Connect with us

Technology

Samsung ISOCELL HP2 200MP Camera Technology Analysis

Published

on

Samsung 200 MP HP2 Camera Sensor

Samsung recently unveiled a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 camera sensor with improved pixel technology to capture beyond pro-level photos in ultra-high resolution. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone is going to have this powerful camera sensor.

Follow Sammy Fans on Google News

Through Samsung’s 200MP HP2 camera sensor, the company is pointing to a different tech tree this time around. It is most likely Galaxy S23 Ultra main camera CMOS with a size of 1/1.3 inch, 200MP 16 in 1, and a single pixel of 0.6μm. However, we’re not surprised by the size, let’s check other perspectives.

Join Sammy Fans on Telegram

Samsung 200MP ISOCELL HP2 camera

D-VTG Technology

HP2 camera sensor adopts D-VTG (Dual vertical transfer gate) technology that greatly increases the full well capacity (FWC) of a single pixel. The well capacity is 33% higher than the previous generation ISOCELL. Most importantly, the smartphone’s CMOS with limited planar size, especially the HDR highlight suppression and the signal-to-noise ratio under sunlight.

The HP2’s D-VTG technology appeared in a paper published by Samsung in the Journal of Solid State Electronics. A transmission gate TG corresponding to the photodiode PD is changed into two, and the TG is placed vertically with respect to the PD, which is called a Dual VerticalTransfer Gate.

Samsung HP2 Camera Sensor

The benefit of D-VTG technology is that it not only has better conduction efficiency because TG controls the flow of electrons from PD to FD but it may well also increase the potential difference of charge, thereby increasing the maximum number of electrons that PD can carry.

Advertisement

Samsung HP2 Camera Sensor

Samsung designed a single pixel with 6,000 electrons, which has been increased to 9,000 electrons through the new technology, i.e., 1.5 times the maximum consumption, compared to the 33% improvement currently advertised by HP2.

Samsung HP2 200MP camera sensor is a full well of 10,000 electrons in a single pixel. It is important to note that the pixel size of A7R4/R5 is very large, and there are only 36,000 electrons in a full well.

Samsung HP2 Camera Sensor

Dual Slop Gain

Samsung introduced Dual Slope gain technology in the ISOCELL HP2 for the first time in Samsung’s image sensor lineup to take HDR for high-resolution images to the next level. In all pixels, it applies two different conversion values when light is converted into a digital signal.

The “two different conversion values” mentioned by Samsung are actually the readout capacity of the two FD areas, one larger and one smaller, and the smaller capacity corresponds to the higher conversion gain, the higher the conversion gain.

Conversion gain can be seen as slope, that is voltage converted into a unit of electron energy and the unit is mV/e-, which is the origin of slope in propagation.

Advertisement

Samsung HP2 Camera Sensor

It is actually mentioned that the FD field capacitor is switched to switch the conversion gain, but Samsung’s paper shows three capacitors playing a three-gain TCG. Sadly, in the current state, HP2 is not installed.

200 MP and Focus

The HP2 really is the right direction for mobile photography. It’s not that the HP2 has more pixels, but Samsung chose to grow the sensor vertically so it has a chance to compete with an inch, especially since the bottom half of the phone is usually equipped with a larger aperture.

HP2’s 200 million pixels is the equivalent of 4 in 1 5000w pixels, divided into four grids for Quad PD focusing, i.e. tilt and horizontal/vertical phase can be detected.

HP2 is the most balanced main camera CMOS at present. It should be considered a 50mp four-in-one, but each tiny pixel has its own focus function, as its DSG function can’t be turned on at 200mp. Meanwhile, reading speeds at 200mp are just 15fps, which is pretty low for a stack-heavy phone.

Advertisement

Hey, Sheetal is here! From the very beginning, I love using Samsung phones like a die-hard fan. Apart from detailing One UI features for readers, I love exploring different apps of the Samsung ecosystem with a cup of tea!

Samsung

Samsung should stop making unnecessary phones and focus on ULTRA brand

Published

on

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Gray and White

Samsung makes some of the best phones in the world. But lately, the smartphone company has been creating too many different models that don’t really make sense. Let’s talk about why Samsung should focus on its best phone, the Galaxy S series Ultra, instead of confusing customers with unnecessary options.

The Problem: Too Many Choices

Take the Galaxy S25 Edge, for example. It’s actually a beautiful phone – super thin at just 5.8mm and incredibly light. The camera is excellent with 200MP, and the design is stunning. But here’s the thing: most people don’t even know it exists.

Samsung didn’t do a good job telling people about this phone. What’s it for? Who should buy it? At $1,099, it costs almost as much as their top phone, the S25 Ultra, but doesn’t offer as much value. This creates confusion for customers who are trying to decide which phone to buy.

The same thing happened to Apple with its iPhone 16e. It’s supposed to be a “budget” option, but it’s still expensive, and people aren’t buying it because they don’t understand why they need it.

Reports show that the S25 Edge isn’t selling well. Samsung keeps offering deals and bonuses to try to get people interested, but it’s not working. This happens when companies make unnecessary products – customers get confused and don’t know what to choose.

What’s Working: The Ultra Success Story

While the S25 Edge struggles, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is doing amazing. This phone is Samsung’s flagship – its best and most expensive model. It has a huge 6.9-inch screen, incredible cameras, and comes with the S Pen stylus that no other phone has, YES, the stylus.

Advertisement

Even though it costs $1,299, people are buying it like crazy (don’t forget, you can get it for much less, thanks to offers and discounts). Samsung sold over 5 million S25 Ultra phones in just three months. That’s more than S25 and S25+ models combined! This shows that people are willing to pay more for a phone that’s clearly the best option.

The Ultra consistently ranks in the top 10 best-selling phones worldwide. It’s popular in the US, Europe, and other markets because customers know exactly what they are getting – the best Samsung phone available.

Why Focus Makes Sense

Making multiple phone models takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Instead of spreading themselves thin, Samsung should put all the energy into making the Ultra even better. Here’s what they could do:

Better Cameras: The Ultra’s cameras are already great, but they could be even better. Some users want better photos in dark places.

Longer Battery Life: The 5,000mAh battery is good, but power users always want more. Samsung could make the battery last longer or charge faster. But keep it safe, we know about the Note7.

Smarter Features: The AI features are cool but sometimes feel like gimmicks. Samsung should make them more useful for everyday tasks.

Advertisement

Keep the S Pen Special: The stylus is what makes the Ultra unique. Samsung should keep improving it and adding new features.

Simpler Choices: Instead of four different S-series phones, Samsung could offer just two – a regular S25 and the premium Ultra. This would make it easier for customers to choose.

Quality Over Quantity

Samsung is at its best when it focuses on making fewer, better products. The Galaxy S25 Ultra proves this – it’s a phone that doesn’t compromise and gives customers everything they want in a premium device.

Meanwhile, phones like the S25 Edge feel like experiments that don’t quite work. Samsung doesn’t need to copy what Apple does or flood the market with confusing options. By focusing on the Ultra brand, they can stay ahead of the competition.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

My Take

Samsung’s next phone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is a chance to show what they can really do. Instead of chasing every trend or launching phones that don’t have a clear purpose, the company should double down on its flagship.

Make it faster, smarter, and more polished. Listen to what customers actually want. If Samsung focuses on what makes the Ultra special, it can keep leading the Android market for years to come.

Advertisement

The message is simple: sometimes less is more. By making fewer phones but making them better, Samsung can create products that customers actually want to buy.

As always, I am there to listen to your opinion on my X handle (@SamsungSWUpdate). Enjoy Sammy!

Continue Reading

Android

Android 16 coming next month: Is your Samsung Galaxy device eligible for the next major One UI update?

Published

on

Samsung One UI 7

Get ready, Samsung Galaxy fans! Android 16 is set to arrive as early as June 2025, bringing exciting changes to your smartphones and tablets. Google has confirmed that this new operating system will roll out to Samsung devices this summer, with some devices possibly getting it sooner than expected.

The big question: Will your Galaxy phone or tablet be eligible for this major update? Let’s explore which Galaxy devices will support Android 16.

Which Samsung devices will get Android 16?

Samsung maintains a clear software update policy that makes determining device eligibility straightforward. Here’s the breakdown:

Flagship Phones (Guaranteed Support)

  • Galaxy S Series: S22, S23, S24, and S25 series
  • Galaxy Z Foldables: Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6, and upcoming Z Fold7
  • Galaxy Z Flip Series: Z Flip4, Z Flip5, Z Flip6, and upcoming Z Flip7

All flagship phones launched in 2022 or later are guaranteed to receive the Android 16-based One UI 8 update. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, expected to launch in July 2025, will likely come with Android 16 pre-installed.

Mid-Range Devices (Select Models)

Some mid-range devices will also receive the update, including:

  • Galaxy A55
  • Galaxy A35
  • Galaxy A16 5G (with six years of updates guaranteed)

Samsung’s promise of four years of OS upgrades for select models extends Android 16 compatibility to these devices.

Devices that won’t get Android 16

Unfortunately, older flagships like the Galaxy S21 series won’t receive Android 16. Launched in 2021, these devices have already received the final major update with Android 15 (One UI 7).

What to expect from One UI 8

Samsung’s Android 16-based One UI 8 promises to be both smooth and exciting. Here’s some important information:

Advertisement

Key Improvements

  • Slicker animations and smoother performance
  • Subtle design refinements
  • Enhanced user experience optimizations

New Features

  • Android 16 Live Updates: Real-time notifications on your lock screen
  • Samsung Now Bar Integration: Seamless experience with live updates
  • Improved system responsiveness

Beta Program Timeline

Samsung is already testing One UI 8 internally. A beta program for devices like the Galaxy S25 series could start as early as late May or early June 2025. This update aims to avoid the delays experienced with One UI 7, ensuring a quicker and smoother rollout.

How to check your device’s eligibility

  1. Navigate to Settings > Software Update on your Galaxy device
  2. Check if your device is still receiving regular software updates in 2025
  3. Review your device’s launch year and model

Update guarantee by Series

  • 7 Years of Updates: Galaxy S24 series and newer foldables (2024+)
  • 4-5 Years of Updates: Galaxy S22, S23 series, and their FE models
  • 6 Years of Updates: Galaxy A16 5G

Stay informed:

You should regularly check Samsung’s official website or trusted sources like Sammy Fans for the final list of eligible devices when One UI 8 is officially announced.

Timeline and rollout expectations:

  • Android 16 Release: June 2025 (Google)
  • One UI 8 Beta: Late May to early June 2025
  • Samsung Rollout: Shortly after Google’s release, starting with the flagship devices
  • Priority rollout sequence:
    • Galaxy S25 series and new foldables
    • Recent flagship devices (S24, S23, S22 series)
    • Eligible mid-range devices
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

If you own a Galaxy S25, S24, S23, S22, or any Z Fold/Z Flip models from 2022 onward, Android 16 is headed your way. The update should begin rolling out to Samsung devices shortly after Google’s June release, with flagship models leading the deployment.

For users with older devices like the S21 or Z Fold 3, you’ll continue receiving security updates, but Android 16 may be beyond reach. Stay tuned for Samsung’s One UI 8 beta program to preview the upcoming features and ensure your device is ready for the next evolution in Galaxy software.

Continue Reading

Android

Android 16 QPR1 Beta brings customizable quick settings tiles: A preview of One UI 8?

Published

on

Android 16 Developer Preview

Google is moving at full speed. I am expecting the same from Samsung as the Android 16 QPR1 beta is already here, and we are still waiting for the first official word about the Android 16-based One UI 8 beta program.

Regardless of this waiting, Google’s latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta introduces one of the most requested features: resizable Quick Settings tiles.

Google’s Android 16 is expected to come next month, but it won’t bring the full Material You “Expressive” redesign, expect it to arrive with the September Pixel Feature Drop. However, you can enjoy the UI improvements by joining the QPR beta channel (Pixel device exclusive).

Resizable Quick Settings:

In this beta, you now have the ability to customize the Quick Settings panel with resizable tiles. This long-awaited feature allows for better space utilization and personalization of your notification shade. We tried this on a Google Pixel device running Android 16 QPR1 beta.

How does it work?

  1. Access the edit mode by tapping the pencil icon in the Quick Settings panel.
  2. Tap any tile to reveal a draggable handle.
  3. Resize tiles between the standard 2×1 size and the new compact 1×1 size.
  4. Create your ideal layout with up to 16 tiles in the first panel (compared to just 8 previously).

Android 16 QPR1 Beta Quick Panel Sammy Fans

Note: The smaller 1×1 tiles display only the function’s icon, omitting text labels to maximize space efficiency. You get a “Reset” button at the very bottom.

The update also brings improved organization to your Quick Settings management. This easy categorization makes finding and adding specific tiles much faster than scrolling through an unorganized list. Unused tiles are now logically grouped into categories, including:

Advertisement
  • Connectivity
  • Utilities
  • Display
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • From system apps

Apart from this specific feature, the update adds several other notable improvements:

  • Redesigned brightness slider
  • Updated internet tile icon
  • Refined typography
  • New Settings app icons
  • Enhanced animations and blur effects

Do we have these features in One UI 7? Could we see this in One UI 8:

Samsung’s One UI 7, based on Android 15, does not support resizable Quick Settings tiles—a feature introduced in Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Users cannot adjust tile dimensions (e.g., from 1×1 to 2×1) in the current One UI implementation.

Available customization options include:

  • Rearranging tiles (tap and hold to reposition)
  • Toggling between split and combined panel layouts

The architectural difference between One UI 7’s split panel design and Android 16’s unified Quick Settings experience is notable. One UI 7 also lacks Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive features, including background blur effects.

For reference, Android 16 QPR1 Beta maintains a unified Quick Settings and notification shade, requiring two distinct pull-down gestures—one for notifications and a second for Quick Settings access.

If you are seeking resizable Quick Settings tiles will likely need to wait for One UI 8, which is expected to bring Android 16’s expanded customization capabilities.

I am curious about your thoughts on these latest features. Please share your opinion on my X profile @SamsungSWUpdate.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a hard pass for me and many

Published

on

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge unboxing

As a long-time Samsung enthusiast and a proud user of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I was buzzing with excitement when I heard about the Galaxy S25 Edge first time. Samsung’s promise of an ultra-slim flagship with cutting-edge tech felt like a bold move to shake up the smartphone market. But after watching the launch event and getting a quick hands-on with the device, my enthusiasm fizzled out. The S25 Edge, despite its sleek design, feels like a misstep—overpriced, overhyped, and poorly promoted. Here’s why this phone misses the “recommendation”.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the latest addition to the S25 lineup, which includes the base S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Launched in May 2025, it’s marketed as a premium, ultra-slim flagship with a 5.8mm titanium frame, a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, and a 200MP main camera. It’s powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset as its siblings but without some features, like a telephoto lens and a larger battery. Priced around $1,099, it sits between the S25+ ($999) and the S25 Ultra ($1,299), aiming to carve out a niche for users who want a big screen in a featherlight package.

Samsung positions the S25 Edge as a direct competitor to Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, emphasizing its thinness and premium build. But while it’s undeniably sleek, the compromises it makes leave it struggling to stand out in a crowded market.

Questionable Promotional Strategy:

Samsung’s marketing for the S25 Edge has been a letdown, leaning heavily on its slim design while glossing over its shortcomings. The campaign revolves around buzzwords like “revolutionary thinness” and “premium elegance,” with glossy ads showing the phone slipping effortlessly into pockets. But the messaging feels empty. Samsung wants us to believe the S25 Edge is an essential upgrade, yet it fails to explain why we need a thinner phone at the cost of key features.

Advertisement

Compare this to Samsung’s past campaigns, like the S21 series, which highlighted bold colors, versatile cameras, and 5G connectivity to appeal to a wide audience. Or the S24 Ultra’s launch, which leaned into Galaxy AI features like real-time translation and photo editing, giving users tangible reasons to upgrade. Then, there is S25 Edge’s ads, by contrast, feel like they are selling a concept—thinness—rather than a phone. There’s little focus on how the slim design improves daily use or why it’s worth the premium price. Social media discussion reflects this disconnection with users and questions the phone’s value.

Samsung also missed a chance to target specific audiences, like mobile gamers or content creators, who might appreciate the lightweight design. Instead, the broad “everyone needs this” approach feels forced, especially when the S25 Ultra offers more for just $200 extra (well, you can get the Ultra for less than the S25 Edge if you go for a better deal).

Overpriced:

At $1,099, the Galaxy S25 Edge is a tough sell. Let’s break it down. The S25+ costs $999 and offers a near-identical 6.7-inch AMOLED display, the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a larger 4,900mAh battery, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S25 Ultra, at $1,299, throws in a 50MP ultrawide camera, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x), a 6.9-inch display, and an S Pen. Meanwhile, the S25 Edge skimps on the telephoto lens, has a measly 3,900mAh battery, and uses a 12MP ultrawide camera that’s outclassed by the Ultra’s 50MP sensor.

Compared to competitors, the S25 Edge looks even less appealing. The Google Pixel 9 Pro, priced at $999, offers a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom, plus a 4,700mAh battery. The iPhone 16 Pro, at $999, boasts a 6.3-inch display, a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 5x telephoto, with a battery that lasts longer than the Edge’s. Both competitors deliver more (technically) robust camera systems and better battery life for less money.

The “premium tag” for the Edge’s slim design and titanium frame doesn’t justify the price. The new Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 are nice, but the S25+ uses similar materials for $100 less. The HOP 3.0 display tech, which allows finer refresh rate adjustments, is a minor upgrade over the S25+’s LTPO panel. For $1,099, you’re paying for aesthetics, not performance. As an S25 Ultra user, I’d rather spend the extra $200 (without the offer and discount) for a phone that doesn’t compromise on cameras or battery life.

Advertisement

Do we really need the Galaxy S25 Edge?

Samsung wants us to believe the S25 Edge is a must-have, but it’s hard to see why. The slim design is the star of the show, but does it solve a real problem? Most users don’t complain about their phones being too thick—the S25+ is 7.3mm and feels perfectly fine. The Edge’s 5.8mm profile is impressive, but it comes at the cost of a 3,900mAh battery that’s worryingly small for a 6.7-inch display. Early tests suggest it struggles to last a full day of heavy use, especially with power-hungry apps like games or video editors.

The 200MP main camera is a highlight, borrowed from the S25 Ultra, but the lack of a telephoto lens is a dealbreaker for anyone who loves zooming in for photos or videos. The 12MP ultrawide is still usable but lags behind the 50MP ultrawide on the Ultra and the 48MP ultrawides on the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. Features like Galaxy AI’s “Now Brief” and “AI Select” are neat but available across the S25 lineup, so these are not exclusive to the Edge.

The slim design might appeal to users who prioritize portability, like those who keep their phone in tight pockets or prefer a lightweight device for one-handed use. But for most people, the standard S25 or S25+ offers the same performance and better battery life without sacrificing camera versatility and a heavy price. The Edge feels like a niche experiment rather than a necessary addition to the lineup.

What users are saying:

The online reaction to the S25 Edge has been lukewarm at best, with many users echoing my disappointment. Here’s a sampling of opinions from early adopters and average consumers:

Advertisement

What users are saying:

Jake, tech enthusiast

I was hyped for the S25 Edge, but $1,099 for a phone with no telephoto lens and a tiny battery? My S25 Ultra takes better zoomed shots and lasts longer. Pass.

Sarah, casual user

It’s super thin, sure, but I can’t afford $1,100 for a phone that feels like a downgrade from the S25+. Samsung’s pricing is getting out of hand.

Mike, photographer

The 200MP camera is great, but the ultrawide is meh, and no telephoto means I’m sticking with my S24 Ultra. Why pay more for less?

Emily, student

I love the look of the Edge, but the battery life scares me. My base S25 lasts all day, and it’s way cheaper. Not worth it.

Advertisement

Chris, gamer

The slim design is cool, but it gets warm when I play games, and the battery drains fast. My S25 Ultra handles gaming so much better.

My Opinion:

As a Galaxy S25 Ultra user, I am spoiled by its robust hardware, and the S25 Edge feels like a downgrade in every way that matters. The 3,900mAh battery is a major concern. Running resource-intensive apps like Adobe Lightroom or Call of Duty Mobile on my Ultra is smooth, with its 5,000mAh battery lasting through hours of editing or gaming. The Edge, with its smaller battery and thinner vapor chamber for cooling, struggles to keep up. Early reviews note thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, which is a red flag for power users.

The lack of a telephoto lens is another head-scratcher. My Ultra has 3x and 5x telephoto lenses; the Edge relies on pixel binning for up to 10x zoom, but it can’t match the clarity of optical zoom. For a phone priced so close to the Ultra, this feels like a cheap shortcut. The 12MP ultrawide camera sounds downgraded in comparison to the Ultra’s 50MP sensor, especially in low light.

The slim design is undeniably cool, but it’s a gimmick that doesn’t justify the trade-offs. My S25 Ultra feels premium and delivers on every front—cameras, battery, performance. The Edge sacrifices too much to chase a trend that Apple might perfect with the iPhone 17 Air.

Advertisement

Recommandation: A Big NO

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a classic case of style over substance. Samsung’s promotional strategy hypes its thinness without addressing why it’s worth $1,099, leaving users confused. Priced too close to the”real” flagship S25 Ultra and outclassed by competitors, it’s hard to justify the cost. The slim design is neat but not necessary, and the hardware limitations—small battery, no telephoto lens, underwhelming ultrawide—make it a tough sell. User feedback mirrors my disappointment, with many calling it overpriced and underwhelming.

As someone who was initially thrilled about the S25 Edge, I am now firmly in the “no thanks” camp. My S25 Ultra remains the king of Samsung’s lineup, and for anyone considering the Edge, I’d say save your money or go for the Plus or Ultra instead. Samsung needs to rethink its approach if it wants the Edge to be more than a flashy footnote in its flagship story.

Hey Sammy Fans, what do you think of the Galaxy S25 Edge? Love the ultra-thin design, or are the battery and missing telephoto a dealbreaker? Share your thoughts by DM on my X handle @SamsungSWUpdate.

Continue Reading

Technology

Samsung’s latest patent reveals a foldable gaming controller

Published

on

By

Samsung is taking big steps in the world of gaming technology. On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved a Samsung design patent 1067913 for a new gaming controller with a foldable screen.

Earlier this year, Samsung showed off its Flex Gaming prototype at the Mobile World Congress (MWC). The Flex Gaming console looks like a Nintendo Switch but has the added feature of a screen that folds in the middle. It’s clear that Samsung has plans for foldable gaming devices.

The patent for Samsung’s Gaming Remote Controller doesn’t give us full details on how the controller works, but it includes design images that show what the foldable controller might look like. The images suggest a sleek and portable controller design.

Samsung Foldable Gaming Remote controller patent

Image via Patently Apple

Moreover, it can fold up for easy storage but unfold to offer a larger display for gaming. This could offer gamers a new level of flexibility and convenience.

There’s not much information available, but the idea of a foldable controller opens up exciting possibilities. This new design shows that Samsung is thinking of making gaming more flexible and portable in the future.

More details about this foldable gaming controller are expected to appear soon. This patent hints that we might soon see more creative and portable gaming devices from Samsung. Stay tuned for more information.

Samsung patents a 360-degree foldable smartphone

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Most Popular