Highlights
- The Galaxy S26 series will see minimal camera hardware changes, with the S26 Pro retaining its predecessor’s setup and the S26 Edge getting a 50MP ultrawide upgrade.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra will debut a hardware-based Privacy Display that narrows viewing angles.
- It will have features like auto mode, app-specific privacy, and scheduled activation.
Caption – Camera upgrades in the S26 Ultra would be minimal. (Image credit – Samsung)
Samsung appears to be sticking to its conservative approach toward camera hardware upgrades in its flagship lineup. According to a new report from a Korean outlet, the Galaxy S26 series set to launch next year will see only minor changes across the board.
Galaxy S26 Series – Small Camera Tweaks Ahead
Samsung hasn’t made major leaps in its camera hardware since the Galaxy S21, and the trend continues with the Galaxy S26. The company is also reshaping its lineup and instead of a Galaxy S26+, Samsung reportedly plans to introduce a new Galaxy S26 Edge model. Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy S26 may be branded as the S26 Pro.
Caption – Samsung S25 series camera module in the picture for reference. (Image credit – Samsung)
The Galaxy S26 Pro is expected to feature the same camera setup as its predecessor, which mean we can expect it to have –
- 50MP main sensor
- 10MP 3x telephoto lens
- 12MP ultrawide shooter
The Galaxy S26 Edge will keep the 200MP primary camera, but its 12MP ultrawide will reportedly be upgraded to 50MP. This is likely the same sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although real-world improvements could be limited.
For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, no major upgrades are in sight. The device will stick to its current setup, though fans are hoping for an improvement to the 10MP 3x telephoto sensor, which has remained underwhelming.
Despite the lack of big hardware changes, Samsung is expected to enhance image quality with advanced AI-based processing and software optimisations.
Galaxy S26 Ultra to Feature New Privacy Display
While camera updates may be limited, Samsung is preparing to introduce an innovative Privacy Display feature with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Much like physical privacy screen protectors, this technology narrows the screen’s viewing angles so only the user can see the display head-on. Unlike traditional filters, however, Samsung’s version will be built into the hardware and can be toggled on or off.
The feature, first spotted in One UI 8.5 code, is described as, “Limits screen visibility from side angles to protect your privacy in public.”
Caption – Samsung S26 Ultra will have a display privacy feature. (Image credit – @achultra on X)
Leaked screenshots (above) revealed on X (formerly Twitter) bu user Ach @achultra in a post showing several customisation options such as the following –
- Auto Privacy mode that activates in crowded areas like buses, trains, or elevators.
- The ability to schedule activation times.
- App-specific privacy, where the feature kicks in only for certain apps.
- Selective obscuring of notifications, gallery images, and lock screen inputs (PIN, password, pattern).
- A Maximum Privacy mode that dims brightness further, making side-angle snooping even harder.
Importantly, this feature will require hardware-level support, meaning it will be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Even if older devices receive the One UI 8.5 update, they won’t support Privacy Display.
Samsung has a history of keeping advanced screen technology restricted to its Ultra models, so it’s unlikely the S26 Pro or S26 Edge will get it.
According to a recent The Elec report, Samsung has resumed development of the Galaxy S26+ right after Galaxy S25 Edge sale started. It is codenamed M Plus and is expected to join the series alongside the Galaxy S26 Pro (M1), Galaxy S26 Edge (M2), and Galaxy S26 Ultra (M3). This means we can expect the S26 series to be a four-model lineup next year.
The Galaxy S25 Edge, released earlier this year, has faced sluggish sales and declining production, with only 300,000 units slated for September to December.
By contrast, Samsung is targeting 500,000 units for the Galaxy S25+, signalling stronger market traction. Reviving the Plus variant seems intended to cushion revenue impact, as the Edge’s weaker performance despite its higher price could drag down overall sales.
FAQs
Q1. Will the Galaxy S26 series feature major camera upgrades?
Answer. No. The S26 lineup will see only minor tweaks. The S26 Pro retains its predecessor’s setup, while the S26 Edge gets a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The S26 Ultra remains largely unchanged.
Q2. What is the new Privacy Display feature in the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Answer. It’s a hardware-based screen filter that narrows viewing angles to protect user privacy. It includes auto mode, app-specific activation, and selective obscuring.
Q3. Will older Samsung devices support the Privacy Display feature?
Answer. No. The feature requires hardware-level support and will be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, even if older models receive the One UI 8.5 update.