Samsung reveals dual-camera sensors for ‘mid-to-entry-level’ phones

Dual-camera technology has enabled all sorts of cool photography features in today’s smartphones, but the truth is that it’s largely restricted to flagships and mid-range devices.

Now, Samsung has announced its ISOCELL Dual range of dual-camera sensors, being divided into two dual-camera setups for “mid to entry-level” smartphones.

But the interesting part is that Samsung is also equipping each setup with its own proprietary algorithms, reducing the need for a client manufacturer to develop its own algorithms from the ground-up.

The 13MP and 5MP setup offer Samsung’s refocus algorithms, while the 8MP+8MP set comes with the firm’s low-light shooting (LLS) algorithms.

“Dual cameras are delivering new and exciting photo-taking experiences on mobile devices,” said Ben K. Hur, vice president of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics, in a statement. “Samsung’s total solution for ISOCELL Dual will make our customers’ product development process easier, allowing them to bring the most optimized dual camera features to a wider range of consumers.”

Samsung has revealed its ISOCELL Dual range of dual-camera tech, targeting budget-focused devices

The Korean firm notes that integrating dual-camera tech can be a resource-intensive process for brands, owing to optimisation of software and algorithms in general.

“Samsung’s total dual camera solution will simplify that process and enable mid- to entry-level mobile devices to take advantage of certain camera features mainly available in premium devices equipped with an extra image signal processor,” the firm elaborates.

It wouldn’t be the first time we see dual-camera tech in budget-minded smartphones, but it could potentially mean the barrier of entry has been brought down even further. In other words, don’t be surprised to see more US$100 to US$200 smartphones with dual-camera tech at MWC and IFA.