Chinese image sensor manufacturers are preparing to raise the bar in smartphone photography to a whole new level. Challenging the dominance of industry giants Sony and Samsung, SmartSens and OmniVision have launched an offensive with their next-generation high-resolution sensors developed for flagship models in 2026.
The Era of 200 MP Periscope Telephoto Begins
Information from the renowned leak source Digital Chat Station indicates that technologies that will radically change night photography and dynamic range are on the way. Here are the details of the leaked sensors.
Chinese manufacturers are working on massive 200-megapixel sensors, especially to optimize periscope (zoom) cameras:
SmartSens SCC80XS & OmniVision OV52A/B: All three sensors are designed in a 1/1.28-inch wide format. Offering 200 MP resolution, these devices promise crystal-clear details even when shooting distant objects. SmartSens SCC90XS: This model is positioned as the “main camera” sensor for ultra-premium flagships and comes with next-generation LOFIC support.
SmartSens is preparing two new 1-inch sensors to maximize light-gathering capacity. These 50MP sensors will directly compete with Sony’s popular sensors, especially in low-light performance.
The LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology, highlighted in almost all new sensors, will be the biggest weapon of this generation.
The principle: This technology collects the light load exceeding the pixel’s capacity in a capacitor on the side under very bright light.
The result: In challenging scenes where the sun is directly behind or signs are very bright, a “cinematic” dynamic range is achieved without shadows darkening or lights blowing out.
According to leaks, three of China’s five largest smartphone brands (likely Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo) have already started testing these new sensors. Advanced chips like the SCC80XS, manufactured using 22nm technology, are already attracting attention with their improved HDR and fast autofocus capabilities.
This technological leap by Chinese manufacturers signals that flagship phones to be released in 2026 could surpass Sony and Samsung in camera performance.
