Samsung’s smartphones are known for having some of the best features on the market, regardless of whether they are entry-level, mid-range, high-end, or premium tier devices. However, there are several innovations the manufacturer has developed or hopes to develop that are not intended for smartphones.
The company’s scope spans accross several industries, which allows it to create components that are often seen in smartphones, but are also used for other electronic devices, such as cameras, computers, storage cards, and drones.
Here’s a rundown of some of Samsung’s upcoming or planned technologies that aren’t intended for its smartphone lines.
200-Megapixel Camera
Samsung recently announced its 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP1 image sensor, which is an industry-first mobile camera lens. The manufacturer said the sensor is currently available for sampling for other smartphone brands; however, media reports indicate that Samsung does not plan to use the image sensor for devices in its Galaxy S22 series, which is rumored for release in early 2022. In particular, its Galaxy S22 Ultra is expected to feature a 108-megapixel camera, similar to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which was released in 2021.
However, this is customary for Samsung. The manufacturer often makes its components available to other companies to use soon after release while it works on developing the features to its exact specifications for future devices. That means whatever device it currently has in the pipeline won’t benefit from the new technology, but may see an incremental update from its last technology. Samsung might then implement the new feature several months to years after its initial launch, and then use it on its own smartphones for several years, continuously improving the technology on new models of devices.
Samsung has been developing its 108-megapixel lens since 2019, which was released on a Xiaomi smartphone before it was featured on a Samsung Galaxy flagship. However, Samsung Galaxy 108-megapixel cameras are considered the industry standard, over any other brand featuring a Samsung-made camera.
High Quality SSDs, SD cards, and Micro SD Cards
Samsung is known for more than just smartphones. Its storage sector serves countless devices other than the latest Galaxy, and PhoneArena has word that the manufacturer’s line of 2021 SSD, SD, and micro SD cards will be available next month.
The Samsung Pro Plus Micro SD card is ideal storage for cameras and video, such as GoPro’s or DJI drones. The micro SD is set to come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options and read speeds up to 160MB/s and write speeds up to 120MB/s.
The Samsung Evo Plus Micro SD card is set to do well as multipurpose storage with 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options and read and write speeds of up to 130MB/s.
The Samsung Pro Plus, Evo Plus Full-Size SD card is set to support devices including various cameras, such as DSLR, camcorders, and computers. It is also expected to be able to handle storage or other similarly large devices. The Pro Plus cards will come in 32GB or 512GB options, and the Evo Plus cards in 32GB or 256GB options, with read/write speeds similar to those previously described.
576-Megapixel Camera
Recent reports reveal Samsung has ambitions to develop a 576-megapixel camera sensor, which would in theory be able to capture as much detail as the human eye with 20/20 vision. Details come from a leak from the SEMI Europe Summit, where Samsung’s senior automotive sensor VP, Haechang Lee showcased a timeline of the manufacturer’s development history and future plans. The company hopes to achieve this goal by 2025 at the earliest. It appears to be a part of an industry goal of achieving a 600-megapixel lens.
SamMobile noted if developed this image sensor is unlikely to be marketed for smartphones, even those manufactured by Samsung. Though the brand has discussed using high-resolution image sensors for other purposes, such as automotive, virtual reality, and drones.
