HIGHLIGHTS
- The Xiaomi 12 Ultra is expected to be released in May.
- Sony has not officially verified the development of the new sensor.
- The Sony IMX989 sensor is said to have a resolution of 50 megapixels.
Sony is rumored to be developing a new flagship line of smartphone camera sensors. The much-anticipated IMX9 sensor family is likely to be released this year. A tipster has given the product name for one of Sony's forthcoming sensors in a new update. According to the source, the 50-megapixel sensor will be called IMX989 and will be about 1-inch in size. The rumored sensor is slated to debut with Xiaomi's forthcoming flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 12 Ultra, as an annual flagship from Sony. The smartphone is expected to be released in May of this year, after the Mi 11 Ultra from last year.
On Weibo, tipster Digital Chat Station reported certain parameters for Sony's IMX9 series sensors. The 50-megapixel Sony IMX9 sensor will be known as the IMX989, according to the source. This high-end sensor might be one inch in size. At this time, there are no specifics on when the Sony IMX989 sensor will be released.
The Sony IMX989 sensor is expected to make its debut with the Xiaomi 12 Ultra. Separately, the Vivo X80 phone is said to use a 50-megapixel Sony IMX866 RGBW sensor.
The Xiaomi 12 Ultra is expected to be released in China in May. It is expected to be a premium product powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ SoC, an enhanced version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. It might make its debut in the second part of the year.
Previous rumours indicate that the Xiaomi 12 Ultra would have a 6.6-inch 2K AMOLED curved display. It is anticipated to have a Leica-branded back camera configuration and a 4,860mAh battery with 120W fast charging capabilities. The phone's other previously leaked characteristics include a 50-megapixel primary sensor.
