Highlights
- Samsung will reportedly retain the ISOCELL HP2 200MP sensor from previous models.
- It will likely upgrade to a wider f/1.4 aperture to allow 47% more light for better low-light performance.
- Samsung is considering reviving its dual aperture system to balance low-light and daylight photography.
- The S26 Ultra may feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite, One UI 8.5, a larger display, faster charging and a new telephoto module.
We are getting reports that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra might not be getting the major camera sensor upgrade that many had hoped for. However, it’s still set to see a meaningful improvement nonetheless. Here’s what we know so far.
Galaxy S26 Ultra – New Leak
According to reliable leaker Ice Universe on X (formerly Twitter), Samsung will stick with the same ISOCELL HP2 1/1.3” 200MP sensor that has been used since the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The leak dashes rumours of a switch to a larger 1.1” 200MP Sony sensor. However, the X post also mentions that Samsung is reportedly upgrading the lens with a wider f/1.4 aperture, replacing the current f/1.7 on the S25 Ultra.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera
HP2 + F1.4 Confirmed— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) August 4, 2025
This change could significantly boost low-light performance, as an f/1.4 aperture allows 47% more light to reach the sensor. That said, such a wide aperture isn’t always ideal for daylight photography.
To address this, Samsung is reportedly considering bringing back a dual aperture system, a feature previously seen in the Galaxy S10 series. The Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+ could switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4, offering better adaptability to lighting conditions.
According to Ice Universe, also known as “The Cat”, Samsung is exploring this feature again for the S26 Ultra, though it’s unclear whether the company will opt for a fixed dual aperture or a variable aperture similar to implementations from other brands.
EMBED POST – https://x.com/UniverseIce/status/1952338888921673912
Beyond the main camera, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite (aka Elite 2), run One UI 8.5 and offer a larger display, a potentially bigger battery, faster charging, and additional camera improvements including a new telephoto module.
While the core sensor may remain the same, these lens and software upgrades could bring a noticeable boost in real-world camera performance.
FAQs
Q1. Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra get a new camera sensor?
Answer. No, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to retain the same ISOCELL HP2 200MP sensor used since the Galaxy S23 Ultra, despite earlier rumors of a switch to a larger Sony sensor.
Q2. What camera upgrade is Samsung planning for the S26 Ultra?
Answer. Samsung is reportedly upgrading the lens to a wider f/1.4 aperture, which allows 47% more light for better low-light photography compared to the current f/1.7 lens.
Q3. Is Samsung bringing back the dual aperture feature?
Answer. Yes, Samsung is considering reviving its dual aperture system, last seen in the Galaxy S10 series, to improve adaptability in varying lighting conditions.
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