Xiaomi 16 Ultra to Feature Groundbreaking SmartSens 1-Inch Camera Sensor

A significant leap has just taken place in the smartphone photography segment. Chinese company SmartSens has officially introduced the SC5A5XS, a new 1-inch CMOS sensor with an impressive 50 megapixels and state-of-the-art SuperPixGain HDR technology. This marks the first domestically produced 1-inch sensor for mobile devices, accelerating the industry shift from established Sony solutions to locally developed alternatives.

According to initial information, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Ultra will be the first flagship device to feature this sensor, paired with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset. This move signals a major turning point for the industry, as Xiaomi steps out of the shadow of established manufacturers like Sony and embraces high-tech, homegrown sensors.

The SC5A5XS is far from a simple incremental upgrade. Manufactured using an advanced 28+nm stack process, the sensor achieves a dynamic range of 110dB and sensitivity of 2569mV/lux*s—an impressive 72% improvement over its predecessor. This results in much better low-light performance and clearer images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Alongside SuperPixGain HDR, which enables three-exposure fusion in a single shot, the SC5A5XS features technologies such as SmartClarity-XL Pro and SFCPixel-2, providing 100% all-pixel focus coverage. The new sensor also reduces power consumption by about 10% compared to earlier models, contributing to longer battery life.

Thanks to a 1.6μm pixel size and advanced AllPix ADAF autofocus algorithms, this sensor positions itself as a serious challenger to established players in the global market.

While SmartSens has not officially named its launch partners, industry insiders strongly suggest that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will be the first device to incorporate this groundbreaking sensor. Combined with a top-tier processor, this model could set a new standard in the premium smartphone segment, especially for users who prioritize camera quality.

With the launch of the SC5A5XS sensor, SmartSens demonstrates that Chinese industry is steadily moving into the elite of mobile photography innovation. This new sensor could significantly change the balance of power among manufacturers and raise user expectations to a higher level.