A new camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra may have been quietly revealed by Samsung, giving us much insight into rumors of the biggest upgrade in the Galaxy S23 series.

A new 200MP camera sensor, the ISOCELL HP2 (opens in new tab), has been revealed in a Samsung press release, confirming that it is currently in mass production for the "premium smartphone of tomorrow." This certainly sounds like the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Samsung has already released 200MP ISOCELL HP1 and HP3 sensors in 2021 and 2022 respectively, providing high-resolution photos for phones like the Xiaomi 12T Pro. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra was rumored a while back to feature an all-new 200MP Samsung sensor, so this could be the camera we've been waiting for.

According to Samsung's press release, the ISOCELL HP2 is a 1/1.3-inch sensor, slightly larger than the 1/1.33-inch 108MP camera sensor used in the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which consists of 0.6 micrometer (μm) pixels. Therefore, if the Galaxy S23 Ultra will indeed use the new sensor, there should be no difference in the size of the Galaxy S23 Ultra considering the new sensor.

The HP2 can produce 200MP, 50MP, and 12.5MP images through pixel binning (combining pixel data into larger virtual pixels), 8K video at 30fps (using 50MP mode for minimal cropping) or up to 60fps HDR 4K video can be recorded.

Other technologies Samsung is showing off with the HP2 sensor include Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG), which theoretically improves the color of photos taken in bright environments; a new, faster, better performing low-light shooting called Super QPD Auto Focus system, DSG and Smart-ISO Pro, which enhance HDR performance at different resolutions.

It is difficult to judge the performance of the camera without actually taking test shots, so we will reserve judgment until we try it out, assuming the Galaxy S23 Ultra uses this HP2 sensor. Samsung's continued focus on camera resolution over other features is definitely misplaced, but the ISOCELL HP2 specs are at least impressive.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 200MP camera is the only major rear camera upgrade rumored for the entire Galaxy S23 series. However, there are other claims about a selfie camera upgrade, plus hints about new designs for the Basic and Plus models, and the use of the latest Snapdragon flagship chipset worldwide.

The Galaxy Unpacked event on February 1 will focus on the Galaxy S23 series, especially the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Until then, however, we will bring you major leaks and news to give you a clearer picture of these new models.