Galaxy S25 Ultra. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Samsung might once again play it safe with the Galaxy S26 cameras. This time, it looks like the telephoto setup won’t be getting any (or much) love.
Galaxy S26 cameras: similar story, new year
If you were hoping for a big camera leap on the Galaxy S26 lineup, the latest report suggests you might want to lower your expectations. A new report backs up earlier claims and adds a few extra details about what Samsung is planning for the cameras on its next Galaxy S phones.
I can say with certainty that the Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra all use the same 3x camera specification, which is as follows:
3x camera : 10MP , ISOCELL , 1/3.94″ , 1.0μm , F2.4，36°
Its effective pixel count is 10MP, not 12MP.
Please take a screenshot and save it for… pic.twitter.com/PJoJOLLrQY— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) November 10, 2025
That’s not exactly thrilling, especially since the Galaxy S25 series didn’t bring much excitement in the camera department either. The only real difference this time seems to be the switch from a Sony sensor to Samsung’s own ISOCELL one, which might tweak image processing slightly – but probably not enough to feel like a major change.So far, the rest of the setup sounds all too familiar. The base and Plus models will likely stick with a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, and 10 MP 3x telephoto, with a 12 MP selfie camera on the front.
Some hope in software and processing
Even if Samsung doesn’t make big hardware changes, smart tweaks can make a difference. Rumors suggest that at least one camera on the base and Plus models – most likely the main one – could get a new sensor for improved dynamic range and low-light shots.
As for the Ultra, Samsung is reportedly considering a larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor or a faster f/1.4 lens for the 200 MP main snapper. Either of those would let in more light and improve overall clarity. The 12 MP selfie camera might remain unchanged, but Samsung could still improve HDR performance and edge detection through its new One UI 8.5 camera algorithms.
Playing it too safe?
Honestly, it’s hard to blame Samsung for not shaking things up – the Galaxy S25 series already delivers some of the best photos you can get on Android. Perfecting that formula isn’t easy. Still, it would be nice to see something fresh instead of the same setup with small tweaks and new marketing lines every year.
I think a proper upgrade to the 3x telephoto camera would’ve been the standout improvement Samsung needs. That lens has been due for an overhaul for years, and a serious boost there could have pushed the Galaxy S26 lineup to a whole new level. But for now, that seems off the table.
