The global CMOS image sensor market has recovered from its cyclical trough, with market size rebounding by 6.4% year-on-year to $23 billion in 2024 (Yole data). This recovery signals the industry's entry into a new phase of structural differentiation and sustained growth. While mobile devices still contribute over 60% of revenue, future expansion will increasingly benefit from accelerated automotive ADAS adoption and the rapid development of emerging applications like smart glasses and machine vision.
Key competitive dynamics show strategic divergence amid consolidation. Technology leaders like Sony continue pushing performance boundaries through large-pixel and advanced stacking processes, while scale players like Samsung and agile Chinese competitors drive the high-resolution revolution with cost-effective solutions. Market leadership will be determined by the ability to balance technological innovation, focus on high-growth segments, and cost optimization amid rising memory costs and supply chain pressures.
Omnivision Integrated Circuits Group, Inc. (603501.SH) maintains its "Buy" rating due to its strong positioning across mobile, automotive, and emerging sectors, with expected market share gains in 2025 through new product launches.
Segment dynamics reveal stabilization in mobile, acceleration in automotive, and emerging opportunities: - The mobile CMOS sensor market (60%+ of industry revenue) has stabilized, with future growth driven by ASP increases from premium models and generative AI smartphones, despite modest shipment growth and stable camera-per-device counts. - Automotive CMOS demand is projected to maintain double-digit growth through 2025-2027, driven not by vehicle production but by increasing cameras per vehicle for ADAS, cabin monitoring, and resolution upgrades. - Emerging applications like smart glasses and machine vision are opening new growth channels, requiring specialized sensors with ultra-low power consumption, miniaturization, and global shutter technology.
The competitive landscape shows accelerating consolidation and strategic differentiation: - Sony continues leading the high-end market with its technological edge and R&D investments in three-layer stacked architectures. - Samsung maintains its No.2 position through IDM-model focus on high-resolution, small-pixel technology, though its HBM strategic shift may limit CMOS market share growth. - Chinese players have become major disruptors: Omnivision surpassed ON Semiconductor as the automotive CMOS leader in 2024, while Smartsens Technology(Shanghai)Co.,Ltd. (688213.SH) rapidly gains share in mobile and security markets with cost-competitive solutions.
The CMOS image sensor market is expected to remain fiercely competitive, with winners requiring sustained innovation, strategic market focus, and rigorous cost control capabilities.
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