Leaks and rumors about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra continue to circulate, but the latest details don’t seem to show major improvements, especially when it comes to the camera. With its official release expected early next year, it’s becoming clear that Samsung might play it safe again with the S26 Ultra.
The latest rumor, reported by GalaxyClub, reveals that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely feature a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.
This is the same configuration that was used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and even the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The camera will include a 1/2.52-inch sensor with 0.7µm pixels, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which all contribute to solid image quality but don’t offer much in terms of a groundbreaking upgrade.
While some early rumors suggested that Samsung might introduce a 200MP ISOCELL sensor for the telephoto lens, it seems more likely that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature two telephoto cameras, with one likely using the 50MP sensor and the other yet to be revealed. As of now, the main focus remains on this 50MP camera, and if that’s the case, it may feel like a missed opportunity for those expecting something more advanced from Samsung’s flagship device.
One possible upgrade, though still unconfirmed, is a return of the variable aperture in the camera system, but we’ll have to wait and see if that feature actually makes it to the final version of the phone. Another possible change could involve thinner camera modules to help maintain the phone’s sleek profile.
Looking at the bigger picture, it seems the Galaxy S26 Ultra may not be as innovative in terms of its cameras compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is rumored to have some exciting upgrades. Samsung could face a tough challenge if it doesn’t step up its camera game this year. Fans who were hoping for a fresh and exciting camera system may feel disappointed if Samsung sticks to the same setup for the third consecutive year. However, there’s still hope that the second telephoto camera might bring an unexpected surprise to the table.