Sony unveils 50-megapixel Lytia 720 sensor with expanded HDR

Lytia 720 promises a dynamic range of 100 dB, improved low-light performance, and 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. Mass production shipments are set to begin in early November 2026.

Sony unveils 50-megapixel Lytia 720 sensor for smartphones

The new mobile image sensor promises high sensitivity in low light and 4K HDR video recording at 60 frames per second. According to Sony, Lytia 720 also delivers a dynamic range of 100 dB—roughly 16.6 stops of exposure.

HDR using multiple readout modes

Lytia 720 uses HF-HDR (Hybrid Frame-HDR) technology. It combines Dual Conversion Gain-HDR (DCG-HDR) with frames captured at a faster shutter speed. Data on low and mid brightness levels is complemented by information about highlights captured at a shorter exposure. This approach expands the image's overall dynamic range.

HF-HDR is already used in Sony's more advanced sensors: the 200-megapixel Lytia 901 and the 50-megapixel Lytia 910. The latter was Sony's first sensor to feature LOFIC technology. As of October 28, 2026, these models are part of the company's high-end mobile lineup.

Compact format and noise reduction

Lytia 720 is a Type 1/1.56 sensor. It is smaller than the Type 1/1.12 Lytia 901 and the Type 1/1.28 Lytia 910. This makes the new sensor a potential fit for the main camera in a mid-range smartphone or for a telephoto module in premium and flagship devices.

The sensor is comparable in size to the one used in the iPhone 18 Pro's main camera. Apple does not disclose this specification publicly. Sensors of this size are also found in the main cameras of many mid-range and high-end smartphones, as well as in telephoto cameras, including those in flagship models.

In Sony's current lineup, Lytia 720 effectively replaces the Lytia 700, also a 50-megapixel Type 1/1.56 sensor. The new model is expected to offer a significantly wider dynamic range and improved low-light performance. Sony says its proprietary noise-reduction system cuts random noise in dark scenes by about 50% compared with Lytia 700.

Shooting speeds and production launch

In addition to 4K HDR video at 60 frames per second, Lytia 720 supports 4K recording at 120 frames per second with DCG-HDR disabled. The sensor can capture 50-megapixel images with all-pixel autofocus at up to 50 frames per second. At 12.5 megapixels, the rate reaches 90 frames per second, or 30 frames per second with DCG-HDR enabled.

Sony plans to begin mass shipments of Lytia 720 in early November 2026. This means the sensor could soon appear in smartphones.