Yes, sensor type can affect image quality, but the distinction is not as simple as “CMOS is better than CCD.” The difference is largely about design and implementation rather than a universal image-quality rule.

From the community input: CCD sensors have traditionally been more expensive and are often described as very light-sensitive, while CMOS sensors are cheaper to manufacture and more widely used. The claim that CMOS can allow cleaner images generally refers to how the electronics can be integrated on the chip, which can help reduce noise in some designs.

So your interpretation is reasonable: lower noise is often due to the specific sensor design and supporting electronics, not just the label CCD or CMOS by itself. In practice, overall image quality depends on the whole camera system: sensor generation, readout design, processing, and ISO performance.

Bottom line: sensor type matters, but you cannot conclude that CMOS always gives better image quality than CCD when all else is equal.