The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t using the ISOCELL HP9 sensor, and here’s why

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive smartphones of the year. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and industry-leading cameras, it’s a device that continues to push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. However, there’s one curious omission from the Galaxy S25 Ultra that has left tech enthusiasts scratching their heads: the absence of Samsung’s latest ISOCELL HP9 sensor.

The ISOCELL HP9 is Samsung’s newest and most advanced camera sensor, promising even better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and sharper details. Given Samsung’s reputation for equipping its Ultra models with the best camera hardware available, many expected the Galaxy S25 Ultra to feature this cutting-edge sensor. Yet, it didn’t make the cut. So, what’s the reason behind this surprising decision?

According to a post on X by renowned leaker Ice Universe, the answer might come down to size. The HP9 sensor is reportedly much larger and thicker than the sensors currently used in flagship smartphones. While this larger size contributes to its superior image quality, it also poses a significant design challenge. Accommodating the HP9 would have required a much larger camera bump. This would have potentially made the camera bump on the Galaxy S25 Ultra thicker and less aesthetically pleasing.

For Samsung, this seems to have been a dealbreaker. The company has always placed a strong emphasis on design, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. However, a bulky sensor like the HP9 could have disrupted the phone’s sleek, premium look. In this case, it appears Samsung prioritized form over function.

That’s not to say the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s cameras are lacking. Far from it. The phone still boasts an incredible camera system capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in almost any scenario. But for those who follow smartphone camera technology closely, the absence of the HP9 feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a reminder that even the best devices sometimes have to make compromises.

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