Samsung Electronics said Wednesday that it has begun selling its advanced 12 megapixel (Mp) image sensor with dual pixel technology Already in mass production, this 1.4µm-pixel-based image sensor is equipped with Dual Pixel technology that has been reserved for DSLR cameras. The technology enables rapid auto-focus for fast photo shooting while producing high image quality on mobile devices, even in low light situations.

Samsung’s new image sensor employs two photodiodes located on the left and right halves of a pixel, while a conventional image sensor dedicates less than five percent of its pixels, with one photodiode each that converts light particles into measurable photocurrent for phase detection. As each and every pixel of the Dual Pixel image sensor is capable of detecting phase differences of perceived light, significantly faster auto-focus has become possible.

The image sensor has also adopted Samsung’s ISOCELL technology, which isolates the photodiodes in each pixel with a physical wall to further reduce color cross talk, maximizing the image sensor’s performance.

For high performance while keeping the size to a minimum, the new image sensor is built with chip-stacking technology. The Dual Pixel image sensor stacks a 65 nanometer (nm) sensor and 28nm logic chip together.

Samsung will use the image sensor in its new flagship smartphone ? Galaxy S7 and S7 edge ? both of which will be available beginning March 11.

Market watchers expect Samsung to also approach leading Chinese handset makers including Xiaomi and Huawei to promote the sale of its sensor chips.

The global image sensor market is led by Sony with market share of 45.6 percent. Samsung's market share was estimated at some 13.1 percent as of last year.