Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra series has long been a benchmark for smartphone photography, but a new leak suggests the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra might disappoint camera enthusiasts. According to trusted leaker Ice Universe, Samsung could be stepping back from its usual pattern of incremental camera upgrades. Let’s dive into what this means for the Galaxy S26 Ultra and how it compares to its predecessors.
A History of Minimal Camera Upgrades
Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra flagships, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,049 on Amazon), typically see only one camera tweak per generation. For example:
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra reused the same primary, telephoto, and front-facing cameras as the S24 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S24 Ultra carried over all but the 5x telephoto lens from the S23 Ultra.
This approach has kept Samsung competitive, but it’s also left some fans wanting more significant upgrades. Now, Ice Universe’s latest post on X hints that the Galaxy S26 Ultra might not even get that single camera upgrade we’ve come to expect.
What’s Happening with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x Telephoto Camera?
Since the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung has relied on a 10 MP, 1/3.52-inch, 1.12 µm, 3x telephoto camera with a 70 mm focal length. It’s been a solid performer, delivering crisp zoomed shots. However, Ice Universe claims Samsung is switching to a new 3x telephoto lens for the S26 Ultra, and the specs don’t sound promising.
Here’s what we know about the new sensor:
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra (Current) | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 10 MP | 10 MP (12 MP sensor, cropped) |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.52-inch | 1/3.94-inch |
| Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.0 µm |
| Aperture | Not specified | f/2.4 |
The new sensor is technically a 12 MP unit, but Samsung reportedly plans to use only 10 MP of it. With a smaller sensor size (1/3.94-inch vs. 1/3.52-inch) and smaller pixels (1.0 µm vs. 1.12 µm), this could mean a step backward in low-light performance and image quality.
Why Is Samsung Making This Change?
This isn’t the first time Samsung has downgraded specs on paper. Between the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra, the company swapped a 1/3.24-inch, 1.22 µm 3x camera for the current Sony IMX754 sensor. While that change didn’t drastically hurt image quality, it raised eyebrows among tech enthusiasts.
The move to a smaller sensor in the S26 Ultra could be a cost-saving decision or a shift in Samsung’s camera strategy. Smaller pixels and a smaller sensor typically capture less light, which might affect performance in dim conditions or when zooming in. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms could help offset these limitations—we’ll need real-world tests to know for sure.
What Does This Mean for Galaxy S26 Ultra Buyers?
If Ice Universe’s leak is accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x telephoto camera might underperform compared to the S25 Ultra, especially in low-light scenarios. For users who rely on zoom for photography, this could be a letdown. That said, Samsung’s flagships are known for their overall camera versatility, so the primary and ultrawide lenses might still shine.
It’s also worth noting that leaks aren’t always 100% accurate. Samsung could surprise us with software optimizations or other camera improvements not yet revealed. For now, fans will have to wait for official details or hands-on reviews to see how the S26 Ultra stacks up.
Why Samsung’s Camera Choices Matter
Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra series competes directly with the likes of Apple’s iPhone Pro models and Google’s Pixel series, both of which prioritize cutting-edge camera tech. If the S26 Ultra’s 3x telephoto lens takes a step back, it could give competitors an edge in the flagship camera race. For photography enthusiasts, this might influence their decision to stick with Samsung or explore alternatives.
FAQs
Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra have any camera upgrades?
According to leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x telephoto camera might use a new, smaller sensor, which could be a downgrade. Other camera upgrades remain unconfirmed.
How does the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera compare to the S25 Ultra?
The leaked 3x telephoto camera for the S26 Ultra has a smaller sensor (1/3.94-inch vs. 1/3.52-inch) and smaller pixels (1.0 µm vs. 1.12 µm), which might impact image quality.
When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra be released?
Samsung typically launches its Galaxy S series in January or February. Expect the S26 Ultra to follow a similar timeline in 2026.
Should I wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra or buy the S25 Ultra?
If camera performance is your priority, the S25 Ultra’s proven camera system might be a safer bet until we know more about the S26 Ultra’s real-world performance.
Where can I find more details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Stay tuned to trusted tech sites or Samsung’s official channels for updates as the launch approaches.