New Omnivision image sensor provides cost-effective 16MP upgrade for rear-and front-facing cameras on mainstream smartphones with thin bezels

Low-power-consumption sensor also enables high-quality, ultra-wide-angle photos in High-End tri-camera phones; 4-Cell and 2×1 PDAF provide better low-light and autofocus performance. OmniVision Technologies, a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, announced the OV16A, an affordable 16 megapixel image sensorthat enables smartphone cameras to capture higher quality photos.

This versatile image sensor, built on OmniVision’s PureCel® Plus 1.0micron advanced pixel architecture,enables better autofocus for mainstream smartphones.Yole development predicts that, on average, there will be three cameras per smartphone by 2022.With the OV16A,manufacturers can add a third camera forhigh-quality,ultra-wide-angle photos in high-end smartphones. Additionally, the OV16A extends battery life with the industry’s lowest power consumption—10% lower than the nearest competitor’s 16MP 1.0micron sensor.

Thin-bezel phones are gaining in popularity because of increased demand for full-display selfie screens. However, these space limiting thin-bezel designs require compact front-facing cameras. The OV16A allows designers to incorporate just such a camera in the bezel, and with 2.0-micron-equivalent pixel performance.

“Designers want to achieve the best balance among cost, image quality and low power consumption,” said Jason Chiang, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “The cost-effective OV16A allows them to provideexcellent performance in a high-resolution camera for various smartphone applications, including tri-camera designs.The 4-cell color filterallows users to consistently capture high-quality photos without motion blur, even in low-light conditions indoors.”

The compact OV16Aenables the industry’s smallest fixed-focus camera modules, with dimensions down to 6.5x6mm. Additionally, its top and bottom pad configuration allows thin-bezel designs for full-display selfie screens.The sensor’s 2×1 microlens phase detection autofocus (ML-PDAF) boosts autofocus accuracy, especially in low light.

Source : https://www.ovt.com/