Samsung Galaxy S26 Camera Deep Dive: What to Expect in 2026
Samsung is gearing up to unveil its Galaxy S26 series on February 25th, 2026. While pre-orders are already open with incentives like a $30 credit and potential trade-in value up to $900, much of the focus is on what improvements we’ll see in the camera systems. Leaks and early information suggest a nuanced approach, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra receiving the most significant upgrades.
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus: Familiar Territory
For the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus models, the camera setup appears to be largely unchanged from the previous generation. Both phones will feature a triple-camera system on the rear, alongside a 12MP front-facing camera. The main camera utilizes a 50MP sensor with a 1/1.56-inch size and an f/1.8 aperture. The ultrawide camera has a 12MP sensor, but with a slightly slower f/2.55 aperture compared to last year’s f/2.2. The telephoto camera remains at 10MP with a 3x optical zoom, f/2.4 aperture and a small 1/3.94-inch sensor.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: A Focus on Low-Light Performance
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is where the more substantial camera changes are expected. Samsung has confirmed improvements to low-light photo quality. The Ultra will maintain its four-camera rear system. Key upgrades include a faster f/1.4 aperture for the main 200MP camera (compared to f/1.7 previously), and a faster f/2.8 aperture for the 5x periscope telephoto camera (up from f/3.4). The ultrawide camera retains its 50MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture.
Software enhancements and AI-powered tools are also anticipated, building on features like Expert RAW, Virtual Aperture, and 10-bit HDR video recording.
Megapixel Count and Sensor Details
Here’s a breakdown of the camera specifications across the S26 lineup:
| Galaxy S26 / S26 Plus | Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50 MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56″ sensor) | 200 MP (f/1.4, 1/1.3″ sensor) |
| Second Camera (Ultrawide) | 12 MP (f/2.55, 1/2.55″ sensor) | 50 MP (f/1.9, 1/2.5″ sensor) |
| Third Camera (Telephoto) | 10 MP (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, 1/3.94″ sensor) | 10 MP (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, 1/3.94″ sensor) |
| Fourth Camera (Telephoto – Ultra only) | N/A | 50 MP (f/2.8, 5x optical zoom, 1/2.52″ sensor) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
What About the Galaxy S26 Edge?
Early rumors suggested a potential “Galaxy S26 Edge” model, positioned as a lighter and thinner alternative. However, current information indicates that this model will not be launching alongside the standard S26 series in February.
AI and Software Improvements
Beyond hardware, Samsung is expected to integrate further AI-powered features into the camera experience. This includes enhancements to existing tools like Generative Edit and Audio Eraser, as well as potentially new features aimed at assisting users with framing and understanding camera settings. A new “Camera Assistant” feature is rumored, offering guidance and manual control options.
FAQ
Q: When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 series be released?
A: Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S26 series on February 25th, 2026.
Q: Will the Galaxy S26 have a better camera than the S25?
A: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to have improvements, particularly in low-light performance, due to faster apertures. The S26 and S26 Plus cameras are expected to remain largely similar to the S25.
Q: What is the highest megapixel count on the Galaxy S26 series?
A: The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP main camera.
Q: Is there a Galaxy S26 Edge coming out?
A: No, current information suggests the Galaxy S26 Edge will not be released alongside the standard S26 series.
Q: What are the pre-order benefits for the Galaxy S26?
A: Pre-ordering the Galaxy S26 currently offers a $30 Samsung Credit, and up to $900 in trade-in value, or a $150 credit without a trade-in.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Register at Samsung.com/unpacked for exclusive teasers and benefits leading up to the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25th, 2026.
