SmartSens unveils 1-inch 50MP sensor for flagship phones with HDR 3.0 and 4K 120fps

Chinese image sensor manufacturer SmartSens has unveiled the SC5A6XS, a new camera sensor aimed at flagship smartphones. In sensor features a 50-megapixel resolution in a 1-inch optical format and is designed to deliver improvements in dynamic range, video capabilities, and power efficiency.

The SC5A6XS is built on a 22nm stacked process and features the SmartSens’s updated Lofic HDR 3.0 technology. According to the company, the system enhances image quality in challenging lighting conditions by capturing a wider range of brightness levels. With a peak dynamic range of 115dB, the sensor is designed to preserve detail in both highlights and shadows in high-contrast scenes.

HDR processing relies on multi-frame fusion within a single exposure, helping to reduce motion artifacts. This approach is particularly beneficial for video recording, where both camera and subject movement can affect image clarity.

On the video side, the SC5A6XS supports 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second, as well as 4K at 60fps with HDR enabled, positioning it for advanced mobile videography use cases.

On the hardware side, the SC5A6XS features 1.6μm pixels and uses SFCPixel technology to improve light sensitivity. Combined with reduced read noise, this should result in cleaner images in low-light conditions with less visible grain.

Autofocus is handled via a combination of full-pixel AllPix ADAF and partial pixel phase detection, enabling faster and more reliable focusing across different lighting conditions.

SmartSens also claims improved power efficiency, with approximately 11% lower consumption in HDR mode. This could help reduce heat buildup during extended video recording.

The SC5A6XS has entered the sampling phase and is expected to reach mass production in the second quarter of 2026. It is likely to appear in upcoming flagship smartphones, with the Huawei Pura 90 series among the potential first adopters.