By Kim Yoo-chul
Samsung Electronics is increasing its dependence on SK hynix to provide sensors for cameras installed in its smartphones and touch-screen tablets. This also means that Japan’s Sony is at risk of losing one of its biggest customers.
Samsung’s partnership with SK hynix is interesting because the two companies are competing for the title of the world’s largest provider of computer memory chips. In the fast-moving technology scene, no friends are forever and neither are enemies.
``As cameras in mobile devices have become essential features, we are buying more backside illuminated (BSI) sensors from SK hynix because they provide good pricing and output commitment,’’ said a Samsung official Friday.
``The resolution in phone cameras has been improving, evidenced by lavish pixel counts. We need to hedge risks across suppliers and we are still buying billions of dollars worth of sensors from Sony. But it’s also true that we are increasing BSI sensor supplies from SK hynix significantly.’’
In comparison to front-side illuminated (FSI) sensors, BSI provide better picture quality for small gadgets such as mobile Internet devices. These sensors are used in some of the most advanced smartphones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy handsets and Apple’s iPhones.