Sony has officially unveiled the LYT-901, a breakthrough mobile camera sensor built for next-generation flagship smartphones. After weeks of speculation and leak-based insights, the hardware—previously known internally as IMX09E—has now been formally introduced under the LYTIA branding. This launch marks a major milestone for Sony, as the LYT-901 becomes the brand’s first-ever 200-megapixel imaging sensor designed exclusively for smartphones. Positioned as a direct competitor to Samsung’s 200MP offerings, it brings a new level of capability and engineering precision to mobile photography.
The LYT-901 is centred on a notably large 1/1.12-inch sensor size, giving it one of the biggest imaging surfaces currently available in mobile devices. It uses finely engineered 0.7μm pixels, enabling exceptionally dense resolution while maintaining clarity across light and shadow. Sony’s shift from traditional Bayer layouts to a Quad-Quad Bayer mosaic further elevates image accuracy. This mosaic is hardware-translated into a clean 2×2 Bayer pattern through a dedicated Remosaic circuit.
What makes this process more efficient is the AI-assisted internal rebayer logic, which reduces computational overhead and minimizes image quality losses during processing. Complementing this is a 12-bit analogue-to-digital pipeline with Sony’s refined Fine 12-bit ADC. Together, they deliver smoother tonal gradation and cleaner output that holds up even under challenging exposure conditions.
Sony combines two HDR strategies into a unified system for the LYT-901. At its core is Dual Conversion Gain HDR, a method that elevates detail in both highlights and shadows. On top of this, Sony integrates Hybrid Frame HDR, which briefly captures a microsecond-level short exposure frame to protect bright areas from clipping.
This layered HDR pipeline helps maintain natural contrast while reducing ghosting in fast-moving scenes. The combined dynamic range exceeds 100dB, equivalent to roughly 17 photographic stops, giving mobile devices a level of exposure control typically reserved for professional-grade camera hardware.
One of the defining strengths of the LYT-901 is its zoom versatility. It supports:
At 4x, the sensor provides a telephoto-like field of view without requiring an additional dedicated telephoto lens. This positions the sensor as the only current platform offering both 4x hardware zoom and 4K 30fps video capture, along with support for 4K 120fps in 4x binning modes.
For low-light performance, the sensor outputs 50MP (2×2 binning) and 12.5MP (4×4 binning) modes, ensuring cleaner night shots and higher-quality zoomed images. These capabilities make the LYT-901 especially well-suited for distant shooting environments like concerts, events, stadiums, and stage venues—scenarios where zoom detail can make or break an image.
The introduction of the LYT-901 marks a significant step forward in Sony’s mobile imaging portfolio. With its first 200MP sensor, Sony moves aggressively into a segment long dominated by competitors. By combining advanced HDR, AI processing, and unmatched zoom capabilities, the LYT-901 sets the stage for a new wave of flagship smartphones to deliver DSLR-like clarity without increasing camera module size.
Via: (Source), Image Credits: Sony LYT-901
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