A new report details everything about the expected camera on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26.
New sensors might be coming, but maybe not for the cameras you want.
What camera specs will the Galaxy S26 offer?
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
These models are expected to include a 50 MP main lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom, and a 12 MP front-facing camera. Although the hardware may seem familiar, sources indicate potential sensor upgrades to improve image clarity and performance in low light.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Ultra model will likely feature a 200 MP main lens, a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, and two telephoto lenses: a 50 MP lens with 5x zoom and a 10 MP lens with 3x zoom. A 12 MP sensor is expected for the front camera, consistent across all models.
Galaxy S26 Edge
The Edge version is notable for its dual-camera system, sharing the Ultra's 200 MP main lens and a new 50 MP ultra-wide lens. Despite having fewer lenses, the upgraded ultra-wide sensor should provide enhanced performance. The front camera will likely remain at 12 MP.
Model Main Ultra-wide Telephoto Selfie
Galaxy S26 / S26 Plus 50 MP 12 MP 10 MP (3x) 12 MP
Galaxy S26 Ultra 200 MP 50 MP 50 MP (5x) and 10 MP (3x) 12 MP
Galaxy S26 Edge 200 MP 50 MP --- 12 MP
Model Main Ultra-wide Telephoto Selfie
Galaxy S26 / S26 Plus 50 MP 12 MP 10 MP (3x) 12 MP
Galaxy S26 Ultra 200 MP 50 MP 50 MP (5x) and 10 MP (3x) 12 MP
Galaxy S26 Edge 200 MP 50 MP --- 12 MP
Galaxy S26 camera upgrades
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
Even without significant hardware changes, enhanced processing and fine-tuning can make a big difference. Rumors suggest a possible sensor upgrade for one of the cameras, likely the primary lens, potentially offering improved dynamic range and low-light capabilities.
The 12 MP selfie camera is expected to remain consistent across the series, although enhanced facial HDR and edge detection could be achieved through the updated One UI 8.5 camera algorithms.
Software improvements are anticipated for features like Expert RAW, Virtual Aperture, and 10-bit HDR video recording, which are expected to be carried over from prior models.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely continue to use its dual-telephoto configuration: a 50 MP 5x periscope lens for distant subjects and a 10 MP 3x lens for mid-range zoom and portraits. The 200 MP main lens is rumored to be getting a notable upgrade, potentially including a larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor or a faster f/1.4 aperture lens, both of which would increase light capture.
These enhancements would likely improve dynamic range and low-light performance while creating a more natural depth of field with better separation between the foreground and background.
Some reports suggest the return of a variable aperture on the S26 Ultra; however, this is not yet substantiated.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely continue to use its dual-telephoto configuration: a 50 MP 5x periscope lens for distant subjects and a 10 MP 3x lens for mid-range zoom and portraits. The 200 MP main lens is rumored to be getting a notable upgrade, potentially including a larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor or a faster f/1.4 aperture lens, both of which would increase light capture.
These enhancements would likely improve dynamic range and low-light performance while creating a more natural depth of field with better separation between the foreground and background.
Some reports suggest the return of a variable aperture on the S26 Ultra; however, this is not yet substantiated.
Galaxy S26 Edge
Given its size, the camera setup of the S26 Edge is expected to be impressive. While it will likely keep the S25 Edge's 200 MP main camera, the key update is the new 50 MP ultra-wide sensor, an increase from the current 12 MP. This upgrade should result in more detailed images, though the improvement may be subtle.
Additional software and AI upgrades
Samsung is expected to refine its computational photography through One UI 8.5, enhancing processing speeds and improving AI-driven tools like Generative Edit, Audio Eraser, and Drawing Assist.
Galaxy S26 and the PhoneArena Camera Score test: Our expectations
Based on the S25 series results, here’s what to expect from the Galaxy S26 series in the PhoneArena Camera Score benchmark:
Model Expected Camera Score Expected Photo Score Expected Video Score Why?
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus ~149 vs 147 ~153 vs 151 ~144 vs 142 Improved dynamic range and HDR due to a new main image sensor.
Galaxy S26 Ultra ~161 vs 158 ~168 vs 165 ~152 vs 150 A larger sensor and new software could maintain its leading position.
Galaxy S26 Edge ~145 vs 140 ~150 vs 146 ~138 vs 134 The upgraded 50 MP ultra-wide lens should noticeably improve detail.
Model Expected Camera Score Expected Photo Score Expected Video Score Why?
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus ~149 vs 147 ~153 vs 151 ~144 vs 142 Improved dynamic range and HDR due to a new main image sensor.
Galaxy S26 Ultra ~161 vs 158 ~168 vs 165 ~152 vs 150 A larger sensor and new software could maintain its leading position.
Galaxy S26 Edge ~145 vs 140 ~150 vs 146 ~138 vs 134 The upgraded 50 MP ultra-wide lens should noticeably improve detail.
In summary, these are the rumored camera upgrades for the S26 series. Many are hoping for an improved 3x telephoto lens on the S26/S26 Plus and the S26 Ultra, as significant changes to this lens would greatly improve the Galaxy S series. Improved video recording, such as better stabilization or new software features, would also be welcome.
What camera features are you most interested in seeing on the S26 series? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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