, the new sensor may be able to pick up more light shades in the images it captures. This, along with the 48MP module's advanced noise reduction, ambient light detection, and full 24-frame resolution for 10-bit dual Bayer/white-HDR, may enhance low-light performance in the IMX607. Furthermore, this new sensor is also said to support 50/500/5000 ISO. 

Given that the Huawei P20 series has incorporated the IMX600 sensor, some correspondents now speculate that the company will pick up the IMX607 for its next flagship line. However, when the Chinese outlet ITHome pressed Huawei executive Yu Chengdong on the subject of the putative P30 series, he would not confirm or deny this.  

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