Technology, Process and Cost Comparison

Smartphone Camera Module & CIS Comparison 2025 – Samsung

Apr 2025

Four years of Galaxy S Ultra camera evolution, with the S25 Ultra showcasing how Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile imaging performance.

SPR25908

Key features

Detailed photos
Precise measurements
Die analysis
Package analysis
Materials analysis
Manufacturing process flow
Supply chain evaluation
Manufacturing cost analysis
Physical Comparisons
Technical Comparisons
Cost Comparisons

What’s new

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

While largely retaining the cameras from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the ultra-wide module now features a new ISOCELL CIS, and the periscope module has been rethought.

Product Objectives

Continuing our series of camera module (CM) and CMOS image sensor (CIS) comparison reports, we summarize the results of detailed physical and costing analyses to offer insight into the evolution of the Samsung smartphone photography and selfie cameras.

We present a synthesis of physical analysis for the last years of Galaxy S Ultra cameras and detailed physical and costing analysis of the cameras in the Galaxy S22 to S25 Ultra.

As part of our ongoing series comparing camera modules (CM) and CMOS image sensors (CIS), we deliver key insights into the evolution of Samsung’s smartphone photography and selfie camera technologies.

This report highlights a comprehensive synthesis of design innovations across recent generations of Galaxy S Ultra cameras and features in-depth physical and cost breakdowns for the Galaxy S22 to S25 Ultra model, showcasing how Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile imaging performance.

Including revenues from Samsung’s CIS and SEMCO operations, the Samsung group would rank 3rd in the global camera module industry players revenues ranking, with $6.5B revenue, following LG Innotek and Sony. It stands out as the most vertically integrated CCM solution provider, offering image sensors, camera modules, and actuators. The Galaxy S series is its flagship line, and the Ultra models, such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, represent the company’s current vision of the ultra-premium smartphone photography experience. This report explores the recent evolution of camera systems in Samsung’s Galaxy S flagship series by presenting findings from in-depth physical analyses and cost assessments of the camera modules and CMOS image sensors (CIS) in the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S25 Ultra. It also provides a technical overview of seven years of camera development across the Galaxy S lineup, including models such as the Galaxy S10+, S20, S21 Ultra, and S22 Ultra. The physical analysis includes the complete structure, design, and teardown of the front and rear-facing photography camera modules. It also describes the dimensions, technology nodes and stacking technologies used in the CIS of the cameras from all nine smartphones. This year, the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a new 50 MP ISOCELL CIS from Samsung, the S5KJN3 is integrated into the ultra-wide camera module. With a 0.7 µm pixel size, the sensor demands greater optical precision, which led to an increase in the number of lens elements compared to the previous generation. The larger sensor format also drove an increase in module volume. The S25 Ultra further the periscope camera system introduced in the S24 Ultra but with rethinked prism module, both modules are built around Sony’s new IMX854. The smaller pixel and increased resolution of the CIS combined with a rethinking of the lens configuration resulted in a shortened periscope module with optical-quality 10X zoom, equivalent in spec to the previous generation. The reduced camera area leaves more space for other components in the smartphone, but it comes at a price. Despite numerous cost-saving design choices, the costly new CIS made for a module that costs significantly more than the previous generation.

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Smartphone Camera Module & CIS Comparison 2025 – Samsung

Four years of Galaxy S Ultra camera evolution, with the S25 Ultra showcasing how Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile imaging performance.