Huawei Reportedly Developing Its Own Camera Sensors for Upcoming Flagships

Huawei’s pursuit of technological independence appears to be expanding beyond processors and operating systems. According to a recent leak from Weibo, the company is now focusing on creating its own CMOS image sensors (CIS), which could debut with the upcoming Mate 80 series flagship smartphones.

The leak, shared by the reputable tipster Digital Chat Station, suggests that Huawei is developing two new image sensors: the SC5A0CS and the SC590XS. Both are said to feature a 50-megapixel resolution and incorporate Huawei’s signature RYYB color filter array, an alternative to the standard RGB format used by most smartphone cameras.

One-inch main sensor and a 50MP telephoto module

Reports suggest that the SC5A0CS will be a 1-inch sensor, possibly serving as the primary camera on the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra. Meanwhile, the SC590XS, slightly smaller at 1/1.3 inches, is expected to act as the telephoto sensor.

What makes the SC590XS particularly noteworthy is its integration of Huawei’s new “SuperPixGain HDR2.0” technology. This feature combines three images captured at the same exposure level to enhance dynamic range and minimize motion blur. The result, according to the leak, is a photograph with improved clarity in both bright and shadowed areas—without the common ghosting artifacts often seen in HDR shots.

A move away from Sony and Samsung sensors

While the broader smartphone industry still relies heavily on camera sensors from Sony and Samsung, Huawei continues to chart its own course. The company is one of the few to consistently utilize RYYB sensor technology, which replaces green pixels with yellow to allow more light in and improve low-light image quality.

Although Huawei hasn’t officially confirmed these new sensors, if the leaks are accurate, they could play a major role in reducing the brand’s reliance on third-party imaging technology—another step in its broader goal of self-sufficiency.