Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Rumors

The release of the new Galaxy S26 Ultra is now just weeks away! February 25 is the date we expect Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event to be held, with a rumored early March launch.

But what new features does the S26 series offer? Samsung fans have been disappointed over the past few generations, since only minor upgrades have been introduced. This year, however, Samsung says that “more users will be able to use advanced and personalized AI in their daily lives,” referring to the latest One UI 8 software update.

Will this extend to the S26 Ultra’s camera setup? In this article, we’ll round up the most recent rumors surrounding the premium flagship’s camera lenses and software, including exciting AI updates.

S26 Ultra Rumored Camera Specs

Technical specifications for this year’s Galaxy Ultra camera system are expected to stay near enough the same as the S25 Ultra, including the following lenses:

• 200 MP main

• 50 MP Ultrawide

• 50 MP 5x telephoto

• 10 or 12 MP 3x telephoto

• 12 MP front

8 S26 Ultra Camera Hardware and Software Updates

While the S26 Ultra’s rumored camera updates may seem minor, with specs that are pretty much identical to the S25 series, they could significantly enhance the Galaxy S photography experience. Samsung is even hoping to appeal to professional photographers!

Here are 8 potential upgrades we’re expecting this year:

1. Same S25 Ultra Sensors

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is unlikely to feature any new sensors. There are already rumors that this upgrade is being saved for the S27 Ultra next year!

The main camera will likely keep the previous generation’s ISOCELL HP2 sensor. Other lenses (including the ultrawide and dual-telephoto system) could also have the same megapixel count as the S25 Ultra.

2. 3x Telephoto Camera Upgrade

However, there are already plenty of conflicting camera rumors: Daniel Araujo, Samsung’s Mobile Experiences VP, claimed in an earnings call at the end of last year that the S26 series will “include new camera sensors.” 

It’s unclear whether this refers to the base model or the entire lineup, including the S26 Plus and Ultra. Some tipsters suggest the telephoto lens with 3x zoom will stay at 10 megapixels, like the S25 Ultra, while others report an upgrade to 12 megapixels.

3. Wider Aperture

Whether the S26 Ultra’s sensors are upgraded or not, a wider aperture could feature on the main lens. This supports enhanced photography in challenging conditions, including a better low-light performance. It could also add more detail to objects in shadow.

This aperture upgrade would be facilitated by the return of the rear camera bump, which is rumored to replace the S25 Ultra’s floating lenses with a pill-shaped island.

4. Larger Hole Punch

Samsung is known for producing the smallest front camera hole of all Android phones. However, the S26 Ultra 12 MP selfie lens could now be the same as – or even wider than –  some of the larger Chinese flagships, including the OnePlus 15 and Oppo Find X9!

Images shared by Ice Universe on X show the selfie punch hole to be significantly bigger than the S25 Ultra’s. A 4 mm diameter is the largest ever seen on a Samsung Ultra!

However, this lens isn’t expected to feature a larger sensor size. Instead, it will simply have a wider field of view. 85 degrees, to be exact – the same wider angle as the main camera on the S25 Ultra, allowing you to capture more in the frame.

This means you should be able to get more people into a group selfie without squeezing closer together (or accidentally cutting anyone out!). 

5. Realistic Photography Style

Today’s smartphones, such as the Pixel 10 Pro series with its exceptional Google AI features, often favor post-processing to enhance photography quality. 

The S26 Ultra may depart from these heavily saturated, high-contrast photos, offering a more natural style that reflects what you’re seeing with your own eyes. According to reliable smartphone tipster Ice Universe, it could instead produce images that are as “close as possible to the colors of the real environment.” 

6. AI Advanced Features

In the same earnings call previously mentioned, we learned that the S26 lineup will “revolutionize the user experience with user-centric, next-gen AI.”

This “revolution” begins with even more features added to Samsung’s Camera Assistant, an app that unlocks hidden camera settings. These high-end tools aren’t available on the existing Galaxy S lineup, but are likely to feature on the S26 Ultra. Great news for photography enthusiasts! 

Potential upgrades include:

• 24 MP resolution for the default Camera and Portrait modes offers a higher resolution, faster

• Adaptive Pixel creates a single high-resolution shot from multiple lower-resolution photos to add detail and better light

• Focus Speed Slider added to the picture and video modes, acting like a professional camera’s manual focus

• New HDR Options allow users to choose HDR10+ over regular HDR for clearer in-post editing

Text strings in Camera Assistant for One UI 8.5 appear to confirm at least the 24 MP resolution and HDR10+ option!

7. Camera Issue Fixes

Samsung has reportedly been working to reduce lens flare on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, according to a Weibo post. 

This effect causes light to scatter, resulting in bright streaks or circles that degrade image quality. Less flaring is ideal for taking photos in bright sunlight or when other strong light sources are present.

The post also suggests that Samsung has “resolved the issue of yellowing skin tones,” something that’s already a huge problem on iPhones.

These improvements are potentially supported by enhanced lens and coating technologies that competitors like Sony and Xiaomi already use to eliminate optical imperfections.

8. Wireless Lens Controller Support

Calling professional photographers and videographers! This rumored S26 Ultra camera update is for you.

Samsung Executives have been spotted working with TILTA, a photography brand that makes lens control accessories and camera mounts. They’re reportedly preparing the latest One UI 8.5 update to support TILTA hardware. Specifically, wireless lens controllers.

If true, this would allow photographers to use Samsung’s high-quality camera in their own shooting setup. These lenses could work with remote gear, helping photographers control the phone’s focus remotely for even more professional filming.

The TILTA partnership could debut on the S26 series, including the Ultra. If we don’t see it this year, wireless lens controller support may instead launch on future Galaxy S phones.

Our Final Thoughts on the Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Rumors

The S26 Ultra may not beat other Androids with higher-quality sensors, like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. However, Samsung phones are always among the best on the market for exceptional photography. And the Galaxy S26 series looks set to continue this pattern with its impressive 200 MP main camera.

No major hardware upgrades are rumored for the S26 Ultra this year, and there are fewer updates overall than we’d initially hoped. 

But if the news we’ve heard so far is accurate, there are plenty of minor software and lens updates to look forward to, from the front camera’s wider 85-degree field of view to more realistic photography styles. There could also be support for both professional and amateur mobile photography!