Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera: What to Expect and What Might Stay the Same

Samsung’s Ultra lineup is known for its top-tier cameras and the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be no exception. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is on the way but how different will its cameras really be from the ones on this year’s model? Let’s recap what we know.

Rumors point to the Galaxy S26 Ultra borrowing most of its camera components from the S25 Ultra. The only major difference could come from the 3x telephoto shooter, which might receive a new sensor or improved optics.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to come with a familiar yet powerful camera setup. It will reportedly feature a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 main sensor, paired with a 50MP ultra-wide lens that could be either Samsung’s ISOCELL JN3 or Sony’s IMX564, depending on the market. The zoom system looks equally impressive, with a 50MP Sony IMX854 periscope lens offering 5x optical zoom and a new 12MP ISOCELL 3LD S5K3LD sensor handling 3x zoom shots. For front-facing photography, the S26 Ultra will reportedly use a 12MP Sony IMX874 sensor.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra could be stepping up its zoom game, as reports indicate a new 3x telephoto sensor will replace the Sony IMX754 found in the S25 Ultra.

Samsung could go one of two ways with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s selfie camera. The Galaxy S26 Ultra might use the 12MP Sony IMX874 front camera worldwide. Alternatively, Samsung could follow the same strategy as the S25 Ultra, equipping devices with either the IMX874 or the ISOCELL 3LU S5K3LU depending on region. At this stage, the final configuration has yet to be confirmed.

Upcoming Software Enhancements Expected

In terms of hardware, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be very similar to its predecessor. Still, Samsung is likely to enhance the overall camera experience through software improvements.

One way Samsung may enhance the camera experience is by introducing APV video. Supporting 3D stereoscopic video recording, this mode could play a key role in the functionality of the Galaxy XR headset.

Samsung might announce the Galaxy S26 Ultra a little later than usual, with February 25 being the date floating around in reports. The next launch event is expected in San Francisco. The series is likely to include the standard base model and the Galaxy S26+, while the status of the S26 Edge remains uncertain.

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