Galaxy S26 Series Camera Comparison (Rumored)
Model | Main Camera | Ultrawide Camera | Telephoto(s) | Notable Innovations |
---|---|---|---|---|
S26 Ultra | 200MP Sony, 1/1.1″ sensor | 50MP, autofocus | 12MP 3x (new/rumored), 50MP 5x | Larger sensor, laser AF, thinner design |
S26 Edge | 50MP (OIS) | 50MP, autofocus | 50MP 3x (OIS) | Slimmer body, 8K video across cameras |
S26 Standard | 50MP (OIS, likely unchanged) | 12–50MP (TBD) | 3x telephoto (TBD) | No major hardware upgrades rumored |
Should You Wait for the S26 Series?
- If You Care About Camera Tech:
Definitely wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra or Edge. The Ultra, in particular, could finally feel like a true next-gen Samsung camera phone. - If You Just Want a Good Everyday Shooter:
The Galaxy S26 base model will likely hold its own — but don’t expect the same cutting-edge sensors.
If you’re thinking about holding out for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, camera performance is likely one of the main reasons why. Let’s break down what’s been reported across the range, and why it matters if photography is a priority for you.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Big Camera Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For?
According to leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally make a meaningful leap forward with its main sensor:
- Main Camera:
- 200MP resolution (same as S25 Ultra)
- New Sony Sensor (1/1.1-inch) instead of Samsung’s ISOCELL
- Expected to improve low-light shots, dynamic range, and clarity
✅ Why This Matters:
Samsung’s ISOCELL cameras have done the job, but Sony’s larger sensor could close the gap with other top phones like Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra, which already uses a 1-inch sensor.
- Ultrawide Camera:
- 50MP with autofocus, macro potential, 8K video recording
- Telephoto Cameras:
- Periscope (5x): 50MP, likely unchanged from S25 Ultra
- Standard (3x): Rumored upgrade from 10MP to 12MP
- Other Features:
- Laser Autofocus Sensor for better focus speed and tracking
- Revised ProVisual Engine for cleaner images and better dynamic range
- Thinner Lens Modules with anti-reflective coating — cleaner design, less bump
📸 If this pans out, the Ultra model could finally catch up — or even surpass — rivals on both photo quality and camera versatility.
Galaxy S26 Edge: More Than Just A Slimmer Option
The Galaxy S26 Edge is expected to replace the S26+ model, and for once, it looks like Samsung won’t just make it a stripped-down Ultra:
- Main Camera: 50MP with OIS
- Ultrawide Camera: Big upgrade to a 50MP sensor with autofocus
- Telephoto Camera: 50MP sensor with 3x optical zoom
✅ Why This Matters:
For buyers who want top-tier camera features without Ultra-size bulk or price, the S26 Edge might hit a sweet spot. That new 50MP ultrawide is a particularly notable upgrade.
Galaxy S26 (Standard Model): Playing It Safe
Leaks suggest Samsung may leave the base Galaxy S26 mostly unchanged in the camera department:
- Main Camera: 50MP (same as S25)
- Ultrawide & Telephoto: Could stay similar to S25 or possibly get minor sensor upgrades trickled down from the Edge
✅ Why This Matters:
Samsung seems focused on reserving big camera tech for its higher-end models. If you’re shopping purely for price and don’t need top camera performance, the S26 will probably still deliver solid shots — just without any groundbreaking changes.
Final Thoughts
While Samsung hasn’t confirmed any of this yet, these camera rumors seem credible enough to take seriously if you’re planning your next upgrade. The key takeaway? Samsung appears to be focusing more on meaningful improvements for its top-tier models, rather than spreading upgrades evenly across the range.
👉 For more Samsung updates, check out: Samsung News
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