Samsung Electronics said Wednesday it has started production of a 1.2 megapixel image sensor for smartphones that applies its own dual pixel technology.

The company’s latest smartphone Galaxy S7 and its Edge variant that boast advanced camera functions are the first to adopt the sensor. 

Dual pixel technology means each of the 12 million pixels have two photodiodes that collect light. The pixels work better like human eyes, improving autofocus speed and allowing clear photos even in low light conditions.

Used in DSLR cameras, the technology uses 100 percent of the pixels compared with conventional smartphone sensors that use only 5 percent.

The sensor has also adopted Samsung’s IOSCELL technology, which isolates the photodiodes in each pixel with a physical wall to further reduce color cross talk, maximizing the image sensor’s performance.

The sensor also uses the company’s latest chip-stacking technology that bundles a 65 nanometer sensor and 28 nanometer logic chip to allow sleeker smartphone design as well.

“With 12 million pixels working as a phase detection auto-focus agent, the new image sensor brings professional auto-focusing performance to a mobile device,” said Ben K. Hur, vice president of marketing at System LSI, the company’s logic chip and contract making division. 

“Consumers will be able to capture their daily events and precious moments instantly on a smartphone as the events unfold, regardless of lighting conditions.”

Samsung and other handset makers are increasingly improving camera functions of their flagship smartphones. The Korean tech giant, which is the world’s largest memory chipmaker, is also upping the ante for sensors and other chip products. 

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)