Emir BardakçıThe Xiaomi 17 Ultra is supposed to be the world’s most advanced smartphone camera, but it could already have hard competition. Since Xiaomi is about to release the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in January–February 2026, new Sony leaks reveal a major leap in mobile camera technology. Sony’s new 200MP CMOS sensor could revolutionize the limits of smartphone photography and make the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s position uncertain even before its release.
Sony Next-Generation CMOS Sensors: LYT-838 and LYT-910
Insider @fenibook revealed that Sony is developing two new capable CMOS image sensors, namely the LYT-838 and LYT-910.
The LYT-838 features a 1/1.28-inch sensor with 50 million pixels and is backed by LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) tech for enhanced dynamic range. The technology solves issues like ghosting and smearing related to first-gen HDR tech. It will likely first arrive on future OPPO or vivo flagships.
The LYT-910, on the other hand, is Sony’s first-ever 200MP CMOS sensor. With a 1/1.11-inch size and 0.7μm pixel area, it supports dual-level Remosaic — producing images in either 50MP (QBC) or full 200MP (QQBC) modes. Industry sources hint that this sensor could power a major “Ultra” flagship smartphone soon, possibly outshining rivals like Xiaomi’s upcoming Ultra models.
Xiaomi’s Camera System Still Holds Strong
Leaked Xiaomi 17 Ultra specs list a higher-end four-sensor arrangement:
- 50MP OVX10500U Wide (main)
- 50MP JN5 Ultra-Wide
- 50MP OV50M Front Camera
- 200MP HPE Telephoto Lens
This combination shows Xiaomi’s continued collaboration with top lens suppliers like Sunny Optical and Semco, ensuring exceptional clarity and versatility across zoom and wide-angle modes. Furthermore, the integration of Leica’s imaging algorithms is expected to enhance color science and dynamic tone mapping under Xiaomi HyperOS 2.
Industry-Wide LOFIC Adoption
The LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) standard is emerging as the next major evolution in sensor technology. Industry analyst @数码闲聊站 confirmed that several flagship series — including Honor Magic 6, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Huawei’s upcoming Ultra device — are preparing to implement LOFIC-based imaging systems. Even Apple reportedly has internal plans to use this technology, though not before 2028.
Conclusion
As the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is providing a revolutionary camera experience, Sony’s 200MP sensor announcement has raised the bar for everyone else. With Xiaomi also polishing its camera hardware and image processing with Leica, the real competition in 2026 may not only be between smartphones — but between sensor technologies themselves.
Source: Fennibook
