Smartphone Camera Module Comparison 2024 - Samsung

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’s smartphone photography and selfie cameras.  We present a synthesis of physical analysis for the last 9 years of ultra-premium Galaxy S cameras and detailed physical and costing analysis of the cameras in the Galaxies S22 – S24 Ultra.

What's new? 

Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Periscope module made more compact by using a 50 Mp CIS and rethinking the optics.

Recent evolution of the Galaxy S camera, featuring the S24 Ultra

Despite intense competition at every price point, Samsung endures as the smartphone market leader, having sold more handsets in 2023 than any other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) company. The Galaxy S series is its flagship line, and the Ultra models, such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, represent the company’s current vision of the ultra-premium smartphone photography experience.

This report examines the recent evolution of the cameras in the Galaxy S flagship series by summarizing the results of detailed physical analyses and costing studies to compare the camera modules and CMOS image sensors (CIS) in the Galaxies S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra. It also includes the technical evolution of the last nine years of the Galaxy S series cameras, including the Galaxy S7, S8, S9+, S10+, S20 Ultra and S21 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. The iris and depth modules found in the S20 Ultra and earlier models are not treated.

Last year, the Galaxy S23 Ultra debuted two new CIS from Samsung, the 3LU in the front camera and the HP2 in the rear. The new dual vertical transfer gate design improved performance while shrinking the pixel area. This and other tweaks allowed improved performance while controlling cost and camera volume.

The S24 Ultra retained these changes and redesigned the periscope module for compactness.  The module is 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.

• Overview / Methodology
  • Executive Summary
  • Reverse Costing Methodology
  • Glossary
• Companies & Supply Chain
  • Samsung, Sony, SEMCO
  • Players & Market Context
  • Supply Chain
• Physical Comparison & Evolution
  • Camera Overviews
  • Physical Comparison
  • Overview of the Physical Analysis
• Manufacturing Processes
  • Camera Module Structure
    • Conventional
    • Periscope
    • IR Filter
  • CIS Structure
  • Sony CIS
    • Fabs
    • Pixel & Logic Circuits
    • Cu-Cu Hybrid Stacking
    • Optical Layers
  • Samsung CIS
    • Fabs
    • Pixel & Logic Circuits
    • TSV Stacking
    • TSV 3-Stacking
    • Optical Layers
  • Cost Comparison &Breakdown
    • CMOS Image Sensor Costs
      • Front CIS Overview (S7 to S24 Ultra)
      • Rear CIS Overview (S22 to S24 Ultra)
      • Front CIS Front-End Costs (S20 to S24 Ultra)
      • Front CIS Die Costs (S20 to S24 Ultra)
      • Rear CIS Front-End Costs (S22 to S24)
      • Rear CIS Die Costs (S22 to S24)
      • Rear CIS Die Cost Comparison (S22 to S24 Ultra)
    • Camera Module Costs
      • Front Camera Overview (S7 to S24 Ultra)
      • Rear Camera Overview (S22 to S24 Ultra)
      • Front Camera Modules (S22 to S24 Ultra)
      • Front Camera Modules Breakdown (S7 to S24 Ultra)
      • Rear Camera Modules (S22 to S24 Ultra)
      • Rear Camera Modules Breakdown (S22 to S24 Ultra)
    • Camera Costs & Price Comparison (S22 to S24 Ultra)
  • Detailed Physical Analysis
    • Front Cameras (Galaxy S21 to S24 Ultra)              
    • Rear Cameras
      • Galaxy S24 Ultra
      • Galaxy S23 Ultra
      • Galaxy S22 Ultra
    • Feedback
    • Related Products
    • About Yole Group

Asahi Kasei Microdevices, Dongwoon Anatech, Giantec, Haesung Optics, Hysonic, Jahwa, Largan Partron, Puya Semiconductor, Renesas, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung Electronics Co., Sekonix, Sony Group, STMicroelectronics, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company