Sony makes more than half the global CMOS image sensors used in smartphones, with a market share more than triple that of second-place Samsung.
According to analyst firm Omdia, the Japanese company held a market share of 51.6 per cent during the third quarter last year – the most recent data available.
Compared to its closest rival, Samsung, who holds 15.6 per cent, Sony seem to have the market sewn up.
Sony snagged Xiaomi as a customer in 2021, after years of the Chinese phone maker using mostly Sammsung sensors in its phones.
Overnight, Samsung announced its long-rumoured 200MP Isocell HP2, which will be used in its S23 Ultra and may close the gap somewhat.
The entire image sensor market increased by 13.6 per cent from the previous quarter, bringing in A$6.77 billion during the quarter.
With these sensors fast making their way into other products, such as autonomous driving and the burgeoning augmented reality sector, Sony will have to keep a close eye on its rivals.
One company controlling more than half of a single market will be something that the likes of Samsung will be very keen to change.
