Google Pixel 8 series likely using Samsung's ISOCELL GNV sensor
What's the story
Google's Pixel 8 series smartphones were previously tipped to use Samsung's ISOCELL GN2 sensors. That, however, appeared less likely as the launch date drew near.
During the recent launch event, Google confirmed the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro boast a new main camera sensor with better low-light performance but didn't reveal specific details about the sensor.
Now, Ben Sin from XDA-Developers has speculated that ISOCELL GNV could be the camera sensor of choice for the Pixel 8 series.
Scenario
Google has yet to disclose details
According to Google, the Pixel 8 series's new main camera sensor is designed to deliver significantly enhanced low-light photography, with performance improvements of up to 21%.
While the sensor maintains the same 50MP resolution as the ISOCELL GN1 found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, Google hasn't disclosed the specific sensor used in the latest Pixel smartphones.
What we do know is that the primary sensor features a 1/1.31-inch sensor size, 1.2μm pixel width, and an f/1.68 aperture.
Details
ISOCELL GNV: Likely candidate for Pixel 8 series
Although Samsung hasn't heavily promoted ISOCELL GNV, it has been incorporated into various Android devices over the past few years, including the Vivo X80 Pro from mid-2022.
Besides Sin, smartphone comparison site Kimovil also lists ISOCELL GNV as the sensor for the Pixel 8 series, but their source remains a mystery.
If that's the case, Google's claim of better light capture and reduced noise in darker environments is probably due to ISOCELL GNV's larger sensor size and wider aperture.
Information
Awaiting official confirmation and teardowns
Based on available information and expert analysis, ISOCELL GNV seems to be the main camera sensor on the Pixel 8 series. However, we can expect official confirmation and additional details to surface soon from teardowns and upcoming comprehensive reviews.