Sony LYTIA 901 200MP Sensor Announced

What You Need to Know

• Sony launches its first-ever 200MP sensor, the LYTIA 901, with a 1/1.12" size and QQBC technology.

• OmniVision announces OVB0D, a 1/1.1” 200MP sensor built on a 22nm advanced process.

• Samsung will continue using a 1/1.3-inch HP2-style sensor for several more generations.

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The smartphone camera race has finally ushered in a new chapter. Sony has introduced the LYTIA 901, its very first 200MP mobile camera sensor, promising huge increases in size, pixel technology, and HDR performance. At around the same time, OmniVision launched the OVB0D, another 1/1.1-inch 200MP flagship sensor loaded with next-gen capabilities.

With major smartphone brands such as vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Honor all readying the adoption of these ultra-high-end sensors, 2025 was set to be the biggest leap in smartphone camera hardware in years. But not all brands are joining the race, and one of the largest disappointments comes from none other than Samsung.

Let's dive into everything you need to know.

Sony Introduces the LYTIA 901

Already regarded as a premium line of imaging sensors, Sony's Lytia lineup reaches an important milestone with the LYTIA 901: Sony's first 200MP smartphone camera sensor, aimed directly at competing with Samsung's HP-series.

Key Specifications of Sony LYTIA 901

• 200MP resolution

• 1/1.12-inch large format

• 0.7μm pixel size

• Quad-Quad Bayer Coding (QQBC) array

• 100 dB+ HDR performance

• DCG-HDR + Fine 12-bit ADC

• Hybrid Frame HDR (HF-HDR)

• 4K @ 30fps high-quality video zoom

• AI-powered 4x lossless zoom with a single lens

Why the LYTIA 901 Is a Big Deal

The use of Quad-Quad Bayer Coding or QQBC greatly improves low-light performance and color accuracy. Mated with Sony's AI-based array rearrangement, the user can enjoy true 4x lossless zoom without the need for multiple lenses.

That would mean, for instance, that future smartphones could deliver DSLR-like clarity even when zooming, using only one primary camera.

OmniVision OVB0D

While Sony finally enters the 200MP arena, OmniVision is already pushing boundaries with the OVB0D, a 1/1.1-inch, 200MP sensor built on a cutting-edge 22 nm process.

OmniVision OVB0D Highlights

• 1/1.1-inch large format

• 22nm advanced semiconductor process

• 400K full-well capacity (FWC)

• 108 dB dynamic range

• DCG + LOFIC Gen2+

• Dual-stage on-chip remosaic

This sensor aims at smartphones that want maximum HDR performance, exceptional color precision, and flagship-grade low-light results.

Chinese Flagships to Adopt These 200MP 1/1.1" Sensors Soon

Brands such as:

• vivo

• OPPO

• Xiaomi

• Honor

have reportedly confirmed adoption of these sensors in their next-generation Ultra-class flagships.

This means 2025–2026 flagship phones from China will:

• Deliver sharper zoom performance,

• Offer massively improved night photography,

• And surpass many existing flagship camera systems.

While the competition leaps forward, Samsung is taking a different — and disappointing — path.

Galaxy S27 Ultra Camera Upgrade CANCELLED

Samsung had originally planned to upgrade the Galaxy S27 Ultra with a 1/1.1-inch 200MP sensor, matching the new Sony and OmniVision offerings.

But the project was cancelled by senior management due to:

• High production cost

• Reduced profit margin

• Supply chain complexity

What Samsung Will Do Instead

Samsung will continue using a:

• 1/1.3-inch, HP2-like 200MP sensor

• Across the S27 Ultra, S28 Ultra, and possibly even S29 Ultra

Meaning there will be no major leap in main camera performance for at least three generations.

This puts Samsung at a disadvantage, as competitors move to significantly larger and more capable sensors.

Sony’s LYTIA 901 and OmniVision’s OVB0D finally push the 200MP segment into true flagship territory, promising:

• Bigger sensors

• Better HDR

• Sharper zoom

• Higher dynamic range

• AI-powered computational advancements

But Samsung’s refusal to adopt these next-gen modules means Chinese flagships from vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Honor will likely dominate the smartphone camera rankings in the next few years.