Highlights
- The S26 Ultra may feature a downgraded 10MP 3x telephoto camera using a smaller 1/3.94-inch sensor with 1.0µm pixels.
- It will be less capable than the S25 Ultra’s Sony IMX754 sensor (1/3.52-inch, 1.12µm), potentially impacting low-light and detail performance.
- The 50MP 5x periscope lens, 200MP main wide camera, and 50MP ultra-wide lens are expected to remain unchanged.
Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S26 series in January 2026. A fresh leak has raised eyebrows among fans expecting major camera improvements. It appears Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra instead might actually take a step backwards in one area. Here’s what we are hearing.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Latest Leak
According to well-known tipster Ice Universe on X (formerly Twitter), the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 12MP sensor cropped to 10MP for its 3x telephoto camera. The leak claims the phone will use a 1/3.94-inch sensor with 1.0µm pixels.
Another news, I have been afraid to tell you, I am worried that you are angry.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new 3x sensor is actually degraded, with only 10mp f 2.4 1/3.94 1.0um，It is smaller than the current S25 Ultra IMX754.
Therefore, it is true that I propose that Samsung…— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) September 10, 2025
This represents a downgrade compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Sony IMX754 sensor, which offered 12MP (cropped to 10MP) with a 1/3.52-inch size and 1.12µm pixels. While the difference may seem small, sensor size and pixel pitch play a critical role in light capture, affecting low-light photography and overall image detail.
Caption – Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera setup for reference. (Image credit – Samsung)
The rest of the camera system is expected to remain mostly unchanged. The standout 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens (1/2.52-inch, 0.7µm, 111mm) from the S25 Ultra will reportedly carry over.
This keeps Samsung competitive, though rivals are moving quickly. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro features a 48MP 5x telephoto, while several upcoming Ultra flagships from Chinese brands are rumoured to integrate Sony’s new 200MP sensor.
Ice Universe also revealed that Samsung had considered alternative options such as switching to a 50MP 4x telephoto setup, but technical limitations and timing issues prevented the change. A 200MP telephoto, on the other hand, was dismissed due to high costs.
As of now, Samsung’s main 200MP wide camera and 50MP ultra-wide lens are expected to remain the same as on the S25 Ultra. However, leaked renders showing a thicker camera bump have fueled speculation about possible new optics, though there’s little concrete evidence to confirm that.
If this leak turns out to be true, Samsung may rely heavily on software optimisations and advanced image processing to offset the rumoured hardware downgrade. Whether that will be enough to stay competitive in the flagship camera race against Apple and Chinese brands remains uncertain.
FAQs
Q1. What camera downgrade is expected in the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Answer. Samsung may use a smaller 1/3.94-inch sensor with 1.0µm pixels for its 10MP 3x telephoto camera, down from the S25 Ultra’s 1/3.52-inch sensor with 1.12µm pixels. This could impact low-light performance and image detail.
Q2. Will the rest of the camera setup of Galaxy S26 Ultra change significantly?
Answer. No major changes are expected. The 50MP 5x periscope lens, 200MP main wide camera, and 50MP ultra-wide lens from the S25 Ultra are likely to carry over. Samsung reportedly explored upgrades like a 50MP 4x or 200MP telephoto but dropped them due to cost and timing issues.
Q3, How might Samsung compensate for the hardware downgrade of Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Answer. Samsung may rely on software optimisations and advanced image processing to maintain image quality. Leaked renders showing a thicker camera bump have sparked speculation about new optics, but no solid evidence confirms this yet.