With Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro stealing the spotlight with its camera upgrades, all eyes are on Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, set to launch in January 2026. A fresh leak from tipster Ice Universe, shared via GSMArena, reveals the S26 Ultra’s 5x telephoto camera will be identical to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s.
But there’s a twist: a thicker camera bump hints at possible surprises. Is Samsung playing it safe or planning something big? Here’s what we know about the S26 Ultra’s camera and what it means for fans.
Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 5x Telephoto: No Change Here
According to Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will reuse the 50MP 1/2.52-inch sensor (0.7µm pixels) for its 5x telephoto camera, the same as the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra. This periscope lens, with a 111mm focal length, delivers solid zoom performance but won’t see upgrades in resolution or sensor size.
This news disappoints fans hoping for a leap forward, especially after Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro introduced a 48MP telephoto with 8x zoom. However, Samsung’s 5x lens still offers strong clarity for mid-range zoom shots.
A Downgraded 3x Telephoto?
The leaks get worse. Ice Universe claims the S26 Ultra’s 3x telephoto camera will drop to a 10MP 1/3.94-inch sensor with 1.0µm pixels, down from the S25 Ultra’s 10MP 1/3.52-inch sensor with 1.12µm pixels. Smaller pixels could mean noisier images, especially in low light, making this a potential downgrade for a flagship.
Samsung reportedly considered a 50MP 4x lens but scrapped it due to timing or cost. A 200MP telephoto was also ruled out as too expensive.
Camera Specs: Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S26 Ultra
| Camera Type | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| 5x Telephoto | 50MP, 1/2.52”, 0.7µm | 50MP, 1/2.52”, 0.7µm |
| 3x Telephoto | 10MP, 1/3.52”, 1.12µm | 10MP, 1/3.94”, 1.0µm |
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.7 | 200MP, f/1.4 (rumored) |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP | 50MP with autofocus |
Why the Thicker Camera Bump?
Despite the lack of sensor upgrades, the S26 Ultra’s camera bump is rumored to be nearly twice as thick as the S25 Ultra’s (4.5mm vs. 2.4mm). Why? Leaks suggest wider aperture lenses, like an f/1.4 on the 200MP main camera (up from f/1.7), could improve low-light shots. The ultrawide’s new autofocus also hints at better macro photography.
This thicker bump, paired with a slimmer 7.9mm body, shows Samsung’s focus on balancing design and camera performance. But without major sensor upgrades, fans might feel shortchanged.
How Does It Stack Up Against iPhone 17 Pro?
The iPhone 17 Pro’s 48MP telephoto (1/2.55-inch, 100mm) offers 8x optical zoom, edging out Samsung’s 5x in reach. The S26 Ultra’s 200MP main camera and 50MP ultrawide with autofocus are competitive, but the 3x telephoto downgrade could hurt its versatility compared to Apple’s triple 48MP setup.
Samsung’s software and AI processing might bridge the gap, but the lack of hardware upgrades puts pressure on One UI 8 to deliver.
What Else to Expect from Galaxy S26 Ultra
Beyond cameras, the S26 Ultra is tipped to feature:
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for top performance.
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 60W fast charging.
- Design: Thinner 7.9mm body, 217g weight.
The Galaxy S26 series, including the S26 Pro and S26 Edge, will debut at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2026. Stay tuned for more leaks!
Where to Pre-Order
Pre-orders should open in January 2026 via Samsung’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, and retailers like Croma. Expect trade-in deals and cashback offers to sweeten the deal.
FAQs: Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Leak
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a new 5x telephoto camera?
No, it uses the same 50MP 1/2.52-inch sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, per leaks.
Why is the S26 Ultra’s camera bump thicker?
The 4.5mm bump (vs. 2.4mm on S25 Ultra) may house wider aperture lenses, like an f/1.4 main camera, for better low-light performance.
Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x telephoto downgraded?
Yes, leaks suggest a smaller 10MP 1/3.94-inch sensor with 1.0µm pixels, down from 1/3.52-inch and 1.12µm.
How does the S26 Ultra compare to iPhone 17 Pro?
Its 5x telephoto lags behind the iPhone’s 8x zoom, and the 3x downgrade hurts, but the 200MP main camera keeps it competitive.
When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch?
It’s expected in January 2026 at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event.