One of Samsung’s more interesting camera sensors is the ISOCELL GN1. This 50-megapixel sensor has a large 1/1.3-inch size and boasted Dual Pixel AF for fast autofocusing speeds. This sensor gained prominence on the Pixel 7 series, where it dominated the DxOMark rankings at one point. The success of this sensor led to the ISOCELL GN2 that’s used on the Pixel 8 series—and Samsung recently launched the ISOCELL GNK, which might make its way into 2024 flagship phones.

While the new sensor is similar to the ISOCELL GN1/GN2 with its 1/1.3-inch sensor size and 1.2um pixels, Samsung claims that the ISOCELL GNK has improved performance that includes a higher dynamic range and lower image noise—two aspects that will make you believe flagship phones are expected to use this sensor in 2024.

The ISOCELL GNK uses an improved Dual Pixel Pro for better autofocus capabilities. It is also a unique sensor as it can shoot 14-bit RAW images—an impressive feat for a smartphone. To make this possible, the ISOCELL GNK utilizes three different ISO modes to maximize the dynamic range and at the same time reduce motion artifacts.

As expected of a flagship-grade sensor, it can shoot 8K video at 30FPS, along with HDR videos,  4K videos at up to 120FPS and Full HD videos at up to 240FPS.

Samsung did not disclose what phones will use the ISOCELL GNK, but it’s safe to say that Google’s Pixel 9 series is expected to use it.