SmartSens Technology has launched a new 50 megapixel camera sensor designed to stop your smartphone from overheating during summer photo shoots. The SC505HS CMOS sensor pairs back illuminated technology with an ultra low power mode to keep thermal levels down. Mass production is scheduled to begin later this quarter.
The new hardware uses a pixel size of 0.61 micrometers and supports phase detection autofocus. To help with low light shooting, the quantum efficiency of the sensor reaches 76% in the 520 nanometer visible light range. This improves light sensitivity when shooting in dark environments.
Heat is the enemy of battery life, and this is where the new sensor claims to excel. Internal testing by the manufacturer shows an 18% reduction in power consumption compared to the previous generation. Dark current at a hot temperature of 60 degrees Celsius has dropped by 23%. This is a massive improvement. Hot pixels are also down by 24% which means cleaner images when the sun is beating down on your phone.
SmartSens has already shipped initial samples to hardware clients for field testing. If the testing goes well, the company plans to start full scale factory manufacturing very soon. Smartphone buyers can expect to see this battery saving sensor in upcoming mid range and premium devices later this year.
