• Global smartphone image sensor shipments rose 2% YoY to 4.4 billion units in 2024.

• Meanwhile, the average number of cameras per smartphone declined further to 3.7 units in 2024 from 3.8 units in 2023.

• Sony maintained its leading position, followed by GalaxyCore in second place and OmniVision in third.

• Global smartphone image sensor shipments are expected to fall slightly YoY in 2025.

Beijing, New Delhi, Hong Kong, London, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo – April 25, 2025

Global smartphone CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) shipments rose by 2% YoY to 4.4 billion units in 2024 driven by a recovery in end-market demand, according to Counterpoint’s Smartphone Camera Tracker. However, the average number of cameras per smartphone further declined to 3.7 units in 2024 from 3.8 units in 2023, despite the market’s recovery.

Sony maintained its leading position in 2024, growing slightly YoY, mainly due to improved production yields and increased demand for premium smartphones. Shanghai-based GalaxyCore ranked second with a 34% YoY increase in shipments. Leveraging its cost-effective advantage, the company has captured more Android orders. Additionally, by shifting to a Fab-lite operational model, GalaxyCore has significantly enhanced product competitiveness, accelerating the launch of high-resolution sensors such as 50MP and further refining its product portfolio.

OmniVision’s shipments rose 14% YoY in 2024 driven in part by its expansion in the popular 50MP sensor segment. Offering excellent performance at a more competitive price than rival solutions, its products such as the OV50H image sensor have gained significant traction after launch and have been widely adopted by major Chinese OEMs. Meanwhile, SK Hynix plans to exit the CIS market in 2025 due to intensifying competition. Its withdrawal could open up new growth opportunities for Chinese suppliers including GalaxyCore and OmniVision.

Looking ahead, technological advancements like LOFIC and multispectral, along with OEMs' ongoing efforts to enhance camera performance, are expected to lift market ASP. However, we expect CIS shipments to see a slight YoY decline in 2025 due to challenges in the global smartphone market stemming from geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainties. The ongoing reduction in cameras per smartphone also continues to dampen CIS demand.

Background

Counterpoint Research is a tech market research firm providing market data, industry thought leadership and consulting across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients spanning smartphone OEMs to chipmakers, channel players to big brands and Big Tech through our offices which serve the major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers globally. Our analyst team engages with C-suite through to strategy, AR, MI, BI, product and marketing professionals in the delivery of our research and services.  Our key areas of coverage:  AI, Autos, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks & Infra, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables.
Visit the Counterpoint Library of publicly available market data, insights and thought-leadership to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.