Galaxy S26 Ultra camera leak: Same 200MP sensor, but much better optics
Fresh leaks from the mobile industry are shedding new light on Samsung’s plans for its future flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While it appears the South Korean giant has no plans to swap out the main camera sensor, a significant upgrade to the optics is reportedly in the works that could drastically improve performance in low-light conditions.
Renowned and reliable tipster Ice Universe has corroborated reports that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will once again utilize the 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 sensor for its primary camera. This is the same silicon found in the current Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the key difference lies in the lens sitting in front of that sensor.
While the primary camera on the S25 Ultra utilizes an f/1.7 aperture, the upcoming S26 Ultra will reportedly feature a significantly wider f/1.4 aperture.
Why Does This Matter?
In photography, a lower “f-stop” number indicates a wider aperture opening. Moving from f/1.7 to f/1.4 is not a minor adjustment; physically, it allows a much larger amount of light to reach the sensor. More light translates to less digital noise, faster shutter speeds in dark environments, and generally superior night photography.
The sensor will continue to support pixel-binning technology, allowing the device to output images at 12.5MP, 50MP, and full 200MP resolutions, depending on the user’s needs and lighting conditions.
A Complete Camera Overhaul
Beyond the main shooter, previous rumors suggest Samsung is preparing a refresh for the rest of the rear camera array as well. Alongside the 200MP main unit, the expected configuration includes:
- Ultrawide Camera: 50MP (Samsung JN3 sensor)
- Periscope Telephoto: 50MP (Sony IMX854 sensor)
- Standard Telephoto: 12MP (Samsung S5K3LD sensor)
For selfie enthusiasts and video calls, the front of the device is expected to house a 12MP camera equipped with a Sony IMX874 sensor.
This configuration suggests that Samsung’s goal with the S26 series is not necessarily to chase higher megapixel counts on the main sensor, but to optimize light capture and unify image quality across all auxiliary cameras.
