Samsung’s Galaxy S series has long been a benchmark for Android flagships, but recent leaks about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera have sparked debate. Will Samsung stick with outdated tech, or are they planning something smarter? Let’s dive into the rumors, explore what’s staying the same, and uncover what could make this phone’s camera stand out.
Same Sensors, New Concerns?
The 5x Telephoto Camera Stays Unchanged
According to trusted leaker Ice Universe on X, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely reuse the same 50MP sensor for its 5x telephoto camera as seen in the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra. This sensor is expected to stick around for the S27 Ultra too, meaning four years with no upgrade. For a brand known for pushing boundaries, this feels like a missed opportunity, especially when competitors are stepping up their game.
Main Camera: Déjà Vu at 200MP
It’s not just the 5x camera. Rumors suggest the main 200MP sensor, first introduced with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, will remain unchanged for the S26 Ultra. While this sensor has delivered stellar results in the past, reusing it for another year might leave some fans wanting more innovation.
A Downgraded 3x Telephoto?
Adding to the concerns, the 3x telephoto camera might drop to a 10MP sensor—a downgrade from previous models. For photography enthusiasts who rely on zoom, this could be a step backward.
Is Samsung Still in the Game?
Optics Could Save the Day
Not all hope is lost. Samsung seems to be focusing on improving the camera’s optics. Leaks suggest the S26 Ultra’s main camera will feature a wider aperture, letting in more light for better low-light shots and sharper details. This could make a big difference, even with the same sensor.
A Thicker Camera Bump
Ice Universe also hinted at a significantly thicker camera bump—potentially twice as thick as the S25 Ultra’s. This could house improved lenses or larger sensors, hinting at Samsung’s efforts to enhance image quality without changing the core hardware.
How Does It Stack Up Against Apple?
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, recently unveiled, boast 48MP sensors across all cameras. While their optical zoom tops out at 4x (with an 8x “optical-like” zoom via cropping), Samsung’s 5x optical zoom still has an edge. However, Apple’s focus on high-resolution sensors puts pressure on Samsung to deliver more than just recycled tech.
Why Reusing Sensors Might Not Be a Dealbreaker
A camera’s quality isn’t just about the sensor. Optics, software, and image processing play massive roles. The Galaxy S25 Ultra already ranks among the best camera phones, so if Samsung nails the optics and fine-tunes its algorithms, the S26 Ultra could still produce stunning photos. Better light capture and enhanced computational photography might outweigh the lack of new sensors.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Specs (Rumored)
| Camera Type | Sensor | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP | Wider aperture for better low-light shots |
| 5x Telephoto | 50MP | Same sensor as S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra |
| 3x Telephoto | 10MP | Possible downgrade from previous models |
What Does This Mean for You?
If you love zooming in with the 5x telephoto lens, you might not notice much difference from the S25 Ultra. But if you were hoping for cutting-edge hardware, Samsung’s approach might feel conservative. The real test will be in the photos—will the improved optics and software deliver a noticeable upgrade?
For those eyeing the competition, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro offers fresh sensors, but Samsung’s zoom advantage and rumored optical improvements could keep it in the race. It’s a wait-and-see game until the S26 Ultra launches.
FAQs About the Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera
Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a better camera than the S25 Ultra?
While it’s rumored to use the same 200MP main and 50MP 5x telephoto sensors, improved optics and a wider aperture could enhance photo quality, especially in low light.
Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera downgrade confirmed?
The 3x telephoto camera might drop to 10MP, but other cameras are expected to maintain their sensors with potential optical upgrades. Nothing is confirmed until Samsung’s official announcement.
How does the S26 Ultra compare to the iPhone 17 Pro?
The S26 Ultra may keep its 5x optical zoom edge, while the iPhone 17 Pro offers 48MP sensors across all cameras. Samsung’s rumored optical improvements could close the gap.
Should I wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra or buy the S25 Ultra?
If camera hardware is your priority, the S25 Ultra is already excellent. The S26 Ultra’s upgrades seem to focus on optics, so waiting might depend on how much you value zoom or low-light performance.
When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch?
Samsung typically unveils its S-series flagships in January or February, so expect the S26 Ultra around early 2026.